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University  of  California. 


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THE 


POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS 


UxNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA, 

PUBLISHKD   IN   ACCOHDAXCE   WITH   THE 

ACT    OF    CONGRESS 

APPEOTED  MAECH  3,/i879/-'  i  Jj  U 


^^im 


COMPILED  AND  EDITED  BY 


ARTHUR  H.  BISSELL, 
Law  Ckrk  of  the  Post-Office  Department, 

AND 

THOMAS  B.  KIRBY, 
Private  Secretary  to  the  Postmaster-General. 


WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE. 
1879. 


v\^' 


s^^ 


ORDER   OF   THE   POSTMASTER-GENERAL. 


Post-Office  Depaetiment, 

Washington^  D.  C,  July  1,  1S79. 
The  regulations  herein  contained  are  issued  b}^  my  authority  and 
have  my  official  sanction.  All  former  regulations  and  rulings  in  con- 
flict, or  at  variance  with  those  herein  contained,  are  hereby  abrogated. 
All  postmasters  and  other  postal  officers  and  employes  are  required  to 
return  to  the  Post-Office  Department  all  copies  of  former  editions  of 
the  Postal  Lavrs  and  Regulations  immediately  upon  the  receipt  of  the 
present  volume.  /3^0  6 

M  A-  /c^ 

Vofitmaiiter-Gencral. 


CALIb'<H;NI  A 


X 


IMPORTANT. 


The  liiw.s  aiul  rej^iilatious  lieiciii  contaiut'd  imi.st  be  carefully  lead  by 
every  postmaster  and  other  person  employed  iu  the  postal  service,  as 
no  breach  of  the  law  or  regulations  will  be  excused  on  the  plea  of  igno- 
rance. 

"When  any  law  in  this  book  is  repealed  or  amended  by  Congress,  or 
any  regulation  is  altered  or  abrogated  by  direction  of  the  Postmaster- 
General,  through  instructions  issued  by  circular  or  in  the  United  States 
Official  Postal  Guide,  the  postmaster  must  make  the  necessary  altera- 
tion iu  this  book,  and  add  a  note  referring  to  the  date  of  the  law  or 
order  of  the  Postmaster-General  by  which  the  change  was  made.  (See 
page  353.) 

In  this  volume  the  regulations  follow  immediately  after  the  laws  upon 
which  they  are  based. 

The  laws  are  printed  in  long-primer  type. 

The  regulations,  executive  orders,  decisions  of  the  courts,  and  opin- 
ions of  the  Attorney-General  and  of  the  Assistant  Attorney-General 
for  the  Post-Office  Department  are  printed  in  brevier  type. 

The  following  must  be  signed  by  every  i)ostmaster : 

I  have  read  these  laws  and  regnlations,  and  I  will  take  care  that 
all  the  persons  employed  under  me  shall  ]:»e  made  acquainted  with  the 
sections  thereof  atiectiug  their  respective  duties. 


Fo.st)ii>i.st€r  at 
dav  of ,  IS . 


E  K  R  A  T  A  . 

Page  34,  section  5,  for  "June  19"  read  "June  17;"  for  "20  Stat.,  p.  201,"  read  "20 
Stat.,  p.  141." 

Page  42,  section  34,  for  "tlieir  respective  nse"  read  "the  respective  use." 

Page  84,  section  247,  for  "  19  Stat."  read  "18  Stat." 

Page  90,  section  276,  for  "end  of  each  month"  read  "end  of  each  •week." 

Page  91,  section  288,  for  "Return  Letter  Office"  read  "Dead  Letter  Office." 

Page  101,  section  361,  for  "addressed  to  box-holders"  read  "addressed  to  box  num- 
bers." 

Page  107,  section  414,  for  "Division  Superintendents"  read  "their  Division  Super- 
intendent." 

Page  114,  section  443,  line  8,  for  "rf"  read  "c." 

Page  11.5,  section  449,  line  2,  strike  out  the  word  "  only." 

Page  117,  section  462,  for  "see  section  442"  read  "see  section  472." 

Page  143,  change  the  foot-note  to  read  as  follows : 

"By  the  act  of  June  12, 1879  (see  page  354),  the  time  is  extended  to  one  year." 

Page  147,  section  627,  paragraph  4,  line  2,  for  "of  their  depots"  read  "from  their 
depots." 

Page  167,  for"  section  227"  read  "section  727." 

Page  170,  for  "section  .5.57"  read  "section  757." 

Page  172,  section  787,  for  "attendance  book"  read  "record  of  arrivals  and  dei)art- 
Tires." 

Page  18.3,  section  865,  for  "return-registry-receipt"  read  "registry-return-receipt." 

Page  314,  section  1247,  for  "(R.  S.  5434"  read  "  R.  S.  5534";  section  1248,  for  "R.  S. 
5435"  read  "R.  S.  5535." 

Page  318,  line  8,  for  "5265"  read  "5266." 

Page  319,  line  1,  for  "tables"  read  "topographer." 

Page  320,  add  "American  Rapid  Telegraph  Company,  41  Wall  street,  New  York, 
received  and  filed  April  12,  1879." 

Postmasters  atid  oilier  posfal  officers  and  cnq'loyes  must  male  these  corrections  in  the  proper 
places  in  the  book  as  soon  as  they  receive  it. 


T  ABLE 


TITLES   AXn    CHAPTERS. 

COXTAIXF.D    IX   THE 

POSTAL  LAWS  AXD  REGULATIOXS. 


Pages. 

SPECL\L   INSTRUCTIOXS   TO   TOSTMASTERS 27-28 

SUGGESTIONS  TO  THE   PUBLIC 29-31 

TITLE    1. 

THE  POST-OFFICE  DEPARTMENT. 

Chapter  \. — Ougaxizatiox  axd  General  Provisions 33-47 

Sec.  1.  Establishmeut  of  the  Post-Office  Department.  2.  Assistant 
Postmasters-Geueral.  3.  AVho  may  act  as  Postmaster-Geueral.  4. 
Assistant  Attorney-General  for  the  Post-Office  Department.  5.  Other 
officers  of  the  Post-Office  Department.  G.  Special  agents  and  their 
salaries.  7.  Acting  special  agents.  8.  Special  agents  authorized 
to  administer  oaths.  9.  Superintendent  of  railway  mail  service. 
10,  Payment  of  special  agents.  11.  Bonds  requirt-cl  of  special  agents. 
12.  Assignment  of  si)ecial  agents.  13.  Authority  and  powers  of  special 
agents.  14.  Special  agents'  communications  confidential.  15.  Ju- 
risdiction over  offenses  against  the  postal  laws.  16,  Preliminary 
proceedings  before  whom.  17.  When  witness  must  give  bond,  18. 
Special  agents,  how  related  to  Postmaster-General.  19.  Resi- 
dent foreign  mail  agencies.  20.  Mail  agents  on  ocean  steamers. 
21.  Postal  agencies  in  China  and  Japan.  22.  Route  agents,  em- 
ployment of.  23.  Railway  postal  clerks.  24.  Oath  of  office.  25. 
"Who  may  aibninister  oath.  26.  Authority  of  Postmaster-General 
to  prescribe  regulations.  27.  Distribution  of  the  business  of  the 
Department.  28.  Seal  of  the  Post-Office  Department.  29.  Duties 
of  the  Postmaster-General.  30,  Property  in  charge  of  the  Depart- 
ment. 31,  Postal  arrangements  with  foreign  countries.  32.  Publi- 
cation of  postal  conventions.  33.  Blank  agency  at  Wa.shington. 
34.  Foreign  dead  letters.  35.  Orders,  contracts,  etc.,  to  be  truly 
dated.  36.  Form  of  bonds  and  contracts.  37.  Copies  of  mail  con- 
tracts for  the  Auditor.  38.  Orders  to  be  certified  to  the  Auditor. 
39.  Credits  for  payments  by  postmasters.  40.  Fines,  penalties,  for- 
feitures, etc.,  how  remitted.  41.  Discharge  of  imprisoned  judg- 
ment debtors.  42.  Such  discharge  no  bar  to  execution.  43,  Postal 
employes  may  not  be  interested  in  contracts.  44.  Prescribed  an- 
nual reports  of  the  Postmaster-General.  45.  Annual  reports  of  the 
Auditor. 


6  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Pages. 

CAop^er  1.— Organization  and  General  Provisions — Continued 33-47 

Sec.  46.  Annual  estimates  of  tlie  Postmaster-General.  47.  Esti- 
mates to  be  furnislied  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  48.  Con- 
tracts signed  by  the  First  Assistant.  49.  Contracts  signed  by  the 
Second  Assistant.  50.  Contracts  signed  by  the  Third  Assistant. 
51.  Omission  to  take  oath  not  to  affect  liability,  etc.  52.  Suits  and 
prosecutions  in  State  courts.  53.  Disbursements  for  topographer's 
office,  how  made.     54.  No  emj)loye  to  receive  fees. 

Chapter  2. — Accounts,  Eevenues,  and  Deposits 47-54 

Sec.  55.  Manner  of  keeping  accounts.  56.  Miscellaneous  and  money- 
order  receipts.  57.  Postal  revenues  to  be  accounted  for.  58.  Reve- 
nues to  be  appropriated  for  postal  service.  59.  Payments,  how  made; 
advances.  60.  Transfer  of  debts  to  coutractoi's.  61.  Suits  to  recover 
wrongful  and  fraudulent  payments.  62.  Delivery  of  stolen  money 
to  owner.  63.  Disposal  of  tines,  penalties,  and  forfeitures — of  moi- 
eties. 64.  Accounts  to  be  preserved  two  years.  65.  Restrictions  on 
payments  on  account  of  postal  service.  66.  Postal  revenues  and 
collectious  to  be  paid  into  Treasury.  67.  Deposits,  how  brought 
into  the  Treasury.  68.  Transfer  of  postal  deposits.  69.  Accounts  of 
postal  deposits.  70.  Entry  of  each  deposit,  transfer,  and  payment. 
71.  Public  moneys  in  Ti-easnry  subject  to  draft  of  Treasurer.  72. 
Money  to  be  safely  kept  by  postmasters.  73.  Custody  of  government 
money  in  bauds  of  postmasters.  74.  Frequent  deposits  of  revenues. 
75.  No  money  to  be  paid  directly  into  the  Departmeut.  76.  Post- 
offices  financially  designated  and  classified.  77.  Post-offices  trans- 
ferred from  one  class  to  another.  78.  Postmasters  to  transfer  their 
deposits  promptly.  79.  Letter  of  trausmittal  to  state  what.  80. 
Postmasters  may  transfer  funds  free.  81.  Postmasters  to  report 
amounts  paid  mail  messengers,  etc.  82.  Postmasters  to  report 
cause  of  failure  to  deposit.  83.  Want  of  funds  not  accepted  as  ex- 
cuse. 84.  Collection  drafts  must  be  paid.  85.  Failure  to  deposit 
cause  for  removal,  unless.  Sd.  Postmasters  to  pay  over  balance  at 
end  of  quarter.  87.  Postmasters  at  special  post-offices  to  report 
balance.  83.  Postmasters  at  special  post-officas  to  transmit  receipts 
promptly.,  89.  Payment  to  department  must  be  in  what.  90.  No 
allowance  made  for  expenses  for  payments,  etc.  91.  Counterfeit 
money  to  be  replaced.  92.  Postmasters  at  draft  post-offices  not  to 
pay  drafts  on  other  post-offices.  93.  Postmasters  not  required  to 
redeem  mutilated  currency.  94.  Postmasters  to  refuse  mutilated 
coins.  95.  All  funds  to  be  kept  in  current  money.  93.  Postmasters 
to  sign  certificates  in  person.  97.  Postmasters  not  to  receive  for- 
eign coin. 

TITLE  II. 

POST-OFFICES  AND   POSTMASTERS. 

Chapter  1 — Establishment  of  Post-Offices  and  Appointment  of  Post- 

MASTKRS — Of  Bonds  and  Sureties 55-58 

Sec.  98.  Establishment  of  post-offices.  99.  Discontinuance  of  post- 
offices.  100.  Classification  of  ]>ostmaster8.  101.  Appointment  and 
term  of  office  of  postmasters.  102.  Ai)pointments  issued  from  office 
of  First  Assistant.  103.  Postmasters'  connuissions  to  be  recorded 
and  countersigned.  104.  Residence  of  postmasters.  105.  Bonds  of 
])(isf  masters.  10t>.  Application  of  payments  after  giving  new  bond. 
107.  Connuissions  not  issued  to  jiostinasters  before  ai)}»roval  of 
bonds. 


CONTENTS    BY    SECTIONS.  ( 

I'agc-B. 
Chiptrr  1 — KsrAiu.isiiMi:M or  rosr-Oi-KiCES  am>  Ai'I'OINT.mkxt  ok  Post- 

MASTKKS — Ok    1{oN'I>S   AND  SlUKTIKS — Collt illllt'd 55-58 

Skc.  km.  WIjo  may  In?  apiMtiiitt^l  postiiiastcr.  WJ.  Wlicii  new  Ixnnl 
is  reiiuiivd.  IKt.  Limit  of  time  of  sureties'  liability.  111.  Ke- 
spousiliility  of  sureties  upon  postmaster's  death.  112.  Renewal  of 
boii<l.  113.  Ai»plieatioii  of  sureties  for  release,  to  wlioni  made.  114. 
Cliaiiyinjj;  name  iif  post-oHicc  necessitates  new  bond.  115.  Sureties 
on  bonds,  how  released. 
Chapter   2 — Salaries    ok    Po.st.ma.stei{.s    and    Expkxditchks    at    Post- 

Okfices 59-03 

Sec.  116.  Salaries  of  i>ostinasters  at  Presidential  post-oHices.  117. 
Salaries  of  fourth-(;lass  postmasters.  118.  Penalties  for  false  returns, 
unlawful  sales  of  stamps.  119.  Biennialreadjustment  of  salaries.  120. 
Orders  atieeting  salaries  to  be  re](ovted  to  auditor.  121.  Allowance 
for  clerks  at  separatinjj  post-oHlces.  122.  Limit  of  salaries.  123. 
Application  for  readjustment  of  salaries.  124.  Allowances  for  clerks 
and  incidental  expenses.  125.  Allowances  for  extraordinary  busi- 
ness. 120.  Allowances  to  be  fixed  by  order.  127.  Allowances  can- 
not exceed  surplus  revenues.  128.  Keceipts  rerjuired  for  i»ay  of 
clerks  employed.  129.  Extra  allowances  to  first  and  second  class 
]tost-otHces.  130.  Appointment  of  clerks  in  post-offices.  131.  Rostef 
of  clerks,  their  duties  and  salaries.  132.  Salaries  and  expenses  may 
be  deducted  from  receipts.  133.  Vouchers  for  deductions  to  be  sent 
to  the  auditor.  134.  No  postmaster  to  retain  more  than  his  salary, 
etc.  135.  Compensation  of  postmasters  pro  tempore. 
Chapter  3 — Postage-stamps,  Stamped  Envelopes,  and  Postal  Cards  ....  04-70 

Sec.  130.  Postajt;e-stamps  for  prepayment  of  postage.     137.  Postage- 
stam]»s,  denominations  of.     138.  Stamped  envelopes  to  be  jirovided. 

139.  Stamped  envelopes  of  how  many  kinds.  140.  Postal  cards  to 
be  provided.  141.  I'ostal  cards  for  use  in  Postal  T'nion  correspond- 
ence. 142.  Exclusive  issue  of  i)08tal  cards  by  the  department.  143. 
Letter-sheet  envelopes,  double  postal  cards,  etc.  144.  Improve- 
ments in  stamps  and  envelopes.     145.  Sale  of  stami>s  at  post-oflSces. 

140.  Postmasters  to  keep  a  supply  of  stamps.  147.  Requisitions  for 
stamps,  etc.,  how  to  be  made.  148.  Rec^uisitions,  when  to  be  made. 
149.  Requisitions  for  special-request  envelopes.  150.  Postmasters 
not  sujqdied  with  stanqis  until  conmiissioued.  1.51.  Postmasters  to 
count  sujjplies  when  received.  152.  Damaged  supjdies,  how  to  be 
treated.  153.  Mistakes  in  printing  special-request  envelopes.  154. 
Postmaster  to  charge  himself  with  stamps,  etc.  155.  No  quarterly 
returns,  no  stam])s.  150.  Postage-due  stamps,  newspajier  and  period- 
ical stamps.  157.  Moneys  received  for  sale  of  stanqis,  how  jyaid 
over.  158.  Stamps  for  unpaid  postage  to  be  used,  etc.  159.  News- 
paper and  periodical  stamps,  how  used.  100.  When  supplies  ex- 
hausted how  to  proceed.  101.  I'ostmasters  to  report  postage  col- 
lected from  publishers.  162.  Monthly  report  of  supplies  by  post- 
nuisters  at  Presidential  oftices.  103.  Postmasters  to  turn  over 
supplies  to  successor.  164.  Discontinued  post-offices,  disposition  of 
snx)plie8.  165.  No  percentage  to  postmasters  for  sale  of  stamps,  etc. 
106.  Rates  governing  sale  of  stamps,  etc.  167.  AflSdavit  by  post- 
masters claiming  credit  for  stamps  destroyed.  168.  No  credit  to  be 
allowed  where  office  is  robbed  of  stamps.  169.  Exchange  of  i)Ost- 
age-stamps  prohibited.  170.  Postage  on  si)oiled  stamped  envelopes, 
when  refunded,  etc.     171 .  Postal  cards  when  spoiled  to  be  redeemed. 


8  POSTAL    LAWS    AXD    REGULATIOXS, 

Pages. 

C7iflj><e>- 3— Postage-Stamps,  Stamped  Exvelopes,  &c— Coatiuued 64-70 

Sec.  172.  Stamps,  etc.,  redeemed  to  be  seut  to  department  with  letter. 

173.    Postmasters  lield  to  strict  accountability  for  stamps.      174. 

Stamped  envelopes,  etc.,  to  be  sold  at  cost.     175.  Postage-stamps 

sold  at  discount  to  designated  agents. 

Chapter  4— Classification  of  Domestic  Mail  Matter  axd  Rates  of 

Postage  Thereox 71-85 

Sec.  176.  Mail  matter  divided  into  four  classes.     177.  First-class  mat- 
ter  defined.     178.    Postage  on   first-class  matter.     179.    Soldiers', 
sailors',  and  marines'  unpaid  letters  forwarded.     180.  Prepayment 
required  on  otticers'  letters.     181.  Postage  on  delivered  postal  cards 
re-posted.     182.  Other  than  first-class  matter  must  be  open  to  exam- 
ination.    183.  Sealed  packages,  etc.,  to  pay  letter-rates.     184.  Sec- 
ond-class matter  defined.     185.  Essential  characteristics  of  second- 
class  matter.     186.  A  known  office  of  publication  defined.     187. 
Advertising  sheets  defined.     188.  Decision  upon  doubtful  publica- 
tions.    189.  Postmaster's  entry  of  second-class  publications.     190. 
Postage   on  second-class   matter.     191.  Weighing   of  second-class 
matter.     192.  Manner  of  prepaying  second-class  matter.     193.  Reg- 
ular subscribers  defined.     194.  Evidence  of  subscription-list  may 
be  required.     195.  Sample  copies  at  second-class  rates.     196.  Ad- 
mission of  new  publications  to  second-class  rates.     197.  Penalty  for 
submitting  false  evidence  as  to  a  publication.     198.  Postmasters  to 
report  the  submission  of  false  evidence.     199.  Entry  of  second-class 
publications.     200.  News-agents   applying  for  second-class  rates. 
201.  Evidence  required  of  news-agents.     202.  News-agents  defined. 
203.  Sample  copies  defined.     204.  Extra  numbers  not  sample  copies. 
205.  Sample  copies  to  be  mailed  separately.     206.  Supplements  ad- 
mitted as   second-class   matter.     207.   Definition   of  supplements. 
208.  Hand-bills  and  posters  not  supplements.     209.  Prohibited  ad- 
vertisements in  second-class  matter.     210.  Examination  of  second- 
class  matter.     211.  Detention   of  suspected   second-class  matter. 
212.  Foreign  publications  admitted  as  second-class  matter.     213. 
Examination  of  foreign  publications.     214.  Infringement  of  copy- 
right by  foreign  puldication.     215.  Third-class  matter  and  postage 
thereon.     216.  Proof-sbeets  defined.     217.  Circulars  defined.     218. 
Postage  on  circulars  mailed  in  bulk  for  postmasters  to  distribute. 
219.  Printed  matter  defined.     220.  Manifolding  and  type-writing 
not  printing.     221,  Fourth-class  matter  defined.     222.  Unmailable 
matter.     223.  Precautions  against  injury  to  the  mails.     224.  Post- 
mastei's  responsible  for  admission  of  improper  matter.    225.  Ob- 
scene matter  prohibited  in  the  mails.     226.  Lottery-circulars  pro- 
hibited in  the  mails.     227.  Lottery  advertisements  in  second-class 
matter.     228.   Postmasters  responsible   for   admission   of  obscene 
matter  to  the  mails.     229.  Postage  on  fourth-class  matter.     230. 
Treatmentof  unmailable  matter  reaching  its  destination.     231.  Per- 
missil>le  additions  to  other  than  first-class  matter.     232.  Personal 
con-espondence  negatively  defined.     233.  Letter-postage  charged  on 
prohibited  writing  or  printing.     234.  Form  of  bills  accompanying 
;second-class  matter.     235.  Newspapers  to  be  wrapped  and  suffi- 
ciently dried.     236.  Manner  of  ])resentiug  second-class  matter  for 
mailing.     237.  Manner  of  presenting  third-class  matter  for  mailing. 
238.  What  a  package  of  third-class  matter  may  contain.     239.  Free 
county  publications.     240.  Postage  on  second-class  matter  at  free- 
deliverv  offices. 


CONTENTS    liV    SECTIONS. 


r;i::.». 


Chapter  4— Ci.assiiica  iikn  ok  1><)Mi>ii(    Mail  Maih:!:  ani>  Uatks  or 

I'OSTA<JK  TlIKKKON — Coiiti lined  ..    71-H5 

Skc.  241.  SecdiHl-c'liiss  lUiittfi-  at  tici'-ilclivrrv  ol'liccs,  how  .sci)aratf<l. 
242.  Free  comity  publicatious  must  be  mailed  by  themselves.  •  243. 
Publications  with  othccs  in  two  counties  free  in  neither.  244. 
Sample  t(>iii«>  nl'  licf  ((ninty  jiublieaticuis  subject  to  postajj^e.  24J!>. 
Congressional  documents  free  ot'i>ostaj>e.  246.  Conj^ressional  Record 
and  extracts  therefrom  free.  247.  Seeds  anil  Rejtorts  from  Aj;ri- 
cultural  Department  free.  24.-^.  Kemailin<f  of  Couffressional  docu- 
ments after  one  delivery.  249.  Letters  etc.,  on  <j;overnment  business 
free.  250.  Penalty  envelopes  f(U- otlicial  matter.  251.  Extension  of 
two  precedinfi;  sections. 

Chapter  5 — Ship  and  Stkam hoat  Lettkhs 8G-S7 

Sec.  252.  Letters  on  vessels  to  and  from  foreign  i)orts.  25:5.  Letters 
on  inlaiul  steamboats.  254.  Payment  for  ship  letters.  255.  Double 
postajje  on  ship  letters.  256.  Definition  of  ship  letters.  2.57.  Man- 
ner of  collectin<j  ship  fees.  258.  Rating  up  postage  on  ship  letters. 
259.  No  fee  on  foreign-addressed  letters.  2G0.  No  fees  to  passengers 
or  sailors.  261.  Letters  on  mail  steamboats,  how  disposed  of.  262. 
Account  of  shii»  and  steamboat  letters  to  be  kept.  263.  No  fees  to 
mail  vessels.     264.  Printed  ship  matter,  how  to  be  treated. 

Chapter   6 — Dkliveky  of    Ordinary    Mail-matter  ;    Withdrawal    by 

Sender  krom  Post-Office  of  Matter  before  its  Dispatch 88-92 

Sec.  265.  Opening  of  mails ;  placing  matter  on  delivery.  266.  Post- 
masters may  remove  wrappers  of  packages.  267.  Double  postage 
on  unpaid  uiatter.  268.  Matter  cannot  be  delivered  uutil  postage 
due  is  paid.  269.  Weight  of  matter  determined  at  post-otlice  of  nuiil- 
ing.  270.  Postage-due  stamps  for  jusufficicntly  paid  matter.  271, 
Penalty  for  failing  to  affix  postage-due  stamps.  272.  Time  of  aflix- 
ing  postage-due  stamps.  273.  Treatment  of  undelivered  matter 
•with  postage-due  stamps  thereon.  274.  Postage-due  stamps  on  for- 
warded matter,  how  refunded.  275.  "What  persons  are  entitled  to 
receive  mail-matter.  276.  Letters  addressed  to  fictitious  persons. 
277.  Proof  of  identity  required  in  doul)tful  cases,  278.  Letters 
opened  through  mistake.  279.  Mail-matter  addressed  to  other 
post-offices,  not  to  be  delivered ;  exceptions.  280.  Mail-matter  ad- 
dressed in  care  of  another.  281.  Letters  from  the  Pension  Office, 
282,  I'nder  no  pretext  are  letters  in  the  mail  to  be  opened.  283, 
Mail-matter  to  be  delivered  according  to  official  designation.  284. 
Mail-matter  addressed  to  minors.  285.  Mail-matter  addressed  to 
deceased  persons.  286.  Mail-matter  to  be  delivered  to  as-siguees, 
etc.  287.  Mail-matter  addressed  to  defunct  firms  or  corporations. 
288.  Postmaster  to  require  appointment  of  receiver.  289.  Decision 
of  disputed  claims  to  mail-matter.  290.  Injunction  of  courts  to  bo 
respected.  291.  Withdrawal  of  letters  from  mailing  post-office. 
292.  Proof  of  identity  of  letter  required.  293.  When  to  refuse  ap- 
l»licatiou  for  withdrawal.  294.  Mail-nuitter  beyond  mailing  post- 
office  cannot  be  withdrawn. 

Chapter  7. — Letter-boxes  ix  Post-Offices 92-94 

Sec.  295.  Postmasters  may  erect  boxes  at  their  own  expense.  296. 
Lock-boxes,  etc.,  for  box-holders  at  their  expense.  297.  Finends  of 
owners  of  box  to  use  the  same,  when.  298.  Postmasters  to  keep  a  list 
of  box-holders.  299.  Failure  of  ])ostmaster  to  make  report  of  box 
rents.  300.  Rent  of  boxes  to  be  prepaid.  301.  Payment  for  boxes 
must  be  quarterly. 


10  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Pages. 

Chapter  1 — Lettrr-boxes  ix  Post-Offices — Continued 92-94 

Sec.  302.  Box  to  be  restricted  to  use  of  one  family,  etc.  303.  Retiring 
postmaster  to  leave  record  of  box  receipts  with  successor.  304. 
Postmaster  shoiild  refuse  to  rent  box  for  improper  purposes.  305. 
Rent  for  private  boxes.  306.  Postmasters  not  to  disclose  names  of 
box-holders. 

Chapter  8. — Carriers,  Free  Delivery  axd  Braxch  Offices  axd  Street 

Mailixg  Boxes 94-101 

Sec.  307.  Letter-carrier  post-offices.  308.  Districting  of  cities.  309. 
Classification  of  carriers.  310.  Salaries  of  carriers.  311.  Auxiliary 
carriers.  312.  Appointments  and  promotions.  313.  Public  build- 
ings described.  314.  Number  of  carriers  limited.  315.  Letter-car- 
rier's bonds.  31(j.  Applications  for  the  carrier  system.  317.  How 
carriers  are  appointed.  318.  Qualifications  for  appointment.  319. 
Form  of  application  for  appointment.  320.  Return  of  oaths  and 
bonds.  321.  Appointments  of  substitutes.  322.  Postmasters  may 
fill  temporary  vacancies.  323.  Emploj'meut  of  additional  carriers. 
324.  Duties  of  caiTiers  generally.  325.  Leave  of  absence  ■without 
pay.  32fx  Penalty  for  absence  without  leave.  327.  Carriers  to  be 
uniformed.  Penalty  for  wearing  unlawfully.  32^*.  The  uniform  pre- 
scribed for  carriers.  329.  Carriers  supply  their  own  uniforms.  330. 
Behavior  required  of  carriers.  331.  Carriers  not  to  contract  del)ts 
on  the  route.  332.  Carriers  not  to  solicit  contributions,  etc.  333. 
Establishment  of  street  mailing  boxes.  334.  Penalty  for  injuring 
street  mailing  boxes.  335.  Carriers  must  report  injuries  to  street 
mailing  boxes.  336.  Establishment  of  branch  post-offices.  337.  No 
carrier's  fee  permitted.  338.  The  general  delivery  to  lie  discour- 
aged. 339.  Accounts  required  at  carrier  post-offices.  340.  Post- 
masters' reports  of  operations.  341.  Postmasters'  reports  of  ex- 
penses. 342.  Rules  for  delivery  of  matter.  343.  Matter  not  to  be 
delivered  at  unoccupied  premises.  344.  Mail  matter  not  to  be  deliv- 
ered in  the  streets.  345.  Transient  or  to  be  called  for  letters,  how 
treated.  346.  City  directory  to  be  used  to  ascertain  addresses,  when. 
347.  Carriers  to  receive  letters  for  mailing.  348.  What  carriers  may 
not  do.  349.  Return  of  undelivered  matter.  350.  Holiday  and  even- 
ing delivery.  351.  Tests  of  carrieis'  efficiency.  352.  Prompt  and 
frequent  deliveries  required.  353.  Limited  sale  of  stamps  by  car- 
riers. 354.  Branch  offices  or  postal  stations.  355.  Mails  between 
stations  and  the  general  post-office.  3.56.  Advertised  letters.  357. 
Care  of  street  mailing  boxes.  3.58.  Postmasters  to  inspect  stations. 
359.  Carriers'  daily  return  of  property  and  mail.  360.  Carriers 
must  not  return  deposited  letters.  361.  Delivery  of  registered  let- 
ters by  carriers.     362.  Postmasters  to  supervise  carriers'  service. 

363.  Arrest  of  persons  found  tampering  with  street  mailing  boxes. 

364.  "Cave  Canem,"  beware  of  the  dog.     365.    Supplies  for  carrier 
l)ost-offices.     366.  Manner  of  keeping  books. 

Chapter  9.— DisTHinuTiox  axd   Dispatch  of  Ordixary  Domestic  Mail 

Matter 102-10/ 

Sec.  367.  Postmasters  to  receive  and  dis]>atch  mail  matter.  368. 
Time  of  closing  the  nuiil.  369.  Preference  given  to  letters  over 
other  mail  matter,  when.  370.  Penalty  for  unlawfully  detaining 
m?iil  matter.  371.  l^repaid  matter  to  bo  forward(!d  if  requested. 
370.  Erroneously  delivered  and  re-directed  inatter  to  be  forwarded. 
373.  Letters  mailed  under  cover  to  postmasters  how  treated. 


CONTENTS'    BY    SECTIONS.  11 

J'agCH. 

Chapter  V — DisrinisriiuN  and    Disi-atcii    ok  (»i;i>i.nai;v    Do.mksik     Mail 

Matter — Continued Hr2-l(i7 

Sec.  374.  Postmasters  to  rei-f  ijtt  lor  coi»yri«;ht  miittt-r.  :57.">.  I'ostajie- 
stamps  to  be  eanceled.  I{7rt.  Return-stami>s  on  jxistal  cards 
and  letter-envelopes.  377.  Manner  of  canceling  stainiis.  378. 
Treatment  of  matter  bearing  canceled  or  impro[M'r  stamps.  379. 
All  mail  matter  other  tlian  second  class  to  be  ])ostmarked.  3'^0. 
Imjiressions  to  be  taken  of  the  dated  stamp.  3-'l.  How  to  secure 
U'tiible  stam]>ini;:.  3H2.  Treatment  of  tirst-class  matter  received  in 
liail  order.  3H:{.  Distribution  and  disjiatch  of  mails.  384.  No 
changes  except  in  case  of  emergency.  385.  Distribution  of  mails 
by  schemes.  38^).  What  States  shouhl  be  distributed.  387.  Mail 
to  be  made  up  by  States.  388.  Local  mail  for  railroad  and  steam- 
boat lines.  389.  Other  than  local  mail  sent  to  railroad  and  steam- 
boat lines.  390.  Making  up  local  mail  for  railway  lines.  391.  Make 
direct  packages  for  horse  routes.  392.  Making  up  mail  beyond  la.st 
post-office  on  stage-route.  39.5.  Letters  for  delivery  and  for  distri- 
bution in  separate  packages.  394.  Direct  packages.  39.5.  Letters 
nnist  not  be  plaied  in  jxiuch  loose.  39r>.  Facing  slips  to  be  used. 
397.  Checking  errors.  398.  Dispositiouofslijis  received.  399.  Ab- 
sence of  slips  on  packages  or  in  sacks.  400.  Slips  and  schemes  fur- 
nished. 401.  Report  of  uuworked  mail  received.  402.  Report  of 
all  irregularities.  403.  No  through  iiouches  by  mail  trains.  404. 
Changes  in  forwarding  mails.  40.5.  Hooks  prohibited  in  handling 
mail  bags.  40r).  Letters  with  stamps  canceled  not  to  lie  returned. 
407.  Letters  not  to  be  placed  under  straps  of  pouches.  408.  Printed 
labels  furnished  to  be  returned.  409.  Application  tVu-  printed  labels. 
410.  Time  of  closing  mails.  411.  Pouches  to  be  examined.  412. 
Mails  stojiping  over  night. 

Chapter  10. — Superixtexdexts  of  Mails  at  Post-Offices  of  the  First 

AND  Second  Classes 107-1U8 

Sec.  413.  Ap])ointnient  of  superintendents  of  nuiils.  414.  General 
duties  of  superiuten.leuts  of  mails.  415.  Record  and  report  of 
errors  in  distribution.  416.  Examination  of  slips.  417.  Postmas- 
ters to  be  fu'.nished  with  the  record. 

Chapter  11. — Case  Examixatiox  of  Post-Office  Clerks 108-109 

Sec.  418.  Case  examination  of  distributing  clerks.  419.  Nature  of 
case  examinations.  420.  Verbal  examination  of  clerks.  421.  Post- 
masters'order-book.  422.  Orders  to  be  signed  by  clerks.  423.  Slips 
on  which  errors  are  noted  to  be  compared  with  schemes.  424. 
Reports  at  end  of  month  to  General  Superintendent.  425.  Incom- 
petent clerks  not  to  be  continued,  etc. 

Chapter  12. — Receiving  and    Dispatching    Mails    at  Catcher    Post- 

Offices  109-110 

Sec.  426.  Cranes  and  catcher  pouches.  427.  How  to  luepare  pouches 
and  hang  them  on  the  crane.  428.  Catcher  pouches  to  be  used  for 
no  otlier  purpose.  429.  Only  fifty  pounds  of  mail  allowed  in  catcher 
pouches.  430.  Special  instructions  to  postmasters  served  by 
catchers. 

Chapter  13. — Disi'Osal  of  Unmailable,  Undelivered,  and  Dead  Mau. 

Matter IIO-IJO 

Sec.  431.  Unmailable  nuitter  to  be  sent  to  the  dead-letter  otfice — ex- 
ceptions. 432.  Definition  and  classification  of  unmailable  matter. 
433.  Definition  and  classification  of  dead  matter.  434.  Fii-st-class 
matter  not  to  be  held  unmailable  on  mere  suspicion. 


12  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIOXS, 


Pases 


■Chaphr  13.— Disposition  of  L'xdelivered,  L'xmailable,  ax.)  Dead  Mail 

Matter — Continued 110-1-20 

Sec.  435.  Unmailable  matter  fioui  railway  offices,  how  treated.  436. 
Unmailable  matter  inadvertently  forwarded,  how  treated.  437. 
Postmasters  to  return  uumailable  matter  to  senders.  43:^.  Matter  re- 
turned to  senders  at  other  post-offices.  439.  Held  for  postage  matter 
that  cannot  be  returned  to  sender.  440.  Disposition  of  destructive 
unmailable  matter.  441.  Unmailable  matter  to  be  i)romptly  sent  to 
dead-letter  office.  442.  How  matter  must  be  sent  to  the  dead-letter 
office.  443.  How  to  make  up  and  transmit  returns  of  unmailable  mat- 
ter. 444.  Advertisement  of  unclaimed  and  undelivered  matter.  445. 
Advertising-  foreign  letters.  446.  Displaying  lists  of  advertised 
letters.  447.  Pay  for  advertising  letters.  44S.  Charge  on  advertised 
letters.  449.  Advertisement  of  unclaimed  matter.  450.  Matter  that 
should  not  be  advertised.  451.  Form  of  the  advertisement.  452. 
Advertisements  in  newspapers.  453.  Advertised  matter  to  be  so 
marked.  454.  Letters  from  dead-letter  office  to  be  advertised.  4.55. 
Fictitious  matter  not  to  be  advertised.  456.  Request  matter.  457. 
Card  matter.  458.  Postage  must  be  prepaid  on  card  and  request  mat- 
ter. 459.  Unclaimed  official  matter  to  be  treated  as  card  matter. 
460.  Postmasters'  letters  to  be  treated  as  card  letters.  461.  Date  of 
arrival  and  ret-arn  of  card  matter.  432.  Collection  of  postage  on 
short-paid  returned  card  matter.  463.  Local  letters  not  returned 
to   another  post-office.      464.    Disposition  of   hotel  card  matter. 

465.  Return  of  other  than  first  class-card   and  re(]^uest   matter. 

466.  Matter  unclaimed  after  return  to  sender.  467.  Disposition  of 
missent  matter.  468.  Authority  of  Postmaster-General  to  kill  let- 
ters. 469.  Final  disposition  of  unclaimed  matter.  470.  Undeliv- 
ered matter  to  show  reason  for  non-delivery.  471.  Disposition  of  re- 
fused second-class  matter.  472.  Disposition  of  other  refused  matter. 
473.  Return  of  "no  unclaimed  and  refused  matter."  474.  State- 
ments of  unclaimed  matter.  475.  Disposition  of  refused  unmaila- 
ble matter.  476.  Hotel  matter  without  card  or  request.  477.  All 
hotel  matter  to  be  stamped.  478.  Disposition  of  dead  printed  mat- 
ter, 479.  Dead  foreign  printed  matter.  480.  Dead  domestic  printed 
matter.  481.  Dead  postal  cards.  482.  Return  of  dead  matter. 
483.  Record  of  valuable  dead  letters.  484.  Return  of  dead  letters 
containing  money  to  owners.  433.  Return  of  undelivered  dead 
m(mey-letters  back  to  dead-letter  office.  486.  Returned  dead  money- 
letters  must  be  registered.  487.  Other  than  money  dead  letters 
need  not  be  registered.  488.  Valuable  dead  letters  must  not  be 
forwarded.     489.  Dead  letters  not  valuable  may  be  forwarded. 

■Chapter  14. — Lost  Letters  axd  Mail  Depredations 120-121 

Sec.  490.  Postmasters  to  report  lost  mail-matter  to  chief  special  agent. 
491.  What  fact  such  report  umst  state.  492.  Postmasters  to  imme- 
diately report  robbery  of  post-office.  49.3.  Cases  of  mail  robbery  to 
be  repf)rted  at  once.  494.  Arrest  of  criminals  to  be  reported  to 
United  States  district  attorney.  495.  Examination  of  persons  ar- 
rested. 496.  Robbery  of  nuiils  in  vicinity  of  post-office.  497.  Mon- 
eys recovere<l  from  mail  robbers. 

Chapter  15. — Payment  or  Employes  or  the  Railway  Mail  Seknice  by 

POST.MASTERS 122-123 

Sec.  498.  Record  of  arrivals  and  (b'partures  to  be  examinrd  daily. 
499.  Paj^  withheld  for  failure  to  sign  record.  500.  Prcliiiiiuary  no- 
tice to  paying  postmaster. 


CONTENTS    HY    SECTIONS.  1^ 

Chapter  !'». — Fa ymknt  (.)!••  Emi-loyks  of  tiik   Uaii.way  Mail  Skkvk  k  iiy 

Postmasters — Coiitiuneil M'-VZ'.l 

Sec.  501.  Notice  to  .•Second  A-;sist!Uit  Postiiiastfr-Geiicral.  ."(02.  Ab- 
sence for  more  than  thirty  days  to  he  reported.  hO'.\.  Partial 
susptMision  of  pay  pendinij  linal  instructions.  '>()A.  The  cause  (»f 
deduction  of  i>ay,  etc.,  how  noted.  50.j.  No  signature  and  advance; 
sijjjnaturi',  liow  noted.  500.  Keys  and  records  nnist  he  turned  in 
before  liiial  setth-nient.  GOT.  Record  of  arrivals  and  departures  to 
he  sent  to  division  superintendent.  50h.  No  discretion  to  he  used 
in  reporting  faihu'es.  ."lO.!.  Instructions  as  to  paying  employees, 
from  whom  received.  510.  Payments  to  l)e  mach-  promptly  at  end 
of  month.  511.  Distinction  het ween  suhstitnte  and  acting  employ6. 
512.  Authority  for  paying  acting  employes.  513.  Manner  of  paying 
acting  employes. 

Chapter  16. — MiscKLL.A.XEOfS  Provisions  Respecting  Dctiks  of  Post- 
masters        121-12- 

Sec.  514.  Records  at  post-offices  of  property  and  snpplics.  .")15.  Jn- 
Acntories  of  public  propt-rty  to  be  made  in  duplicate.  516.  Dupli- 
cates, how  to  be  disposed  of.  517.  Postmasters  not  to  receive 
moneys  from  predecessors,  nnless.  518.  Assistants  to  be  appointed. 
.519.  Oaths  of  otfice  to  be  sent  to  department.  520.  AVho  to  have 
access  to  mail-matter  in  post-offices.  521.  Mails  not  to  be  opened 
in  reach  of  unanthorized  persons.  .522.  Postmasters  must  collect 
and  examine  waste  paper,  etc.  523.  No  post-office  to  be  located  in 
bar-room.  524.  Loungers  not  to  be  permitted  in  post-office.  .525. 
Business  hours  at  post-office?.  526.  Transaction  of  other  business 
at  fourth-class  i)Ost-offices.  527.  Changing  site  of  post-office.  528. 
Receiving-box  for  mail-matter  at  fourth-class  post-offices.  529. 
Place  for  mail-matter  awaiting  delivery  and  for  stamps.  .530.  Sanc- 
tity of  seals  invi(dable.  .531.  Postmasters  not  to  give  information 
respecting  mail-matter.  .532.  Postmasters  powerless  to  remit  fines 
or  overcharges  on  mail-matter.  533.  Official  correspondence ;  re- 
turn of  official  jiapers.  534.  How  postmasters  should  reply  to  of- 
ficial correspondence.  535.  Postal  Guide  supi)lied  officially  and  to 
be  consulted.  53*>.  Postmasters  in  doubt  as  to  law  to  ask  instruc- 
tions. 537.  Attention  to  be  given  to  official  printed  circulars.  53^. 
How  postmasters  are  to  address  the  Department.  539.  Public  docu- 
ments and  property  to  be  turned  over  to  successor.  540.  Creden- 
tials of  special  agents  to  be  demanded.  541.  Postmasters  not  to 
act  as  lottery  agents. 

TITLE  III. 

TRANSPORTATION  OF  THE  MAILS. 

Chapter  1. — Dr.sicxATiox  ok  Post-roads  over  wiiicii  the  Mails  may  ijr 

Carried 129-131 

Sec.  542.  What  are  post-roa<l8.  543.  The  Postmaster-General  may  es- 
tablish service  on  post-roads.  544.  All  court-houses  to  be  supplied 
with  juail.  545.  Carrying  the  mail  on  canals.  546.  Canyiug  the 
mail  on  plank-roads.  547.  Carrying  the  mail  on  waters  of  the 
United  States.  548.  Extending  innil  facilities  to  special  post-offices. 
549.  Selecting  i)ost-roads.  5.50.  "When  terminus  of  post-roads  may 
be  changed.  551.  Discontinuing  service  on  ]>ost-roads.  552.  Limit 
of  authority  of  Postmaster-General  to  establish  post-roads.  553. 
Penalty  for  obstructing  the  mails.  554.  Delaying  mail  at  a  ferry  : 
peualtj'. 


14  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGILATIONS. 


Pages 


Chapter  2. — Carriage  of  the  Mails  a  Goverxmext  Moxopoly. — Un- 
lawful Carriage  of  Mail-matter  outside  of^the  Mails. — Seizure 

AND  Detentions  of  Unlawful  Matter  in  the  Mails 131-134 

Sec.  555.  Prohibitiou  of  private  expresses.  556.  Private  carriers  for- 
bidden at  carrier  post-offices.  .5.57.  Penalty  for  carrying  persons 
acting  as  express.  558.  Penalty  for  sending  letters  by  private  ex- 
press. 5.59.  Penalty  for  carrying  letters  ont  of  the  mail.  560.  Pen- 
alty for  carrying  letters  on  board  a  mail- vessel.  561.  Foreign  letters 
only  to  be  received  from  a  post-office.  562.  Vessels  to  deliver  all  let- 
ters at  post-office.  563.  Special  agents  to  search  vessels  for  letters. 
564.  Seizing  and  detaining  letters.  565.  Forfeiture  of  seizures  to 
the  United  States.  566.  Letters  seized  may  be  returned  to  senders. 
567.  Letters  conveyed  without  compensation.  568.  Letters  in 
stamped  envelopes — excepted.  569.  Postmasters  must  report  viola- 
tions of  law.  570.  Searches  authorized.  571.  Newspai)ers  may  be 
carried  out  of  the  mail.  .572.  Such  papers  deposited  in  j)Ost-offices 
must  be  paid. 
Chapter  3. — Advertisejients,  Prijposals,  and  Contracts  for  Carrying 

the  Mail 13.5-148 

Sec.  573.  Advertisement  of  general  mail-lettings.  574.  Division  of 
the  United  States  into  contract  sections.  .575.  Advertisement  of 
routes  omitted  in  general  letting.  576.  Notice  of  intention  to  change 
terms  of  contract.  577.  Miscellaneous  mail-lettings  defined.  578. 
Advertisement  of  miscellaneous  mail-lettings.  579.  Rates  to  be 
paid  for  advertisements.  580.  Proposals  for  carrying  the  mail;  how 
delivered  and  opened.  581.  Proposals  to  be  accompanied  by  bonds 
approved  by  postmasters.  582.  Sureties  on  bidders'  bonds  must 
qualify.  583.  Amount  of  bond  stated  in  advertisement.  584.  Quali- 
fication of  sureties  on  more  than  one  bond.  585,  Bids  to  be  accom- 
jianied  by  a  certified  check  or  draft.  586.  Time  of  returning  drafts 
to  unsuccessful  bidders.  587.  Penalty  for  illegal  approval  of  bonds 
l)y  postmasters.  588.  All  projjosals  to  be  recorded  and  filed.  589. 
Combinations  to  prevent  bids ;  penalty.  590.  Caution  to  post- 
masters signing  bidders'  bonds.  591.  What  are  legal  bids.  592. 
Bidders  must  inform  themselves  as  to  the  character  of  the  service. 
593.  Special  instructions  to  biddei's.  594.  Alterations  and  modifi- 
cation of  bids  destroy  their  validity.  595.  Bidders  must  be  of  le- 
gal age.  .596.  Bids  which  cannot  )je  received.  597.  Bids  which 
may  be  rejected.  598.  Biddersnot  released  from  bonds  until  service 
is  commenced.  599.  Persons  who  may  not  be  interested  in  mail  con- 
tracts. 600.  Bidders  may  not  assign  or  transfer  their  bids.  601. 
Contracts  in  name  of  United  States  and  awarded  to  the  lowest 
bidder.  602.  New  sureties  on  contracts  may  be  rerxuired  or  ac- 
cepted. 603.  In  case  of  bidder  failing,  contract  with  other  persons 
authorized.  604.  In  case  of  failing  contractor,  contracts  with  other 
persons  authorized.  605.  Temporary  contracts  authorized  not  to 
exceed  last  contract  price.  606.  Penalty  for  makiug  straw  bids. 
607.  Contracts  made  without  adv(irtisement.  608.  ]\Iail  apartnu^nts 
to  be  furnished  on  mail  steamboats.  609.  Contracts  to  be  executed 
in  duplicate.  610.  Term  of  contracts.  611.  Time  of  executing  con- 
tracts. 612.  Payment  on  contracts.  613.  Causes  for  which  con- 
tracts may  be  anunllcd.  614.  Contractors  to  carry  all  mails  and 
care  for  mail-bags.  615.  Special  agents  and  i)()stal  sujjplies  to  be 
carried  free.  61f).  When  ])()stmasters  may  employ  ti'uqxuary 
service. 


CONTENTS    I5V    SKf'l'IONS.  lij 

Pages. 
Chapter  '.I. — Advki;  i  i>KMr,.\  is,  I'ltDi'osAi.s,  a.\i>  ('<)\ti!A(  is  i  oi:  <  aukvinc; 

TiiK  Mail — ContimaMl i:J5-l4S 

Skc.  ()17.  After  cimtiacts  li;i\f  fX|tiiril  itn.^linastfrs  in;i.\  not  jiay 
for  service,  Old.  Iiitreii.se  of  coiniieiisiitiini  for  iiieicartetl  service. 
(519.  Increase  of  coini>eii.siitioii  fur  increased  ci-ierity.  CriO.  Deternii- 
iiatiun  of  coiiii»ensati()n  for  increased  celerity.  021.  Decreased 
compensation  tor  decreased  service.  G22.  Changt'S  of  sch(;d- 
ule ;  time  of  arrival  and  (lepartnre.  G23.  Contracts  cannot  l>e  as- 
signed or  transferred.  (3'i4.  Contracts  not  to  be  sublet  without 
consent  of  the  I'ostmaster-Geueral.  G25.  Subcontracts  permissible 
with  consent  of  the  Postinjistor-General.  G26.  Regulations  under 
which  subcontracts  may  be  made.  <)27.  Mail-messenger  service, 
62S.  Mail-carriers  to  receive  mail  for  delivery  at  next  i)pst-oflfice. 
Chapter  4. — ADJCsr.MKxr  ok  Compensation'  to  Railroads  i-ou  Carry- 
ing TIIK  Mails..., 149-152 

Sec.  6'29.  Conditions  of  railway  service  and  rates  of  pay  for  same. 
6:50.  Refusal  to  provide  post-otitice  cars.  iVM.  Dimensions  of,  and 
additional  pay  for,  post-office  cars.  632.  Cars  to  be  furnished  as  re- 
quired by  the  Postmaster-General.  633.  Mails,  how  and  when  to 
be  weighed.  634.  Railroad  companies  to  give  notice  of  their  readi- 
ness for  weighing.  635.  Compensation  of  railroads  reduced  ten 
per  centum.  636.  Compensation  of  railroads  reduced  five  per 
centum  more.  637.  Congress  may  fix  compensation  to  be  paid  land- 
grant  railroads.  638.  Congress  does  fix  compensation  to  be  paid 
said  roads.  639.  When  railroad  companies  must  deliver  mails  to 
post-offices.  640.  Mails  not  to  be  carried  beyond  termini  of  routes 
without  authority.  641.  Knowledge  of  si^ecitic  reiiuiremcnts  of  ser- 
vice, how  obtained.  642.  Postiuaster-General  to  decide  what  trains 
shall  carry  the  mail.  643.  Railway  company  must  carry  mails  ou 
any  train.  644.  Must  carry  supplies  and  special  agents.  645. 
When  mail  may  be  carried  on  railway  routes  by  horse  express.  646. 
Railway  companies  to  report  receipts  and  expenses.  647.  Commu- 
nications aftectiug  i>ay  of  railroads,  how  addressed.  64S.  Auditor  to 
furnish  instructions  respecting  finaucial  agent. 

Chapter  5. — Foreign'  Mail  Service 1.33-154 

Sec.  649.  Transportation  of  domestic  mails  through  foreign  countries. 

650.  Transportation  of  foreign  mails  through  the  United  States. 

651.  Foreign  mails  in  transit  to  be  treated  as  domestic.  652.  Con- 
tracts for  carrying  foreign  mails.  653.  How  foreign  mails  may  be 
carried.  6.54.  Limit  of  compensation  for  carrying  foreign,  mails. 
655.  Foreign  mail  contractors  may  be  fined.  656.  Foreign  mail 
contracts  may  be  terminated  by  Congress. 

Chapter  6. — Inspection'  an'd   Verieicatiox  of  Service    Rendered   by 

C.\RRiERs  01"  the  Mail— Of  Fixes  axd  Deductk)N-s 154-1.57 

Sec.  657.  Record  of  arrivals  and  dei>artures  of  the  mails.  658.  How 
postmasters  should  report  arrivals  and  departures  of  the  mail.  659. 
Special  reports  when  required.  600.  Disposition  of  regular  and 
special  reports.  661.  Duplicate  reports  to  be  preserved  in  post- 
offices.  662.  Delivery  of  mail  to  post-offices  on  star  routes.  663. 
Postmasters  to  report  delinquent  mail-carriers.  664.  Certain  delin- 
quencies to  be  specially  reporti'd.  (i65.  De<luctions  for  contractors' 
failures,  fines  for  their  delin(|Uencies.  i^^ia.  When  postmasters  must 
notify  contractors  of  failures.  6o7.  Contractors  to  make  specific 
excuses  for  each  deUnciuency.  6C^.  Causes  for  which  forfeitures 
must  occur.  669.  Causes  for  which  fines  will  be  imposed.  670. 
Deductions  and  fines  upon  railroad  companies. 


16  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

Pages. 

Chapter  7. — Mail  Equipmexts 157-16-i 

Sj:c.  671.  Term  mail-bags  iucludes  what.  682.  Every  mail-route  mnst 
be  supplied  witli  mail-bags.  673.  Applications  for  mail-bags  must 
state  what.  674.  Applications  for  supplies  to  Second  Assistaut 
Postmaster-General.  675.  liepair  of  mail-bags  by  j)ostmasters,  etc. 
676.  Mail-bag  in  transit  becoming  iinsound.  677.  "What  mutilation 
of  a  mail-bag  may  be  allowed.  678.  Sacks  containing  public  docu- 
ments. 679.  Damaged  mail-bags  at  post-offices  which  are  mail-bag 
depositories.  680.  Surplus  mail-bags  not  to  accumulate.  681. 
Equal  exchange  or  reciprocal  return  of  locked  pouches.  682.  Reg- 
ister of  outgoing  and  incoming  mails  to  "be  kept.  683.  Names  of 
depositories  for  mail-bags  and  locks.  684.  Account  of  depositing 
post-offices  t(5  be  rendered.  685.  Surplus  Stock  to  be  kept  apart 
from  the  current  stock.  686.  Legitimate  use  of  mail-bags  restricted 
to  what.  687.  Canvas  sacks  may  be  taken  by  publishers,  when. 
688.  Waste  or  abuse  of  mail-bags  to  be  prevented.  689.  Mail-bags 
not  to  be  purchased  by  postmasters.  690.  Mail-catchers,  how  fur- 
nished, 691.  Applications  for  mail-bags,  etc.,  to  state  reasons. 
69'2.  Mail  locks  and  keys,  by  wlioiu  furnished.  693.  Care  of  mail- 
keys  ;  penalty  for  loss.  694.  Mail-keys  to  have  a  specific  number. 
695.  Exchange  of  mail-keys  bj^  railway-mail  employes.  696.  Re- 
ceipts to  be  always  taken  for  mail-keys.  697.  Repairing  mail-locks 
and  keys  forbidden.  698.  Defective  keys  to  be  rejjorted  to  the 
department.  699.  Brass  locks  not  to  be  sent  to  iron-lock  post- 
offices.  700.  Proiier  course  when  defective  key  will  not  open  mail- 
lock.  701.  Proper  course  when  defective  lock  cannot  be  opened. 
702.  Fastening-strap  never  to  be  cut.  703.  Economy  in  the  use  of 
mail-locks.  704.  Unlawful  use  of  mail-bags  to  be  reported  to  the 
department.  705.  How  to  address  connuunications  on  mail  equip- 
ments. 

TITLE    IV. 

THE  RAILWAY  MAIL  SERVICE. 

Chapter  1. — Orgaxizatk  )X  axd  Gexeral  Pkovisioxs 1(T3-164 

Sec.  706.  The  General  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service.  707. 
Division  Sui)erintendents.  508.  Offices:  post-offices  for  distributing 
mail  in  transit.  709.  Employes  of  railway  mail  service.  710.  Ap- 
pointment of  employ6s.  711.  Uniform  for  employds.  712.  Division 
superintendents  not  to  reconunend  aiqiointments.  713.  Assignment 
of  chief  head  clerks. 

Chapter   2. — Instructioxs    to    Employes    Haxdlixg    Ordixary    Mail 

Matter 165-173 

Sec.  714.  Employes  to  carry  instructions  with  them.  715.  Employes 
to  report  errors  discovered  in  the  Postal  Guide.  716.  Employes  to 
be  examined  in  the  postal  laws,  etc.  717.  One  employ6  to  have 
charge  of  office.  718.  Accountal)ility  of  employe  in  charge  of  office. 
719.  Assistants  to  obey  emi)loy6  in  charge.  720.  Receiving  mail  at 
car;  canceled  stamps  to  be  refused.  721.  Cancellation  of  postage- 
stamps.  722.  Postmarking  stamps  not  to  be  used  iov  cancellation. 
723.  Receiving  and  delivering  second-class  mail  at  cars.  724.  Mail 
to  be  made  up  by  States.  725.  Separate  nuiil  for  delivery  and  mail 
for  distribution.  726.  Direct  i)ackages.  727.  Letters  must  not  be 
placed  in  pouch  loose.  728.  Facing  slii)s  to  be  use  1.  729.  Check- 
ing errors.  730.  Disposition  of  slips  received.  731.  Distribution 
of  mail  by  schemes. 


I'OXTKNTS    BY    SECTIONS.  17 

Pages. 
Chapter  2. — IxsTHrcrioN's    to     Kmpi.ovks    Hanki.inc    ()i:i>i\ai:y     Maii.- 

Mattek— CoiitiniiiMl 1(;.'-1T:! 

Skc.  7'^2.  <)i«'ii  aiifl  (listriliulc  one  jioiicli  or  s.ick  at  ii  tiiiu-.  7:!:!. 
Abst'iiccMif  slijiM  oil  |»iick!i>(«'H  i»r  in  sacks.  ~'.\\.  Saik  to  Itc  tiirm-d 
inside  out.  7'M^>.  Pouches  to  lie  exaniinetl.  7:Ui.  I'linted  labels 
to  l)e  retnnied.  7157.  Trip  i<'i»orts  to  l>e.  tuiwardeil.  7'.\f^.  \"\>i'\- 
lance  leqiiircd  in  jiuardinj;  nniils.  I'M).  Waste  paper  ami  twine 
to  be  exaniineil.  740.  Disjiosition  of  nnniailable  matter  fonn<l  in 
the  mails.  741.  I'lunailable  matter  foiwarded  to  Siijicrintendent. 
74*2.  Mailable  matter  tnrin'd  in  as  unniailalde  to  he  cdncked  as 
errors.  74:J.  I'nmailable  matter  to  be  postmarked.  744.  Soldiers' 
and  sailors'  letters.  745.  Cliange  of  .sehednles  to  be  re]iorted.  746. 
Lettoi\s  outside  of  ponelies  to  he  reported.  747.  No  employ6  to  he 
absent  withojit  leave.  748.  In  ease  of  disahility,  pm)doyciuust  son<l 
certiticate.  749.  Employt^s'  record  of  arrivals  and  flejiartures.  7.')0. 
Posting  rec(u-d-book.  751.  Partial  duty  to  he  noted  on  record.  752. 
Employds  paid  for  daily  service.  7.53.  Address  of  employes.  754. 
IVriod  of  duty.  7.55.  Employes  must  aceomjiany  mails  to  and  from 
]>ost-otilices.  756.  Employds  must  examine  olliees  at  the  end  of  runs. 
757.  Keplies  to  otticial  connnunicatious.  758.  AVho  may  luxve  access 
tootlices.  759.  Trij)  permits  to  ride  in  offices.  700.  All  hut  annual 
permits  to  he  taken  up.  761.  Permits  not  good  for  transjjortation. 
762.  Sale  of  ptKstage-stamjishy  employes.  763.  Em]doy6s  on  duty  not 
to  traffic.  764.  IMust  not  impart  information  to  nnautliorized  ])er- 
sous.  765.  Turning  over  jnoperty  of  department.  766.  Forward- 
ing of  resignations.  767.  No  information  to  he  given  concerning 
vacancies.  768.  Intoxicating  liquors  jiroliiljited.  769.  Mail  in 
transit  not  to  he  delivere<l.  770.  Public  property  not  to  he  nsed 
for  private  pniiioses.  771.  Exchange  of  pouches.  772.  Mail  must 
not  he  delivered  at  places  not  ytost-offices.  773.  List  to  be  kept  of 
exchange  ixjuelies.  774,  Irregularities  to  he  repoi'ted.  775.  Mis- 
sent  nuitt-er  to  he  so  stamped.  770.  Mutilation  of  ]»roperty  prohib- 
ited. 777.  Employes  mnsj  examine  order  Tiook.  778.  Second-class 
and  other  matter  outside  of  mail-hags.  779.  Reading  mail-matter 
in  transit  forbidden.  780.  Case  examinations.  781.  Examinations 
<»f  employes  ou  their  instructions.  782.  Prohationary  appointees  to 
he  examined  monthly.  783.  Employes  on  night  lines.  784.  Secur- 
ing mail-locks  and  mail-keys.  785.  Notify  DiWsion  SaperinteiideiU. 
of  changes  needed  in  office.  786.  Employes  must  assist  special 
agents.  787.  Presence  of  special  agents  not  to  he  rei)orted.  78S. 
Accidents  to  mail  trains  to  he  rejjorted.  789.  Hooks  prohibited  iu 
handling  mail-bags.  790.  Courtesj'  to  public  enjoined.  791.  De- 
livery of  mails  at  catch  stations.  792.  Kules  of  railway  companies 
ohserved.  793.  Ignorance  of  rules  no  excuse  for  violations. 
Chapter  3. — Local  A(iKXTs  axd  tiikir  DtTiF.s 17:!-174 

Sec.  794.  Local  agents  under  supervision  of  Superintendent  Kailwav 
Mail  Service  only.  795.  Transfer  and  delivery  of  mails.  796.  Vi"-i- 
lance  in  guarding  uuiils.  797.  Sul»er^^sion  of  me.ssenger  8er\-ice. 
798.  Checking  mails  in  transit.  799.  Daily  reports.  800.  Exami- 
nations of  local  mail  agents.  801.  Arrivals  and  dejtartures  must 
he  recorded.  802.  Handling  registered  matter.  803.  Absence. 
804.  Courtesy  enjoined.  805.  Local  agents  governed  by  general 
instructions  to  employes. 

2r  L 


18  POSTAL    LAWS    AX])    KEOULATIOXS. 

Pnjje?. 

TITLE  V. 

THE  REGISTRY  SYSTEM  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Chnpfrr  1.— Rkckivixg,  TitAxsMiTTiXii,  and  Dr.LivKiiixc  Rr.(;isTEr,i:i>  Do- 
mestic Mail  Mattek IT.VISS 

Sec.  806.  Reo-istry  system  iiutUorizccl.  807.  Object  of  the  registry 
system.  808.  Means  employed  to  attain  safety.  80i).  Postmasters' 
duty  to  eucourage  registration.  810.  What  mail  matter  eau  be 
registered.  811.  No  registration  on  Sunday.  81-2.  Limit  of  fee  for 
registration  ;  no  fee  on  offirial  matter.  813.  Registration  fee.  814. 
Rules  for  sender  of  registered  letters.  815.  Rules  for  sender  of  third 
and  fourth  class  matter.  816.  Postmasters  must  not  addi-ess  and 
seal  letters.  817.  Registry  of  letters  containing  currency  for  re- 
demption. 818.  Special  instructions  for  registering  currency.  819. 
Receiving  mail  matter  for  registration.  820.  Numbering  registered 
matter  and  registei'ed  package  envelopes.  821.  Matter  becomes 
registered  after  a  receijit  is  given  therefor.  822.  Cancellation  of 
stamps,  registry  mark,  and  postmark.  823.  Registered  matter  to 
be  kept  secure.  824.  Receipt  to  be  taken  ni)on  delivery  of  regis- 
tered matter.  825.  The  registry-return-receipt.  826.  The  registry- 
bill.  827.  Registered-package-envelope.  828.  Preparing  regis- 
tered matter  for  dispatch.  829.  Matter  too  large  to  go  in  regis- 
tered-package-envelope. 830.  Registered-package-receii)t.  831. 
Disitatching  a  registered  package.  832.  Registered  matter  not  to 
be  tied  with  ordinsiry  mail  matter.  833.  Mail  messengers  and  mail 
carriers  notto  handle  registered  matter.  834.  Certifying  to  proper 
dispatch  of  registered  matter.  835.  Sending  registered  matter  to 
an  office  from  distant  j)ost-office.  836.  Never  send  registered  mat- 
ter direct  over  railway  mail  routes.  837.  Postmasters  receiving  reg- 
istered })ackagcs  for  their  j)ost-offices.  838.  Postmasters  receiving 
registered  packages  in  transit.  839.  Recording  registei-cd  packages 
in  transit  and  returning  receipts.  840.  Continuous  examination, 
record,  and  system  of  receipts.  841.  Record-of-registerctl-mattcr-in- 
transit.     842.  When  registered  packages  should  go  in  way  pouches. 

843.  Registered  packages  must  be  sent  by  the  most  secure  route. 

844.  Postmasters  must  observe  the  registry  schemes.  845.  Indors- 
ing registered  packages.  846.  Checking  return  of  package  receipts 
and  bills.  847.  Failure  to  retiirn  registered-package-recciitt.  848. 
Failure  to  return  registry-bill.  849.  Circular  of  iu([uiry  returned 
indorsed  "not  received."  850.  Misdirected  registered  packages 
in  transit  not  to  be  opened.  851.  Misdirected  registered  postage- 
stamj)  packages,  etc.  852.  Registered  packages  found  in  bad 
order  or  damaged  in  transit.  853.  Postmasters  to  receive  registiued 
matter  from  emjiloyds.  854.  Rules  for  registered  packages  uniform 
for  all  matter.  855.  Registered  postage-stamp  i)ackages  damaged 
in  transit.  856.  Receiving  registered  matter  at  a  ])ost-otirti('  for  de- 
livery. 857.  Omissions  on  registry-bill  and  registry-return-receijit 
to  be  sup]died.  858.  Failure  to  send  registry-bill  or  registry-returu- 
receipt.  859.  Treatment  of  registered  letters  arriving  in  bad 
order.  8ij0.  Registered  letters  found  unseali'd.  861.  No  charge  to 
be  made  on  the  delivery  of  registered  nuitter,  862.  Rejjort  to  lie 
nuide  of  deticieut  postage  or  fee.     863.  Registry-notices  to  be  sent. 


('(>.\li:.N"rs    i;V    SKCTIONS.  19 

Chaplir  1.  —  IvKCKlx  i\(;,  'I'ltANsvi:  i  i  i\(i,  ami  1)i;i.i\  i:i:in'i.  I>'i:(,isi  i:i!i;i>  I)u- 

MKSTic  Mail  MAiTKit — Couliimnl 17r.-183 

Skc.  ti'M,  A  Vi(»x-IioltU'r  to  l>c  iiiitifu'il  ulicii  n-yistfrnl  nuitli'r  arrives. 
86.').  DolivtTy  of  ro^iisttircd  letter  or  pjircol.  ti  Ji).  Delivery  otrej^iH- 
tored  matter  liy  carriers.  H(57.  Name  of  carrier  delivering;  registered 
matter  must  ajipear.  tiG'i.  Utmost  care  roqiiired  in  delivery.  Hiill. 
Kesi»oiisil)ility  for  wroiijx  delivery.  ^70.  Proper  sij;iiature  re(|iiireil. 
H71.  Kejfistry-retiirii-receilit  to  lie  ii'iiiailcd  to  the  sender.  H72.  Xo 
postajie  re([iiired  on  rej;istry-l)ills  and  re}i;istry-retnrn-reeeipts.  nl'.l. 
Rej>istered  matter  received  for  delivery  to  insane  or  dead  persons. 
b74.  Attachment  of  rejiistered  letters.  H7.').  Frandnlent  re<fistered 
letters  may  he  returned.  87(i.  Undelivered  rejristered  matter  to  he 
returned  to  mailinj;'  ]>ost-ol1ice.  877.  Refused  reiiistered  letters  or 
jiarcels.  S7H.  Orif^inal  record  to  show  leturn  of  a  letter  or  parcel. 
879.  When  returned  re<j;istered  matter  eaimot  he  delivered  to  seud- 
cr.  880.  Soudiug  rei^istered  letters  or  parcids  to  the  Dead-Letter 
Office.  881.  Forwarding  registered  letters  or  jtarcels.  882.  Mis- 
seut  registered  letters  oi-  ])nrcels  received.  883.  Writer  cannot  con- 
trol registered  letter  after  mailing.  884.  Response  to  inquiries. 
885.  Tracers  for  stamj)e(l-envelo]»e  or  postal-card  i)ackage8.  886. 
Treatment  ofxegistered  matter  found  among  ordinary  mail  matter. 
887.  Report  to  the  Chief  Special  Agent  lost  or  missing  registered 
matter.  888.  Quarterly  rt'ports  to  Third  Assistant  PostmasteT- 
General.  889.  No  entry  in  account  current  of  fees  or  postiige  on 
registered  matter.  , 890,  Accounts  of  registeied  matter.  891.  Dis- 
position of  registered-package-envelopes  which  have  heeii  used. 
892.  Blanks  used  in  registration.  893.  Envelopes  used  in  registry 
husiness.  894.  Registry  supplies  to  he  kept  up.  895.  I'ostmasters 
to  take  special  interest  in  success  of  registry  sy.stem.  896.  Post- 
masters not  to  reprimand  other  postmastera,  897.  Postmasters 
in  donht  as  to  their  duty. 

Chnjilcr  2. — Re.speciixg  Registerkd  Letteijs  ani>  Pakcels  Addkessko 

TO,  on  OkktIxatixg  ix,  Foreigx  Couxtkies 183-19 ) 

Sec.  898.  Registered  correspondence  for  foreign  countries.  899.  Regis- 
traticm  fee  to  foreign  countries.  900.  Postmasters  registering  foreign 
matter  consult  Postal  Guide.  901.  Registered  packages  misdirected 
to  foreign  post -offices.  902.  S^'uder  may  demand  a  regi-stry-return- 
receipt  from  foreign  countries.  903.  Registry-return-receipts  to 
foreign  countries.  904.  Matter  which  cannot  he  registered  to  for- 
eign countries.  905.  Mark  Forekjx  on  registered  packages  inclos- 
ing foreign  matter.  906.  Registered  matter  from  foreign  countries. 
907.  Registry-retiiru-receiiJts  of  foreign  origin.  908.  Undelivered 
foreign  registered  letters  or  parcels.  909.  Foreign  registry-retnrn- 
receipts  not  sent  to  Dead-Letter  Office.  910.  Registered  matter 
supposed  to  he  liable  to  customs  duty.  911.  Foreign  registered  mat- 
ter specially  held  for  delivery.  912.  Forwarding  registered  matter 
in  the  Universal  Postal  Union.  913.  I'ostnuirk  foreign  registered 
matter  at  exchange  post-ofliees.  914.  Don't  write  to  foreign  prist- 
masters. 

Cha})ter  3.— The  Traxsmis.siox  ok  TnuouGii-REtiisTEUEO-rorciiEs 19i»-194 

Sec.  915.  Object  of  this'  branch  of  tlie  registry  system.  916.  ]Meaiis 
used  for  carrying  on  the  through-registered-pouch-service.  917. 
Exchanges  directed  to  be  made  invariably.  918.  Sui)i)lies  for 
thi-ongh-r(>gistered-pi)uch-oflices,  how  used  and  kept.  919.  Addi- 
tional sn])plies. 


20  POSTAL    LAWS    A^;D    ELOrLATIO^'S. 

ragos. 
Cliapler  3. — Traxsmission  ok  Tnuouciii-EEGisTERKD-i'OUcnES — Contiuued.  100-104 
Sec.  920.  Registered  matter  dis])atclie(l  in  throimli-registered-pouelies. 
921.  Prepar.itiou  of  matter  for  tlirongli-registered-pouclies.  922. 
Signing  tlie  poucli-bill  and  copying.  923.  Inspection  before  closing. 
924.  Labeling  and  locking.  92.5.  Manner  of  indicating  dispatch  of 
extra  tlirongb-registered-poticbcs.     926.  Object  of  the  registry  disk. 

927.  Extra  througli-registered-poncbes,  etc.,  to  be  promptly  rctnmed. 

928.  Throngb-registered-poucli  in  bad  order.  929.  Checking  con- 
tents of  throngb-registered-ponch.  930.  Safety  of  registered  locks 
and  keys.  931.  Through-registered-ponches  in  transit,  when  to  be 
opened.  932.  Discrepancy  in  contents  of  tlu'ongh-registered-poiich. 
933.  Record  of  delays  to  be  kept.  934.  Damaged  registered  locks 
and  keys.  93.5.  Throng]i-registered-i)onch  or  blank  must  be  deliv- 
ered. 936.  Non-delivery  of  through- registered -ponches.  937. 
Throngh-registered-ponches,  when  to  be  taken  into  terminal  post- 
office.  938.  Disposition  of  through-registered-pouches  in  bad  order 
in  transit. 

Chapter'^. — The  Haxdlixct  of  Registered  INIatteu  by  Railway  ^Iail 

Employes 104-196 

Sec.  939.  Registered  packages  between  post-oftices  and  office  to  be 
pouched.  940.  Railway-mail-registry-books.  941.  Record  of  regis- 
tered matter  ke^it.  942.  Receiving  registered  matter  at  terminal 
post-offices.  943.  Receipt  for  registered  matter.  944.  Postmarking 
and  retiu'ning  registered-package-receipts.  945.  Registered  matter 
not  to  be  delivered  to  employes  of  railroads.  946.  Receipting  for 
I'egistered  matter.  947.  Illegible  postmark  on  registered  packages. 
948.  Examination  of  condition  of  registered  packages.  949.  Regis- 
tered-package-receipts to  be  properly  filled  out.  950.  Forward  reg- 
istered mail  in  a  pouch.  951.  Check  return  of  registered-i)ackage- 
receipt  and  forward  duplicate.  952.  Registered nuitterftu' through- 
registered-iiouch-offices.  953.  Registered  matterfor  delivery  to  con- 
necting office.  9.54.  Get  receipt  for  registered  matter  and  registry 
books.  955.  Turn  over  registry  books  when  full  to  Division  Super- 
intendent. 

TITLE    VI. 

THE  M0^'1•:Y-0RDER  SYSTEM  OF  THE  I'NITED  STATES. 

ChaploX.  Establishment  and  General  Provisions 107-201 

Sec.  9.56.  Establishment  of  money-order  systeuL  0.57.  Object  of  the 
monej'-order  system.  958.  Design  of  Congress  in  establishing  the 
money-order  system.  9.59.  Postmast«'rs  to  issue  money  orders.  Re- 
s]ionsibility  therefor.  960.  Issue  of  money  orders  by  clerks.  Post- 
master's resp<uisibility.  961.  Postnuistersto  designate  clerks  to  sign 
money  orders,  wbcn.  9(52.  Signature  l>y  clerks  foi' postmasters  and 
by  acting  postmasters.  963.  Classification  ()f  money-order  post- 
oftices.  9t)4.  New  bonds  required  when  post-oflice  is  made  money- 
order  otticc.  065.  Books,  circulars,  and  blanks  furnished  to  money- 
order  offices.  966.  Duty  of  retiring  postmaster  at  money-order  i)ost- 
office.  967.  Duty  of  iiH'onung  postmasterat  uioncy-order  post-office. 
968.  Extra  compensation  forissuing  and  pa\  lug  money  orders.  969. 
Payment  Ibr  statiimery  andincidentals  oiii  of  money-order  proceeds. 
070.  Surplus  money-oriler  jn-oceeds,  liow  accnur.tcd  Ibr.  IJmit  ol" 
clerk  liire.  071.  Sjiecial  permission  reciuired  foi-  ail  <'Xp(  iiditures. 
1)72.    I'dst  iiiastrrs  1o  rccoiiiiiicnd   iiioiic\ -order  sxsteni  to  the  nublie. 


fOXl'KNI'S    I'.V    SDCTIOXS,  21 

(iKiptrr  1. — Ksr.\iij,isii.\ii;.N  I   and  (!K\i;it.\L  I'kovision.s— Contiimid l'.>7-20l 

.Skc.  i>7:?.  rdstiiiastcrs  must  cDiiloiin  strictly  to  rcjfulatioiis.     '.t?  1.   NO    " 
iiioncy-ordtT   Imsiiii'ss   oii    Smidiiy.     ilT').   Lcttr-rs  on   iiioiicy-ordcr 
business  to  lie  torwiirdrd  si'));ir;it('Iy.     i'Td.   I'ostiuiistiT-fifiiciiil  ni;iy 
in.'ikc  ("orcifiii  money-order  coil vi'iit  ions.     '.(77.    I'oolvs  (o  In-  l\i'|tt  ;it 
money-order  ]»ost-ottiees. 
Chaphr'i. — Issik  of  Domkstic  Monky-Oudi'.ijs 'JOI-'JO? 

Skc.  1*78.  Hliink  forms  of  niipiiciition  to  he  supplied.  i»7l».  I'osf- 
m.isters  proliiidted  fiinn  tillinj;-  up  money-ordcn- npidieationa.  'JHO. 
Printed  forms  to  be  furnished  for  money  orders.  981.  Money-order 
advices.  982.  No  monej'^  order  to  be  issued  on  credit.  983.  Fees 
niton  money  orders;  no  order  for  more  than  fifty  doUar.s.  984. 
FracI  ional  parts  of  a  cent  not  to  bo  included.  ;H5.  Only  three  fifty- 
dollar  t)rders  to  one  jterson  for  same  payee.  9^(5.  Issninj;  money 
onh-rs  and  transmitting  advices.  937.  Stamping  money  orders  and 
advices.  93H.  Persons  iirocuring  money  orders  mn.st  carefully 
examine  them.  989.  Signature  of  postmaster  on  money  orders 
lunst  be  written.  990.  When  errors  are  made,  uew  orders  must  be 
nnide  out.  991.  How  to  use  blank  money  orders  and  advices.  992. 
Omitted  and  defective  blanks  to  be  reported.      993.    Postmasters 

.  responsible  for  loss  of  nmney-order  forms.  994.  How  ])0stmasters 
should  make  out  advici-s.  995.  "When  second  advices  should  be 
issued.  996.  Amount  of  order  to  l)e  in  writing.  997.  Orders  may 
be  drawn  upon  Avhat  post-oflices.  998.  Notice  money-order  offices 
discontinued.  999.  Postmastei's  to  instruct  applicants  on  what 
post-ollice  to  draw.  1000.  Money  orders  to  be  recorded  when  issued. 
1001.  Report  when  !j$300  is  drawn  \\\nn\  other  than  first-class  post- 
offices.  1002.  Advices  to  be  checked  to  insuri;  ettrrectness.  100;5. 
Keissne  of  nutney  orders ;  new  fee  required.  1004.  Rules  for  reis-  , 
suing  mouey  orders.  100.5.  Issue  of  driplicate  money  orders.  1006. 
Du])licate  money  orders  issued  only  by  superinteudeut.  1007.  Duty 
of  postmasters  applying  for  duplicate  money  order.  1008.  Second 
advice  furnished  when  needed  to  get  duplicate.  1009.  Original 
order  may  be  jtaid  before  duplicate  is  issued.  1010.  Duty  of  post- 
master certifying  to  uou-paymeut  of  order.  1011.  Postmasters  can- 
not issue  duplicates.  1012.  On  what  post-ofticcs  duplicates  can  be 
drawn. 
ChajUer  3.^Pa ym ext  ( n'  Do.mf.stic  Mon  k v-Oiiders 207-213 

Sec.  1013.  Money-order  good  only  one  year  from  date.  1014.  Only 
one  indcn-sement  allowed  on  money-orders.  1015.  Postmasters 
unist  have  payees  identified.  1016.  Money-orders  must  not  be  i>aid 
until  advice  is  received.  1017.  Advices  examined  ami  filed  as  re- 
ceived. 1018.  Advices  must  be  kept  secret.  1019.  Missent  advices 
to  be  remailed.  1020.  Second  advices  to  be  entered  when  received. 
1021.  Precautions  to  be  taken  before  paying  orders.  1022.  Orders 
not  properly  issued  to  Ije  refused  payment.  1023.  lni[uiry  f(U'  miss- 
ing advice.  1024.  Duty  of  postmaster  when  order  does  not  agree 
with  advice.  1025.  Postmasters  must  provide  against  delays  in 
paying  orders.  1026.  Paid  orders  to  be  stamped  and  recorded. 
1027,  Payment  by  duplicate  to  be  note«l.  1028.  Payment  upon 
power  of  attorney  or  to  legal  representative.  1029.  Orders  must 
be  correctly  receipted  and  stamped.  1030.  Payment  of  order  on 
day  of  issue.  l();5l.  Department  not  responsible  after  payment  of 
ordei-. 


22  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Pages. 

Chapter  3. — Payment  of  Domestic  Moxey-Ouders — Contmned •207-2Vi 

Sec.  1032.  How  ordei's  more  than  a  year  old  may  be  paid.  1033. 
Advices  to  be  examined  for  orders  over  a  year  old.  1034.  Payment 
of  amount  of  money-orders  illegally  indorsed.  1035.  Repajaneut 
of  money-order  to  applicant.  1036!  Rules  for  repaying  orders. 
1037.  Reiiaid  orders  to  be  so  stamped.  103S.  Repaid  orders  to  be 
signed  by  whom.  1039.  Repayment  by  duiilicate.  1040.  Special 
notice  of  repayment,  how  entered.  1041.  Postmasters  to  pay  only 
orders  drawn  on  their  post-ofitices,  1042.  Notice  to  be  sent  to  payee 
of  duxdicate.  1043.  Postmaster-General  may  stop  payment  of 
money  orders,  when.  1044.  When  postnmsters  should  withhold 
payment  of  money-orders. 

Cluipier  i. — Issue  axd  Payment  ok  Foreign  Money-Orders 214-221 

Sec.  104.5.  Exchange  of  money-orders  with  Great  Britain.  104G.  In- 
ternational money-orders ;  how  drawn.  1047.  Form  of  application 
for  international  order.  1048.  Issuing  postmaster  not  to  decide  coin 
value  of  currency.  1040.  Postmaster  at  New  York  decides  coin 
value  of  currency.  1050.  Lists  of  international  postal  orders. 
1051.  Payment  of  international  money-orders.  10.52.  Inquiry  for 
missing  international  money -orders.  1053.  Repayment  of  interna- 
tional money-orders.  1054.  Issue  of  duplicate  international  money- 
orders.  1055.  Exchange  of  orders  with  Germany,  Switzerland,  and 
Italy.  1056.  Fees  for  orders  on  Switzerland  and  Italy.  1057.  Fees 
for  orders  on  Germany.  1058.  Special  rules  for  orders  on  Germany, 
Switzerland,  and  Italy.  10.59.  Interchange  of  money-orders  with 
Canada.  1060.  Issue  of  orders  on  Canada  and  Newfoundland;  inland 
offices.  1061.  Postmasters  not  to  decide  value  of  currency  in  Ca- 
nadian money.  1032.  Applications  for  Canadian  money-orders. 
1063.  Payment  of  Canadian  money-orders.  1064.  Daily  reports  of 
pi'emium  on  gold  to  be  tiled.  1065.  Canadian  money-orders  to  be 
stamped  on  receipt.  1066.  Rexiayment  of  Canadian  money-orders. 
1067.  Invalid  Canadian  money-orders.  1068.  Imjuiries  about  Ca- 
nadian money-orders.  1069.  Issue  of  duplicate  Canadian  money- 
orders.  1070.  General  rules  for  international  money-onlcr  business. 
1071.  When  gold  and  paper  are  at  par. 

Chapter  5. — Money-order  Funds  and  Accounts 221-229 

Sec.  1072.  Trausferof  money-order  funds.  1073.  Transfer  by  warrant 
of  money-order  funds.  1074.  What  are  money-order  funds.  1075. 
Postmastets'  weekly  reports  of  money-order  funds.  1076.  Embez- 
zlement of  money-order  funds.  Penalty;  explanation.  1077.  How 
to  write  up  the  cash-book.  1078.  Transferi-ing  postage  funds  to 
money-or*"  er  acconut.  1079.  Entry  of  transferred  funds  in  cash-ljook. 
1080.  The  lixed  reserve.  1081.  Daily  remittance  of  money-order 
funds.  108k;.  Receipts  for  daily  remittances.  1083.  No  credit  for 
remittances  until  receipt  is  obtained.  1084.  Daily  reports  of  remit- 
tances received.  1065.  Postmasters  nmst  remit  and  deposit  prompt- 
ly. 1086.  Unpaid  advices  less  than  two  weeks  old  in  weekly  state- 
ments. 1087.  Money-order  funds  not  subject  to  rules  of  postal  funds. 
1088.  Weekly  statements,  how  transmitted.  1089.  Money-oi'der  cash 
must  be  ke))t  separately.  1090.  Weekly  statements  to  be  numbered 
consecutively.  109L  Make  up  weekly  statements  every  Saturday. 
1092.  Statemejits  of  "no  business."  1093.  Weekly  statements  at 
close  of  (piarter  yeai'.  1094.  Vouchers  to  ai'coni))aiiy  weekly  state- 
ments. 


(•ONTi:X'l"S    l!V    SKCTIONS.  23 

Ch(ipl(r7>. — M()\i;v-<)i:i)i;i;  1'inhs  .\m>  Accoinis — Cdiit iniicil -i'Jl-'^^ 

Si;c.  109.').  Credits  :ill()\veil  "ii  .New  York.  lOKs;.  Diiifls  ii^^'iiiiist 
credits,  liow  made.  1()*J7.  Specinl  dratts  lor  eiiierjfeiicies.  iK'.tH. 
Drafts  must  always  lie  on  forms  furiiislied.  l(Kti>.  Speeial  iiistnictioiis 
alioiit  remit taiiees.  lUHt.  I'ostiri.-isters  may  de]>nsif  in  national 
liaiiks.  when.  llUl.  I  miinrtaiiir  nf  iHompt  ly  transniitt  ini^  weekly 
statemenls. 

TiTi.i-:  \'ii. 

i;.\('iiAN(;i:   of   corkespondknx'k   with    roni:i(;.\ 

COUNTKIES. 

Chapter  1. — Tiik  I'xivkh.sai,  Postal  rxiox ^I'l-^TS 

Sec.  1102.  The  Convention  of  Paris,  llli:'..  ]-Jej-nlatioiis  of  detail  and 
order  under  Paris  Convention.  1104.  l'osta{;i' au<l  refristrati(Ui  fee 
to  jiostal-uuiou  countries.  110.').  The  metrie  system  of  weij^hts 
used  for  foreijiu  mails.     llOfi.  Countries  aiul  colonies  of  the  Union. 

1107.  Paris  Convention  does  ]U)t  fjovern  exchange   with   Canada. 

1108.  Pates  of  postage  and  conditions  of  prepayment.  1109.  Mode 
of  prepayment.  1110.  Franking  of  jxistal  eorrcsjJoudeiH-e.  1111. 
Postmarking,  lll'i.  Registration.  111:?.  Coiulitions  of  form  and 
weight.  1114.  Printed  nuittcr  deiined.  111.").  Commercial  papers 
detined.  IIIG.  Articles  excluded  from  reduced  postage.  1117.  Ar- 
ticles excluded  from  postal-nnicm  mails.  IIIB.  Special  arrange- 
ments with  certain  countries.  1119.  luteruatioual  postal  card. 
1120.  Reforwarding.  1121.  Articles  not  transmissible  or  limited 
in  weight  to  Italy.  1122.  Addressing  corresjiondencc  to  Ru.ssia. 
1121?.  Newspapers  for  Russia,  restrictions.  1124.  Letters  of  de- 
clared value  not  almissihle  to  Union  nuiils.  1125.  List  of  excliaugc 
l)ost-otitices. 

Chapter 'i. — CoiniEspoxDicxcK  ixdkr  Si-kcial  AinjAXiiK.MKNTs,  axd  wnit 

COUXTKIES    XOT    IN   THE    I'XIYEKSAL  POSTAL    I'XIOX 274-2'S2 

Sec.  1126.  Special  postal  conventions  and  airangeinents.  1127.  Pates 
of  postage  when  not  fixed  by  convention.  112H.  Rates,  etc.,  for 
non-Uniou  countries  by  direct  mails.  1129.  List  of  principal  non- 
union countries.  1180.  Rates  to  nou-Union  countries  on  matter  not 
sent  direct.  1131.  Postal  Guide  to  be  consulted  for  foreign-postage 
tiible.  Ii:i2.  Miscellaneous  provisions  and  suggestions.  1133. 
Treatment  of  dutiable  articles.  1134.  Dutiable  printed  matter  in 
foreign  nuiils.  113.').  Discretional  rendssion  of  duties  on  single 
books.  113,1.  Consuls  may  pay  foreign  postage  on  letters  for  the 
United  States.  1137.  Retaliatory  ])ostage  on  certain  foreign  mat- 
ter. 1138.  Letters  brought  by  foreign  \'essels  to  be  deposited  in 
l)ost-ofTfice. 

TITLE  VIII. 

Ari)iTiN(;  I'O.^rAL  accounts. 

Chapter  1. — The  Aidiioi;  ok  thk  Tukasikv  kok  thk    Post-Oii-ke  De- 

PAllTMEXT 2r3-2S6 

Sec.  1139.  Auditor,  how  appointed.  1140.  Duties  of  Auditor  gener- 
ally stated.  1141.  Divisions  of  Auditor's  otliee.  1142.  Tlie  duties 
of  the  Auditor  as  i)res<ribed  by  statute.  1143.  Accounts  of  Post- 
Ottice  Department,  how  to  be  kept.  1144.  To  superintend  collection 
'of  debts  due  the  Department.  1145.  Accounts  of  the  uutney-order 
Ijusiness. 


24  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    KEGI'LATIOXS. 


Paftcs. 


CluqAer  1. — TuF.  Aidit:)!;  of  tuf   Tinc.vsriiV   foi;  tiif  1N)st-(  )ffuf  Df- 

1>AUTMENT — Cuutiauod •^To-'SSe 

Sec.  1145.  Accounts  of  expciisiis  i)ai(l  liy  po.stmu.sters  to  be  wtatcd. 
1147.  Compromise  of  jmlgmeuts  to  l>c  made,  liow.  1148.  Papers 
required  iu  suits  for  deliuqucucies,  i-tc.  1149.  Oaths  in  settlement 
with  Auditor.  1150.  Appeal  to  First  Comi)troller  from  Auditor's 
settlement. 

Chapkr  2. — Postmasifks'  QuAitTEKLV  EKTiTtxs 286-289 

Sec.  1151.  Quarterly  accounts  of  receipts.  1152.  Quarterly  accounts 
to  be  sworn  to.  1153.  Neglect  to  render  accounts ;  penalty.  1154. 
Time  of  forwarding  ([uarterly  returns.  1155.  What  composes  the 
(luartcrly  return.  1156.  Manner  of  nuiiling  (quarterly  return.  1157. 
Transcripts  must  accompany  account-current.  1158.  Written  ac- 
counts will  not  Ite  audited.  11.59.  Quarterly  returns  to  include  but 
one  quarter.  1160.  Printed  labels  for  retui'us  from  Presidential 
post-offices.  1161.  Detailed  statement  from  Presidential  post-offices. 
1162.  Accounts  of  outgoing  and  incoming  postmasters.  1163.  Ac- 
counts of  deceased  postmasters.  1164.  Postmaster  giving  new  bond. 
Return  not  changed.  1165.  Originals  must  be  retained.  1166.  Who 
must  sign  account-current.  1167.  Correction  of  errors  in  account. 
1168.  Record  to  be  kept  of  receipts  by  postmasters.  1169.  Duty  of 
postmaster  when  returns  are  lost  in  the  mail.  1170.  Unreasonable 
delay  in  presenting  claims.  1171.  Allowance  for  advertising  letters. 
1172.  Items  not  to  be  entered  on  the  account-current.  1173.  No 
allowance  for  expenditures  Avithout  vouchers.  1174.  No  allowance 
for  administering  oaths.  1175.  Indorsement  on  back  of  account- 
current.     1176.  Blank  forms,  how  prociired. 

Chapkr  3. — Accounts  Current  and  Transcript — Forms 2'^9-295 

Sec.  1177.  Forms  for  use  at  Presidential  post-offices.  1178.  Forms  for 
use  at  fourth-class  post-offices. 

Chapter  4.— The  General  Postal  Account 296-298 

Sfc.  1179.  Postmasters  to  keep  general  account.  ll^^O.  Statement 
to  be  sent  quarterly  to  Auditor.  1181.  Debit  side  of  account. 
1182.  Credit  side  of  account.  1183.  Distinction  between  quarterly 
and  general  account.  1184.  General  account  to  be  sent  separately 
to  Auditor.  118.5.  Vouchers  to  be  kept  by  postmasters.  1186.  Post- 
master and  Auditor  to  compare  accounts.  1187.  Blanks  for  general 
account.  1188.  Fourth-class  postmasters'  general  account.  1189. 
All  payment  to  be  made  for  each  quarter  before  transmitting  ac- 
counts.    1190.  Forms  of  account  for  fourth-class  post-offices. 

Chapter  5. — Collection  of  Debts  due  the  Department 299-:>0(/ 

Sec.  1191.  Collection  by  contractors'  orders.  1192.  Collectit)n  by 
drafts.  1193.  Postmasters  expected  to  honor  drafts.  1194.  Notifi- 
cation to  Auditor  of  payment  of  draft.  1195.  Notification  of  non- 
payment. 1196.  Report  of  cause  of  failure  to  collect.  1197.  Re- 
sponsibility for  uncollected  drafts.  1198.  Postmast«'rs  may  be  re- 
moved for  neglect  to  collect.  1199.  Suits  upon  collection-drafts. 
1200.   Colh^ction-drafts  not  issued  for  money-order  funds. 

Chapter  6.— Renewal  of  Lost  Warrants  or  Drafts 300-301 

Sec.  1201.  Indemnity  l)ond  for  duplicate  warrant.  12(»2.  Certilicatc 
of  non-payment.  1203.  No  bond  re((uired  for  dui)]ic:ite  draft.  1204. 
Tenor,  force,  and  cfifcct  of  dupliciite.  1205.  Renewal  of  lost  collec- 
tion-draits. 


CON'I'KXTS    nv    -iHCTlONs.  25 

I'a;;os. 

Ciiiq>l(r7. — 1'U(><i:i".I)Im;s  in  Sins :i(»l-i{05 

Sl'X".  rifX).  ("iniiil  .111(1  (lisliict  courts,  jurisdiction  uinlcr  |»osi,il  laws. 
1'2()7.  Attiiclnucnts  iu  postiil  Huits.  l"i(H.  Ai)j>licatioii  for  warnint, 
l>y  whom  iiud  lunv  luailc.  12:tl>.  Issuinji  warrant;  duty  of  clerk 
and  marshal.  1210.  Ownership  of  attached  property — trial.  l'2ll. 
Proceeds  of  attached  property  to  be  invested.  1212.  I'nlilication  of 
attachment.  I'Jl:?.  Holders  of  defendant's  property  to  account  tor 
it.  1214.  Diseharjjeof  attachment,  bond.  121.").  Accrued  rij^hts  not 
to  he  abridged.  I21t>.  Attachments  dissolved  in  conformity  with 
State  laws.  1217.  What  credits  allowed  in  suits.  1218.  Suits  of 
United  States  against  individuals,  what  credits  allowed.  1210. 
.Tn<lgment  at  return  term,  unless.  1220.  Interest  on  balance  due 
Tost-Ortice  Department.  1221.  Duties  of  United  Stati-s  attr)rneys. 
1222.  rroceedings  in  equity,  when.  1223.  Copies  of  post -ottice  rcc- 
ordsandof  Auditor's  statement  of  accounts.  1224.  ('<>i>ies  of  state- 
ments of  demands  by  I'ost-Otlice  Department.  122.').  IJcturn  of 
marshal  to  Auditor. 

TITLE  IX. 

CKiMKs  AND  :\iisdi:mi:an()1{s  agadsST  the  oi'EK'ATK )Ns  <»i"  the 

rOST-OFFK'E  DEl'AirniEXT :}r»7-31(J 

Six.  122G.  Forging  postal  money-orders.  1227.  Forging  or  conntcr- 
feitiug  postage-stamps,  dies,  etc.  122-\  Forging  or  counterfeiting 
foreign  i>ostage-stanips.  1221).  Injuring  mail-matter  iu  street  mail- 
ing-box, etc.  12:50.  Emijez/lement  of  letteis  containing  inclosures. 
1231.  Meaning  of  words ''intended  to  be  conveyed  by  mail."  1232. 
Penalty  for  detaining  letters.  1233.  Penalty  for  detaining,  open- 
ing, or  destroying  letters.  1'234.  Penalty  for  intercepting  or  .secret- 
ing letters.  1235.  Stealing  or  fraudulently  obtaining  mail.  Open- 
ing valuable  letters.  123(i.  Receiving  articles  stolen  frcun  the  mail. 
1'237.  Stealing,  detaining,  or  destroying  newsjiapers.  12.38.  Rob- 
bery of  the  mail.  1'23[>.  Attempting  to  rob  the  mail.  1'240.  De- 
serting the  mail.  12  H.  Stealing  post-otitiee  property.  1242.  Injur- 
ing mail-bags,  etc.  1243.  Stealing  or  forging  mail  locks  or  keys. 
1'244.  Breaking  into  and  entering  post-ottice.  124.3.  Counti-rfciting 
bid,  bond,  etc.  1240.  Sending  lettei-s  through  the  mail  with  intent 
to  defraud.  1247.  Accessory  to  robbery  of  tlu*  mail.  1'248.  Acces- 
sory to  .ste.iling  mail-nuitter.  l"24',l.  Willfully  neglecting  to  deposit 
postal  revenues.  1250.  Fraudulent  receipts  of  postage.  1"251. 
Painting  upon  vessel,  etc.,  words  "  U.  S.  Mail."  1'25'2.  Penalty  for 
using,  washing,  selling,  canceled  stamps.  1253.  Aiding  or  abetting 
in  trading  in  obscene  literature. 

TITLE   X. 

POSTAL  AND  OTHER  OFFICIAL  TELEGRAMS :'.17-3-,'0 

Sec.  1254.  Telegraph  companies  granted  right  of  way  over  public 
domain.  12.55;  Telegraph  companies  to  take  nniterial  from  puVdie. 
lands.  1256.  Telegraph  companies  nuiy  not  transfer  above-granted 
rights.  1'257.  Priority  of  otticial  tidegrams.  1258.  United  States 
may  purchase  telegrai>li-lines.  l'2.5ll.  To  secure  rights  telegraph 
companies  must  accept  obligations.  1260.  Penalty  for  I'cfusal  to 
transmit  dispatches  at  rates  tixed.  l"26l.  Rates  for  official  tele- 
grams as  fixed  by  the  Postnuister-Gcneral.  I'2(i2.  Telegra]ih  com- 
panies subject  to  foregoing  .sections. 


26  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIOXS. 

TITLE  XI. 

EXECUTIVE    ORDERS   AFFECTING  THE  POSTAL  ORGANIZATIOX. 

PllgCS. 

No.  1.  Oriler  of  President  Graut  forbidding  Federal  offieers  from  liolding  State 

and  mnnicipal  offices 321-322 

2.  Explanation  of  the  foregoing 322-323 

3.  Pr<'sident  Hayes's  civil-service  order 323 

TITLE   XII. 

OPINIONS    OF   THE    ASSISTANT    ATTORNEY-GENERAL   FOR    THE 
POST-OFFICE  DEPARTMENT. 

No.    1.  Local  or  drop  letters ;  tlieir  character  and  rights 32.5-327 

2.  Delivery  of  lettei-s.     Effect  of  injnuctious  of  State  conrts .328-330 

3.  Mail-matter  by  express 330-331 

4.  Production  of  letters  before  a  State  court  under  process  duces  tecum.  :?;U-333 

5.  Letter-1)oxes.     Letters  addi-essed  to  fictitious  names,  how  disposed 

of 333-335 

0.  Sureties  upon  contracts;  their  liability,  how  tested 33.5-330 

7.  Official  envelopes;  misuse  of,  by  private  individuals 33G-337 

8.  Payment  of  money  orders  to  lictitious  address ;  validity  of  power 

of  attorney  after  decease  of  grantor 337-339 

9.  Fraudulent  use  of  the  mails 339-340 

10.  Advertising  sheets;  what  constitutes  a  regular  jjublication  designed 

primarily  for  ad verti sing  purposes :H0-344 

11.  Delivery  of  letters  to  trustees  of  insolvent  tirm 344-345 

List  of  all  opinions  given  by  the  Assistant  Attorney-General  for  the  Post- 

Otlice-Departnient 34(V3.V2 

TITLE    XIII. 

ADDENDA.— CHANGES  IN  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGFLATIONS  MADE 

SINCE  THE  PIPLICATION  O F  THIS  YOLFME :?53-3G8 

REFERENCE  INDEX  TO  THE  REVISED  STATUTES  OF  THE  UNITED 
STATES  from  sections  of  the  Revised  Statutes  .and  subsequent  volumes 
of  the  Statutes  at  Large  to  sections  of  the  Postal  Laws  and  Regulations..       3(;9-375 

ALPHABETICAL  AND  ANALYTICAL  INDEX :!77- 12 ! 

GLOSSARY  OF  POSTAL  TECHNICALITIES 425-  134 

APPENDIX.— An  abstract  of  the  Ibrmer  postal  laws  of  the  United  States, 
showing  the  various  changes  in  the  classilication  of  mail-matter,  domestic 
I'ates  of  postage,  and  in  the  franking  privilege  from  17K)  to  March  3, 1^79..       435-l."4 


SPECIAL  IXSTUUCTIOXS  TO  POST:\r ASTERS. 


I.  All  necessary  hlaiiks  ami  iiosl-otliee  siipi>Iies  aiitlidrizcd  liy  the  law  ami  re^riila- 
t ions  will  l>e  I'miiislietl  tti  iiostniasters  ni)()U  application  to  the  First.  Assistant  I'ost- 
niaJitei-Oeueral,  IJlank  Agency,  nnless  specially  instiiicted  in  the  re;;iilati<)ns  to  make 
application  for  certain  hlanks  to  another  olHce. 

'2.  The  Department  Avill  fnrnish  postmasters  with  lilank  forms  for  '"  Pnhlishers"  Tem- 
jiorary  I'ermit '"  and  "Formal  Notice  of  Entry,"  under  sections  IIK)  and  191(  of  tlie 
I'ostal  Laws  and  Rejiulations.  Application  for  the  same  should  he  made  to  the  First 
Assistant  Postmaster-General,  lilank  Aj^ency. 

:?.  In  addressin<j  communications  to  the  Department  never  write  on  more  than  one- 
suhject  in  a  letter,  and  always  address  letters  to  the  hnrean  having  charge  of  the  snh- 
ject-matter,  as  indicated  in  section  27.  Xever  address  letters  to  the  Postmaster-General 
which  are  to  he  acted  upon  hy  a  hnrean  otiicer. 

4.  Postmasters  at  free-delivery  post-offices  will  he  re(inire<l  to  pay  special  attention 
to  the  requirements  of  section  ^4."i.  "When  trial  is  made  it  should  he  done  by  card  or 
otherwise,  and  the  letter  [retained  in  the  post-office  subject  to  call  at  the  general  de- 
livery. 

5.  Postmasters  at  "special  post-offices"  (see  .section  76)  must  promptly  notify  the 
Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General  and  the  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail-Service 
for  their  division  (see  section  707)  when  they  change  the  point  of  sui)ply  for  Their 
post-oflices. 

fi.  Postmasters  and  mail-carriers  are  exempted  hy  section  1021)  of  the  Revised 
Statutes  from  militia  duty.  They  are  not  exempt  from  jury  ami  road  duty,  ami  mu.st 
olj^-y  summons  thereto,  leaving  their  jiost-ottices  in  charge  of  a  comjietent  assistant  as 
prescribed  hy  section  518. 

7,  The  new  law  and  regulations  for  the  classilication  of  mail-matter  differ  radically 
from  fonner  laws  and  regulations,  and  must  he  carefullj-  studied  hy  po.stmasters. 

H.  Matter  which  is  in  writing,  or  other  matter  containing  a  written  inscription  in  the 
nature  of  a  personal  correspondence,  and  matter  which  is  sealed  again.st  inspection, 
are,  hy  their  nature  and  the  intent  of  the  law,  lirst-dass  matter. 

9.  Sec :>nd-class  matter  remains  as  defined  hy  the  former  law,  except  that  sample 
copies  of  second-class  matter  maynowhe  sent  at  the])oniid  rates,  and  that  the  i>ostage 
is  uniform  Ibr  all  second-class  jtublications  at  two  cents  per  pound. 

ll».  Third-class  matter  includes  all  printed  matter  not  embraced  in  the  second-class. 
I'articular  attention  should  he  given  to  the  definition  of  printed  matter,  section  219. 
Hooks  and  music  are  third-class  matter,  and  so  .are  unmounted  i-hromos;  hut  chnimos 
mounted  on  cloth  or  pasteboard  are  fourth-class  matter. 

II.  The  new  law  admits  of  written  inscriptions  upon  third-ci.iss  matter  no!  in  the 
nature  of  persomil  correspondence.     See  section  232. 

12.  Postnuisters  should  consider  the  presumption  to  be  in  favor  of  the  admission  of 
all  unsealed  printed  matter  subject  to  inspection  at  third-class  rates,  and  should  not 
rate  it  up  on  account  of  written  in.scriptionstlu'reon  unless  the  inscription  is  clearly  in 
the  nature  of  a  personal  correspondence. 

13.  Foui'th-class  matter  includes  everything  not  included  in  the  other  three  classes, 
which  is  not  by  law  and  regulations  excluded  from  the  mails.  Many  articles,  which 
under  the  old  law  were  rated  with  letter-postage,  as  matter  to  which  no  specific  rate 
(jf  postage  was  attached,  belong  now  to  the  fourth  class,  and  are  subject  to  a  postage 
charge  of  one  cent  per  ounce.  Such  are,  for  instance,  drawings,  plans,  designs,  origi- 
luil  paintinus  in  oil  (U-  water-cohu's.  etc. 

27 


28  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    KKGl'LATIOXS. 

14.  Spciial  attcutioii  is  calleil  to  the  law  ami  logulations  voqniving  tlu'  use  of  jxtst- 
agc-diu-  Niainps,  sections  271-274,  for  the  colleciion  of  postage  on  the  delivery  of  all 
iusiifliciently  prepaid  or  unpaid  matter.  They  are  to  be  used  upon  ship  and  foreign 
letters,  soldier.s'  and  sailors'  letters,  as  well  as  upon  ordinary  domestic  letters,  and 
upon  uiatter  of  the  third  and  fourth-classes  when  it  inadvertentlj'  reaches  its  destina- 
tion without  full  prepayment.  They  must  never  be  piit  upon  matter  which  is  for- 
Avarded,  returned  to  writer,  or  sent  to  the  Deal-Letter  Office,  except  at  free-delivery 
post-offices. 

15.  Postmasters  are  required  to  kee[)  a  complaint-book,  in  which  all  letters  repiu'ted 
to  them  as  lost  or  missing  are  entered;  and,  after  making  examination  in  their  post- 
offices,  they  are  reipiired  to  reptu't  the  loss,  with  all  particulars,  without  delay,  to  the 
Chief  Special  Agent  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  Washington,  D.  C.  These  books 
are  not  furnished  by  the  Department,  but  must  be  provided  by  postinasters  at  their 
own  expense. 

1(5.  When  complaint  is  made  of  delay  in  the  receipt  of  letters  beyond  the  time  re- 
quired l)y  ordinary  course  of  mail,  as  shown  by  the  postmarks,  postmasters  should 
procure  the  envelopes  of  such  letters  and  send  them,  Avith  a  statement  of  the  facts, 
to  the  Division  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail-Service. 

17.  Before  approving  applications  for  the  estaldishment  of  new  post-offices,  i»ostnms- 
ters  should  consult  the  Postal  Guide  and  see  that  the  name  selected  has  not  already 
been  given  to  a  xjost-office  or  to  a  county  in  the  same  or  an  adjoining  State. 

IS.  Complaints  frequently  arise  on  account  of  the  inaccuracy  of  the  letter-balanci-s 
in  use  at  post-offices.  Postmasters  are  therefore  instructed  to  have  their  letter-balances 
tested  and  adjusted  at  least  twice  a  year.  For  this  purpose  post-offices  of  the  first  and 
second  class,  and  all  Special  Agents  of  the  Department,  will  be  furnished  with  a  set  of 
standard  weights.  Postmasters  at  other  post-ofrtces  wishing  to  test  their  letter-bal- 
ances will  make  applicationto  the  nearest  Special  Agent  or  i)ostmastcr  fui'nishedwith 
stamlard  weights.  The  standards  will  be  sent  Ijy  nuiil,  registered,  to  j)ostnnisters  so 
applying,  and  must  be  returned  in  the  samemannerto  the  ijostmaster  or  Special  Agt-nt 
from  whom  they  were  received,  as  soon  as  the  balances  have  been  tested.  When  the 
balances  are  found  bj-  the  test  to  be  out  of  order,  postmasters  should  not  attempt  to 
adjust  them,  but  should  report  the  facts  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-CJeneral, 
Blank  Agency,  when  they  will  be  furnished  with  correct  balances. 

19.  All  questions  submitted  by  the  iiublic  or  arising  in  iiractice  in  regard  to  the  con- 
struction of  iiostal  laws  and  regulations  should  be  decided  by  postmasters,  in  the 
first  instance,  subject  to  appeal  to  the  Postmaster-General. 

20.  Postmasters  are  notified  that  hereafter  every  number  of  the  United  Stat  es  OlHcial 
Postal  Guide  will  contain  a  list  of  the  orders  which  have  been  issued  during  the  pre- 
ceding quarter  against  persons  or  firms  engaged  in  conducting  schemes  for  the  pur- 
liose  of  obtaining  money  through  the  mails  under  false  pretenses;  and  wheiuiver  any 
of  such  persons  or  firms  make  application  at  any  post-office  for  the  payment  of  money- 
orders,  or  for  registered  letters  addressed  to  them,  the  postmaster  at  such  post-o(fice 
should  imuKidiately  report  the  case  to  the  Postmaster-General. 

21.  Any  printed  circulars  issued  from  the  Post-Office  Deiiartmcnt  nuistbc  treated  as 
official  written  letters  ;  postmasters  should  acknowledge  their  reeeij)t,  enter  their 
substance  opposite  the  proper  section  of  the  Postal  Laws  and  Regulations,  edition  of 
1879,  and  file  the  circulars  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose. 

22.  Postmasters  will  hereafter  preserve  all  waste-])aper  and  fwine  at  their  post- 
offices  until  enough  is  accumulated  to  fill  a  uniil-bag,  when,  after  <'aroful  examination 
to  see  that  no  letters  or  packages  are  conceahul  therein,  they  will  disi)atch  the  same 
by  mail  to  the  )>ostmaster  at  New  York  City,  N.  Y.,  by  whom  the  same  will  be  sold. 
Duplicate  statements  of  the  anu)unt  of  waste-paper  and  twiiu!  received  and  the  price 
for  which  it  was  sold  Avill  be  sent  (luarterly  by  the  postmaster  at  New  York  to  eacli 
l»ostmast(!r  of  the  fourth  class,  to  be  used  as  a  basis  for  estimating  his  conqx-nsation. 
One  coi)y  of  this  statement  must  in  all  cases  accompa.iy  the  (quarterly  account  current 
of  each  jiostmaster  as  a  voucher. 


SUGGESTIONS  TO  'I'lli:  I'UBLltv  ^^\'r 


/ 


1.  M;iil  all  lit  Irrs,  etc.,  ;is  early  as  inaclicalilc  especially  w  lien  s:  lit  in  lar^^e  iiiiinljers, 
as  is  lVe<nieiitly  the  ease,  witli  iie\vs|>ai>ers  and  eireiilais.  The  troiiljle  of  tiie  post-ottice 
is  niiieh  diminished  if  letters,  wlien  mailed  in  large  niiinliers,  are  tied  in  hnmUes,  with 
the  aildresses  all  in  one  direction. 

*J.  Make  the  address  legible  and  comi»lete,  giving  the  name  <>f  tho  post-odico,  county, 
and  State.  The  name  of  the  street  and  number  of  the  house  should  also  be  given  on 
letters  addn-ssed  to  cities  where  letter-carriers  are  emplojed ;  while  the  letter  Atill 
eventually  reach  its  destination  without  a  number,  the  omission  is  often  a  cause  of 
hesitation  and  (h-lay.  In  the  case  of  letters  for  places  in  foreign  countries,  and  espe- 
cially in  Canada,  in  which  couutry  there  are  many  post-ofHces  having  the  same  names 
as  post-otlices  in  the  United  States  and  iu  England,  the  name  of  tlie  couutry  as  well 
as  the  post-office  should  be  given  iu  full.  Letters  addressed,  for  instance,  merely  to 
"London,"  without  adding  "England,"  are  frequently  sent  to  London,  Canada,  and 
r/tr  versa,  thereby  causing  delay,  and  often  serious  loss.  Letters  addressed  tt)  Burling- 
t(m,X.  S.  (Nova  Scotia),  often  go  to  Burlington,  New  York,  on  account  of  the  reseni- 
blaiu-e  between  S.  and  Y.  when  carelessly  written. 

'.i.  Avoid  using,  as  nnicli  as  possible,  cheap  envelopes,  made  of  thin  paper,  esi)ecially 
where  more  than  one  sheet  of  paper,  or  any  other  article  than  pa))er,  is  iiulosed. 
Being  often  handled,  and  even  iu  the  mail-bags  subject  to  pressure,  such  enveloiies 
not  unfreiiuently  split  open,  often  giving  cause  of  complaint  against  officials  who  are 
entirely  innocent  in  the  matter. 

4.  Never  .send  money  or  any  otluT  article  of  value  through  the  mail,  except  either  by 
means  of  a  money-order  or  in  a  registered*  letter.  Any  person  who  sends  money  or 
jewelry  in  an  unregistered  letter  not  only  runs  a  risk  of  losing  his  j)roperty,  but  ex- 
poses to  temptation  every  oni'  through  who.se  hands  his  letter  passes,  and  may  be  the 
means  of  ultimately  bringing  some  clerk  or  letter-carrier  to  ruin. 

5.  Provide,  in  cities  Avhere  letter-carriers  are  employed,  letter-boxes  at  ]»laees  of 
business  or  juivate  residences,  thereby  saving  much  delay  iu  the  delivery  of  mail- 
matter. 

6.  See  that  every  letter  contains  the  full  name  and  ]iost-offic<'  address  of  the  writer, 
with  county  and  State,  in  order  to  secure  the  return  of  the  letter,  if  the  jiersou  to  whom 
it  is  directed  cainiot  be  fouiul.  A  much  larger  portion  of  the  undelivered  letters  could 
be  returned  if  the  names  and  addresses  of  the  senders  were  always  fully  and  plainly 
written  or  printed  inside  or  on  the  envelopes.  Persons  who  have  large  correspondence 
lind  it  most  convenient  to  use  "special  recpiest  envelopes,"  but  those  who  only  mail 
an  occasional  letter  can  avoid  much  trouble  by  writing  a  request  to  "  return  if  not 
delivered,"  etc.,  on  the  envelope. 

7.  When  di'opi)ing  a  letter,  newspaper,  etc.,  into  a  street  mailing-box,  or  into  the  re- 
ceptacle at  a  post-office,  always  .see  that  the  packet  falls  into  the  box  and  does  not 
stick  in  its  passage;  observe,  also,  as  a  tiijality,  whether  the  postage-stamps,  remain 
securely  in  their  places. 

8.  Postage-stamps  shouhl  be  placetl  on  the  upjier  riglit-liaud  corner  of  the  address 
side  of  all  mail-matter. 

y.  Postmasters  are  not  obliged  to  accept  in  payment  of  postage-stamiis  or  staiiii>ed 
envelopes,  wx'appers,  etc.,  any  currency  which  maybe  so  mutilated  as  to  be  nueunvnt. 
or  the  genuineness  of  which  cannot  be  clearly  ascertained.  They  are  not  obliged  to 
receive  UKU'e  than  twenty-live  cents  iu  copper  or  nickel  coins.  Tln'y  are  not  ol)lig»'d 
To  affix  stamps  to  letters,  nor  are  they  oldiged  to  make  change  excejjt  as  a  matter  of 
courtesy.     Neither  should  thev  give  credit  for  postage. 

29 


30  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

10.  Ill  iisiii<;-  postiil  cards,  be  careful  not  to  write  or  have  auytliinj;'  printed  on  llic  side 
to  Ite  used  for  tlie  address,  except  the  address ;  also  be  careful  not  to  paste,  gum,  or 
attach  anything  to  them.  They  are  nniuailable  as  postal  cards  when  these  suggos- 
tions  are  disregarded. 

11.  To  insure  a  letter  being  forwarded  in  the  mails,  it  imist  have  not  less  than  three 
cents  in  postage-stamps  affixed.  The  word  "Paid"  indorsed  on  a  letter  is  not  regarded 
at  the  post-office  of  delivery;  letters  so  marked,  and  not  having  any  stamp  affixed,  are 
treated  as  unpaid. 

12.  Letters  cannot  be  carried  out  of  the  mail  except  in  postage-stamped-envelopes. 
There  is  no  objection  to  a  person  who  is  not  acting  as  a  common  carrier  carrying  a 
sealed  letter,  wlietlier  in  a  stamped-envelope  or  not ;  but  to  continue  the  practice,  or 
receive  money  for  so  doing,  would  subject  the  party  to  a  penalty  of  one  hundred  and 
tifty  dollar's.  Newspapers,  magazines,  and  periodicals  may  be  canied  out  of  the  mail 
for  sale  or  distribution  to  subscribers,  l>nt  if  they  are  ])ut  into  a  post-office  for  delivery 
the  postage  must  l)e  paid  thereon. 

i:?.  Mail-matter  deposited  in  any  receptacle  erected  by  the  Post-Office  Department, 
such  as  street  mailing-boxes  for  the  reception  of  mail-matter  to  be  collected  by  letter- 
carriers,  or  boxes  in  railroad  depots  for  the  reception  of  matter  to  be  collected  by 
employes  of  the  railway  mail-service,  cannot  be  reclaimed  by  any  one  under  any 
circumstances.  On  all  such  receptacles  erected  in  railroad  depots  a  notice  should 
be  affixed  that  the  same  are  not  intended  for  the  reception  of  matter  for  city  delivery^ 
Persons  depositing  letters  therein,  intended  for  city  delivery,  do  so  at  their  own  risk 
and  cannot  reclaim  them  except  tluough  the  Dead-Letter  Office. 

14.  A  subscriber  to  a  newspai)er  or  periodical  who  changes  his  residence  and  post- 
office,  should  at  once  notify  the  publisher  and  have  the  publication  sent  to  his  new 
address. 

15.  The  delivering  of  letters  is  not  controlled  by  any  statutory  provision,  but  by  the 
rules  and  regulations  of  the  Post-Office  Dei)artment ;  and  the  object  of  the  Depart- 
ment is  to  insure  and  facilitate  such  delivery  to  the  ]>erson  for  whom  they  are  intended. 
In  the  case  of  money-orders  and  registered  letters,  the  parties  applying  for  them,  if 
not  known,  should  be  required  to  prove  their  identity  in  the  same  manner  as  in  bank- 
ing institutimis,  Avhere  j)arties  presenting  di"afts,  checks,  etc.,  who  are  not  known, 
are  required  to  prove  their  identity.  In  the  case  of  advertised  letters,  parties  apply- 
ing should  be  questioned  as  to  the  place  or  places  from  whence  they  may  be  exj)ecting 
correspondence.  In  the  general  delivery  of  a  post-office,  the  postmaster  should  exer- 
cise a  sound  discretion  in  the  delivery  of  letters  to  persons  claiming  to  be  the  persons 
named  in  the  address,  and  who  may  not  be  known  to  him. 

1(5.  Pu1)lishers  and  news  agents  posting  second-class  matter  in  (luautitics  will  facilitate 
its  distril)ution  and  often  hasten  its  dispatch  by  sei)arating  such  matter  by  States  and 
Territories  and  the  larger  cities. 

17.  Hotel  matter  must  be  returned  to  the  j)ost-office  as  soon  as  it  is  evident  that  it 
will  not  be  claimed. 

18.  Proprietors  of  hotels,  officers  of  clubs  and  of  boards  of  trade  or  exchanges,  should 
not  hold  unclaimed  letters  longer  than  ten  days,  excejtt  at  the  recpiest  of  the  person 
addressed.  When  such  letters  are  returned  to  the  post-otHce  they  should  be  redirected 
for  forwarding,  and  in  the  absence  of  more  detiuite  information  as  to  where  the  person 
addressed  may  be  found,  the  new  address  may  be  taken  from  the  hotel  register. 

19.  First-class  matter  n})on  which  one  full  rate  of  postag*'  has  been  prepaid  and  all 
other  fully-prepaid  matter  may  be  forwarded  froiu  one  i)ost-otifice  to  another  at  the  rc([uest 
of  the  party  addr(!ss(!d;  but  matter  of  the  second,  third,  and  fourth  class  can  only  be 
returned  to  the  sender  when  the  ])ostmaster  at  the  post-office  of  its  destination  is  fur- 
nished with  return  ])ostage.  A  rcMiuest  may  be  written  or  in-intcMl  upon  such  matter 
that  the  iiostmastcr  will  notify  tlie  sender  of  non-delivery  and  of  the  amount  of  jxist- 
age  which  must  be  furwarded  to  insure  its  return.  A  rei|uest  tt>  return  such  matter 
cannot  be  regarded. 

/ 


sr(;(;i;sri(».Ns  'in    iiiK  rri'.uc.  31 

'-jO.  All  iiii|iiirirs.  wlirtlnr  (Voiii  jinsliiiaslcrs  or  tin- piihlic,  rchativc  to  lost  or  iiiis.siii<; 
iii:iil-iii:it tcr  of  cvcrv  description,  liotli  torcijrn  .-hkI  iloinrstic,  ordiiiiiry  iiiirt  iT;;isterc<l, 
slioiild  Ik-  iuldn-sscd  to  tin-  ("liicf  Special  Ajjciit,  I'ost-Otlicc  Dciiaitiiicnt,  Wasliiiij^toii, 
1).  ('.,  to  wliom  all  losses  or  iircLCiilai'ltics  should  Itc  rc[iortcd  as  soon  as  kiio\vlcd<;c  is 
had  of  tlu'ir  occiirn'ucc. 

'21.  All  inciiiirics  or  coniininiications  relative  to  mail-matter  which  is  known  to  have 
lieen  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Olliee  should  he  adilressed  to  the  Third  Assistant  I'ost- 
master-(i<'neral. 

ti'i.  In  hoth  eases  the  letter  ol'  inipiirv  must  state  to  \vhoni  and  what  post-olliee  the 
arti(de  was  addressed,  and  fjive  the  name  and  full  address  of  the  writer  or  send<!r,  tin- 
date  and  place  of  mailinj;;,  and  a  brief  descri]»tion  of  the  contents.  If  it  is  known 
when  the  missing  matter  was  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Oftice,  tbe  djite  and  the  reason 
shonld  be  given.     If  registered,  the  number  should  also  be  furuished. 

y;{.'  If  all  losses  are  promptly  reported  it  will  be  the  means  of  correcting  irregulari- 
ties, and  the  interests  of  the  public,  as  well  as  the  otticiencv  of  tli<'  postal  service,  will 
be  enhanced  in  a  uu)st  inijxntaut  dt'gree. 

24.  Packages  of  third  and  fourth  class  matter,  except  single  books,  may  weigh  not 
exceeding  four  pounds. 

yr>.  Packagi's  of  mutilated  currency  a(hlressed  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  I'uited  States 
for  redetiiption  may  be  registered  fri'e  of  charge  for  registry,  but  the  [lostage  thereon 
must  be  prepaid  at  letter  rales. 

2().  It  is  nnudi  to  be  desired  that  the  management  of  newly  completed  lines  of  rail- 
road should  consult  the  Post-Ottice  l)ei>artmcut  in  regard  to  the  names  of  stations;  if 
the  names  of  stations  in  all  causes  correspond  with  those  of  the  post-oftices  in  whose  de- 
livery thej*  are,  much  confusion  and  annoyance  will  be  saved  to  the  Department  and 
the  public. 

27.  Letters  addressed  to  persons  temporarily  sojounung  in  a  city  where  the  free- 
delivery  system  is  in  operation  should  be  marked  Tkaxsiext  or  Gkxeiial  Dei.i\'kky, 
if  not  addressed  to  a  stivet  and  number,  or  some  other  designated  place  of  delivery. 


TITLE    I. 

THE    POST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT. 


CHAPTER  ONE. 

ORGANIZATION  AND  GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 


Sec. 

1.  Estalilishmout  of  the  Post-Office  Department' 

2.  Assistant  Postmasters  Genei-al. 

3.  "Wild  may  act  as  Postmaster-General. 

4.  Assistant  Attoniey-Geueral  for  thePost-Office 

Department. 

5.  Other  officers  of  the  Post-Office  Department. 

6.  Special  Agents  and  their  salaries. 

7.  Acting  Special  Agents. 

8.  Special    Agents    authorized    to     administer 

oaths. 

9.  Supeiintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service. 

10.  Payment  of  Special  Agents. 

11.  Bonds  required  of  Special  Agents. 

12.  Assignment  of  Special  Agents. 

13.  Authority  and  powers  of  Special  Agents. 

14.  Special  Agents'  communications  confidential. 

15.  Jurisdiction  over  oftenses  against  the  postal 

laws. 

16.  Pieliminary  proceedings,  hefore  whom. 

17.  "When  witness  must  give  bond. 

18.  Special  Agents ;  how  related  to  Postmaster. 

General. 

19.  Kesident  foreign-mail  agencies. 

20.  Mail-agents  on  ocean  steamers. 

21.  Postal  agencies  in  China  and  Japan. 

22.  Route-agents,  employment  of. 

23.  Railway  postal  clerks. 

24.  Oath  of  office. 

25.  "Who  may  administer  oath. 

26.  Autlioiity  of  Postmaster-General  to  prescribe 

regulations. 

27.  Distribution  of  the  business  of  the  Depart- 

ment. 


Sec. 

28.  Seal  of  the  Post-Office  Department. 

29.  Duties  of  the  Postma.ster-General. 

30.  Pn^perty  in  charge  of  the  Department. 

31.  Postal  arrangements  with  foreign  countries. 

32.  Publication  of  Postal  Conventions. 

33.  Blank  agency  at  Washington. 

34.  Foreign  de^id  letters. 

35.  Orders,  contracts,  etc.,  to  be  truly  dated. 

36.  Form  of  bonds  and  contracts. 

37.  Copies  of  mail  contracts  for  the  Auditor. 

38.  Orders  to  be  certified  to  the  Auditor. 

39.  Credits  for  payments  by  postmaster.s. 

40.  Fines,  penalties,  forfeitures,  etc. ;  how  remit- 

ted. 

41.  Di.scharge  of  imprisoned  judgment  debtors. 

42.  Such  discharge  no  bar  to  execution. 

43.  Postal  employes  may  not  be  interested  in  con- 

tracts. 

44.  Prescribed  annual  reports  of  the  Postmaster- 

General. 

45.  Annual  reports  of  the  Auditor. 

40.  Annual  estimates  of  the  Po.stmaster-General. 

47.  Estimates  to  be  furnished  the  Secretary  of  the 

Treasury. 

48.  Contracts  signed  by  the  First  Assistant. 

49.  Contracts  signed  by  the  Second  Assistant. 

50.  Contracts  signed  by  the  Third  Assistant. 

51.  Omission  to  take  oath  not  to  atfect  liability, 

etc. 

52.  Suits  and  prosecutions  in  State  courts. 

53.  Disbuisements  for  Topographer's  office ;  how 

made. 

54.  Xo  employe  to  receive  fees. 


Sec.  1.  Establishment  of  tlie  Post-Office  Department. — There  shall  he  at 
the  seat  of  Government  an  Executive  Department  to  be  known  as  the 
Post-Oflice  Department,  and  a  Postmaster-General,  who  shall  be  the 
head  thereof,  and  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  President,  by  and  with 
the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  and  who  may  be  removed  in  the 
same  manner ;  and  the  term  of  the  Postmaster-General  shall  be  for  and 
during  the  term  of  the  President  by  whom  he  is  appointed,  and  for  one 
mouth  thereafter,  unless  sooner  removed.     (R.  S.,  §  388.) 

Sec.  2.  Assistant  Postmasters-General. — There  shall  be  in  the  Post-Office 
3  P  L 


34  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Dei)artmeiit  three  Assistant  Postmasters-General,  who  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  President,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  and 
who  may  be  removed  in  the  same  manner.     (E.  S.,  §  389.) 

See.  3.  Who  may  act  as  Postmaster-General. — In  case  of  the  death,  res- 
ignation, absence,  or  sickness  of  the  head  of  any  Department,  the  first 
or  sole  assistant  thereof  shall,  unless  otherwise  directed  by  the  Presi- 
dent,* perform  the  duties  of  such  head  until  a  successor  is  appointed,  or 
such  absence  or  sickness  shall  cease.     (E.  S.,  §  177.) 

Executive  Mansiox, 

Washington,  October  1,  1878. 
It  is  lierehy  directed  that  the  Second  and  Third  Assistant  Postmasters-Genei-al  be, 
and  are  hereby,  respectively  anthorized  to  act  as  Postmaster-General  upon  the  condi- 
tions following,  to  wit : 

The  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General  dnring  the  absence  of  the  Postmaster- 
General  and  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

The  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General  dnring  the  absence  of  the  Postmaster- 
General  and  of  the  First  and  Second  Assistant  Postmasters-General. 

R.  B.  HAYES. 

Sec.  4.  Assistant  Attorney-General  for  the  Post-Office  Department. — There 
shall  be  employed  in  the  Post-Office  Department  one  ^Lssistaut  Attor- 
ney-General, who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Postmaster-General.  (E. 
S.,''§390.) 

Sec.  5.  Other  officers  of  the  Post-Office  Department. — The  following-  offi- 
cers of  the  Post-Office  Department,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Postmaster- 
General,  are  appropriated  for  in  the  act  of  June  19,  1878  (20  Stat., 
p.  201),  in  addition  to  the  clerks  of  the  several  classes  and  other  em- 
ployes (see,  also,  E.  S.,  §  393): 

One  Chief  Clerk. 

One  Stenographer  to  the  Postmaster- General. 

One  Law  Clerk  (office  of  Assistant  Attoriiey-General  for  the  Post- 
Office  Department). 

One  Topographer. 

One  Appointment  Clerk. 
■    One  Chief  of  Division  of  Mail  Depredations. 

One  Chief  of  Special  Agents.     (Act  March  3, 1879,  20  Stat.,  p.  35G). 

One  Disbursing  Clerk  and  Superintendent  of  the  Building. 

Three  Chief  Clerks  to  the  Assistant  Postmasters- General. 

One  Superintendent  of  Blank  Agency  (office  of  First  Assistant  Post- 
master-General). 

One  Superintendent  of  Free  Delivery  (office  of  First  Assistant  Post- 
master-General). 

One  Chief  of  Division  of  Inspection  (office  of  Second  Assistant  Post- 
luaster-General). 

One  Chief  of  Division  of  Dead  Letters  (office  of  Third  Assistant  Post- 
master-General). 


As  provided  by  section  179,  Revised  Statutes. 


TITLE    I THE    POST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  35 

One  Chief  of  Division  of  Postage-stamps  (office  of  Third  Assistant 
Postniaster-dciu'rnl). 

One  Sn[)('rint('n(h'iit  of  Foreign  Mails. 

One  Chief  Clerk  to  the  Superintendent  of  Foreign  Mails. 

One  Snpcriuteudent  of  the  ]\Ioney-Order  System. 

One  Chief  (Jlerk  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-order  System. 

One  Sui>erintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service.  (Act  June  17, 1878,  20 
Stat,  p.  110). 

Sec.  6.  Special  Agents  and  their  salaries. — The  Postmaster-General  may 
employ  two  special  agents  for  the  Pacific  coast,  and  such  number  of 
other  special  agents  as  the  good  of  the  service  and  safety  of  the  juail 
may  require.     (R.  S.,  §  4017.) 

Section  4017  of  the  Revised  Statutes  proviiloil  that  Special  Agents  slionld  be  entitled 
to  a  salary  at  the  rate  of  not  more  than  $1,6(J0  a  year  each,  and  that  each  should  be 
allowed  for  traveling  and  incidental  expenses  while  actually  employed  in  the  service 
a  sum  not  exceeding  $h  jier  day.  But  by  the  act  of  June  17,  1878,  20  Stat.,  p.  140, 
the  following  was  enacted : 

That  hereafter  the  per  diem  pay  of  all  special  agents  appointed  under 
section  4017,  Revised  Statutes,  shall  only  be  allowed  for  their  actual 
and  necessary  expenses  not  exceeding  five  dollars  per  diem  when  they 
are  actually  engaged  in  traveling  on  the  business  of  the  department,  ex- 
cept such,  not  exceeding  ten  in  number,  as  are  appointed  by  the  Post- 
master-General to  duty  at  such  important  i)oints  as  he  may  designate, 
and  nine  assistant  superintendents  of  railway  mail  service,  who  may  be 
detailed  to  act  as  superintendents  of  division  of  railway  mail  service, 
who  shall  each  receive  a  salary  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars 
per  annum  and  no  more. 

By  the  act  of  March  3,  1879  (20  Stat.,  p.  356),  the  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail 
Service  and  Chief  of  Special  Agents  are  paid  their  actual  expenses  while  traveling  on 
the  business  of  the  Department. 

Sec.  7.  Acting  Special  Agents. — The  Postmaster-General  may  employ, 
when  the  service  requires  it,  the  Assistant  Postmasters-General  and 
superintendents  in  his  Department  as  special  agents ;  and  he  may  allow 
them  therefor  not  exceeding  the  amount  exi^ended  by  them  as  necessary 
traveling  expenses  while  so  employed.     (R.  S.,  §  4019.) 

Sec.  8.  Special  Agents  authorized  to  administer  Oaths. — Any  officer  or  clerk 
of  any  of  the  Departments  lawfully  detailed  to  investigate  frauds  or 
attempts  to  defraud  on  the  Government,  or  any  irregularity  or  miscon- 
duct of  any  officer  or  agent  of  the  United  States,  shall  have  authority 
to  administer  an  oath  to  any  witness  attending  to  testify  or  depose  in 
the  course  of  such  investigation.     (R.  S.,  §  1S3.) 

Sec.  9.  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service. — The  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral may  appoint  one  agent  only  to  superintend  the  postal  railway  serv- 
ice, who  shall  be  paid,  out  of  the  appropriation  for  the  transportation  of 
the  mail  on  railways,  a  salary  at  the  rate  of  three  thousaiul  five  hundred 
dollars  a  year,  and  his  actual  expenses  while  traveling  on  the  business 


36  POSTAL    LAAVS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

of  the  department.  (Act  June  17,  1878,  20  Stat.,  p.  140  as  amended 
by  act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  1,  20  Stat.,  p.  356.) 

See  Title  IV,  The  Bail  way  Mail  Sendee. 

Sec.  10.  Payment  of  Special  Agents. — The  {Sixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treas- 
ury for  the  Post- Office  Department]  shall  charge  to  the  appropriation 
for  mail  transportation  the  salary  and  per  diem  of  the  assistant  super- 
intendents of  the  postal  railway  service ;  and  to  the  appropriation  for 
the  free-delivery  system,  the  salary  and  per  diem  of  the  special  agent 
detailed  for  that  service ;  and  the  salary  and  per  diem  of  the  special 
agents  employed  in  the  money-order  service  shall  be  paid  out  of  the 
proceeds  of  that  service.     (R.  S.,  §  4020.) 

Sec.  11.  Bond  required  of  Special  Agents. — Whenever  a  special  agent  is 
required  to  collect  or  disburse  any  i^ublic  money,  he  shall,  before  entering 
upon  such  duty,  give  bond  in  such  sum  and  form,  and  with  such  security 
as  the  Postmaster-General  may  approve.     (R.  S.,  §  4018.) 

All  Specical  Agents  are  required  to  give  bond,  with  two  sureties,  in  the  sum  of  five 
thousaud  dollars,  wliicli  must  be  filed  before  they  enter  upon  tlieir  duties. 

Sec.  12.  Assignments  of  Special  Agents. — The  Special  Agents  appointed 
under  section  6  embrace  the  force  proper,  who  are  attached  to  the  office  of  the  Post- 
master-General, and  those  assigned  to  the  office  of  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money- 
order  System,  the  Free-delivery  Service,  and  the  office  of  the  Second  Assistant  Post- 
master-General, as  Assistant  Superintendents  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service.  These  lat- 
ter officers  receive  their  instructions  from  the  various  offices  to  which  they  are  assigned, 
and  to  whose  appropriations  their  compensation  and  expenses  are  also  chargeable. 
The  force  proper  of  Special  Agents  receive  their  instructions  from  the  Chief  Special 
Agent  through  whose  office  cases  for  investigation  and  reports  of  Special  Agents  upon 
the  same  pass  and  are  recorded. 

Sec.  13.  Authority  and  Powers  of  Special  Agents. — All  Special  Agents  are 

intrusted  with  keys  to  the  several  mail  locks  in  iise,  and  are,  by  virtue  of  their  com- 
missions, authorized  to  open  and  examine  the  mails  whenever  .and  wherever  they  may 
find  it  necessary  to  do  so.  They  are  also  emjjowered  to  enter  and  examine  any  post- 
office  when  the  safety  of  the  mails  requires  it,  or  the  general  interests  of  the  service 
demand  such  examination.  And  by  virtue  of  their  commissions,  all  contractors,  post- 
masters, and  others  in  the  service  of  this  Department  are  bound  to  respect  and  obey 
the  authority  thus  conferred. 

Sec.  14.  Special  Agent's  Communications  Confidential. — Official  communi- 
cations marked  Confidential  from  the  special  agents  of  this  Department  will  be  held  as 
confidential.  But  no  communication  shoiild  be  so  marked  unless  it  relates  solely  to 
business  of  the  Dep.artment,  and  its  interest,  and  is  made  in  pursuance  of  confidential 
instructions.  The  contents  of  such  communication  cannot  be  divulged  except  by  the 
pernnssion  of  the  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  15.  Jurisdiction  over  Offenses  against  the  Postal  Laws. — AVhen  an 

arrest  is  made  for  .an  offense  against  the  postal  laws,  the  iirisoner  should  be  put  in 
charge  of  the  regular  law  officers  of  the  United  States  as  early  as  possibh?.  If  his 
examination  cannot  conveniently  be  had  before  a  Judge  or  Connuissioner  of  the  United 
States,  he  should  be  taken  before  the  nearest  justice  of  the  peace,  or  other  State  au- 
thority competent  to  examine  and  bind  him  over  for  trial.  As  justices  of  the  peace 
have  in  many  cases  declined  to  issue  warrants  or  to  enter  upon  examination,  from  a 
doubt  as  to  their  jurisdiction,  the  special  agent  may  remove  such  doubt  by  rcft^rring 
them  to  the  provisions  of  the  law  on  this  subject  contained  in  the  following  section. 
See  also  section  52. 


TITLE    I THE    TOST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  37 

Sec.  16.  Preliminary  Proceedings  before  Whom. —  I'or  any  crime  or  offon.so 
against  the  riiitccl  States,  tlic  ofVcndcr  may,  by  any  Ju.sti('<!  or  Judyc  of 
the  United  States,  or  l>y  any  coniini.s.sioner  of  a  cirenit  (;ourt  to  take  l)ail, 
or  by  any  chancellor,  judge  of  a  supreme  or  superior  court,  chief  or  first 
judge  of  {'ominon  plea.s,  mayor  of  a  city,  ju.stiee  of  the  ])eace,  or  other 
magistrate,  of  any  State  where  he  may  be  found,  and  agreeal)ly  to  the 
u.sual  mode  of  ])rocess  against  offenders  in  .such  State,  and  at  the  expense 
of  the  United  States,  be  arrested  and  imprisoned,  or  bailed,  as  the  case 
may  be,  for  trial  before  such  court  of  the  United  States  as  by  law  has 
cognizance  of  the  offense.  Copies  of  the  process  shall  be  returned  as 
speedily  as  may  be  into  the  clerk's  ofiice  of  such  court,  together  with 
the  recognizances  of  the  witnesses  for  their  appearance  to  testify  in  the 
case.  And  where  any  offender  or  witness  is  committed  in  any  district 
other  than  that  where  the  offense  is  to  be  tried,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  judge  of  the  district  where  such  offender  or  witness  is  imjirisoned, 
seasonably  to  issue,  and  of  the  marshal  to  execute,  a  warrant  for  his 
removal  to  the  district  where  the  trial  is  to  be  had.     (E.  S.,  §  1014.) 

Sec.  17.  When  Witnesses  must  give  Bond. — The  recognizances  of  wit- 
nesses tlit'iiiselvcs  .shall  be  siifficieut,  except  iu  cases  wliere  it  is  feared  tliat  they  will 
not  attend  the  trial.  Iu  the  latter  case,  sureties  must  be  requii'ed.  When  au  arrest 
is  made.  Si)ecial  Ageuts  or  jiostmasters  are  required  to  immediately  inform  the  Chief 
Special  Agent,  iu  a  special  report,  of  all  the  facts  iu  relation  thereto.  This  report 
uuist  show  the  name  and  official  position  of  the  party  arrested  (if  au  employe  of  the 
Department),  where,  when,  and  by  whom  arrested,  the  offense,  and  the  exact  status  of 
the  case  at  date  of  such  report.  They  are  also  rec^nired  to  keep  the  Department  fully 
advised  iu  relation  to  the  progress  of  trials  of  persons  arrested  for  violatiou  of  the 
postal  laws  in  their  respective  districts.  Special  reports  should  be  made,  from  time 
to  time,  of  the  progress  in  each  case  to  its  final  conclusiou,  and  the  result.  It  is  im- 
portant that  these  instructions  should  be  complied  with  so  far  as  it  is  iiracticablo  to 
do  so. 

Sec.  18.  Special  Agents,  how  related  to  Postmaster-General. — Tlie  Post- 
master-General considers  Special  Ageuts  of  the  Department  a.s  his  re^jrcseutatives, 
and,  as  such,  all  postmasters,  contractors,  and  othei-s  iu  the  service  are  subordinate  to 
them.  They  are  responsible  for  their  official  acts  only  to  him.  In  the  discharge  of 
their  duties  they  are  required  to  act  with  the  single  purpose  of  advancing  the  inter- 
ests of  the  i)ublic,  and  the  efficiency  and  security  of  the  Department.  The  element- 
ary details  of  the  postal  service  must  receive  their  uiu'emitting  attention,  to  the  end 
that  the  purpose  for  which  the  Post-Office  establishment  was  created  shall,  as  far  as 
they  may  be  concerned,  have  a  faithful  aud  complete  fulfillment.  Instructions  for 
their  guidance  are  furnished  them  iu  a  separate  volume. 

Sec.  19.  Resident  Foreign  Mail  Agencies. — The  Postmaster-General  jnay 
establish  resident  mail-agencies  at  the  i)orts  of  Panama  and  Aspinwall 
iu  New  Granada ;  Havana  in  Cuba ;  at  Saint  Thomas,  and  at  such  other 
foreign  ports  at  which  United  States  mail-steamers  touch  to  laiul  and 
receive  mails,  as  niay,  in  his  judgment,  promote  the  efficiency  of  the  for- 
eign mail  service ;  and  may  pay  the  agents  employed  by  him  at  such 
ports,  out  of  the  appropriation  for  transportation  of  the  mail,  a  reason- 
able compensation  for  their  services,  and  the  necessary  expenses  for 
office-rent,  clerk-hire,  office-furniture,  and  other  incidentals  to  be  allowed 
him  at  each  of  such  agencies.    (K.  S.,  §  iU21.) 


38  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  20.  Mail  Agents  on  Ocean  Steamers. — The  Postmaster-General  may 
appoiut  an  agent  in  charge  of  the  mail  on  board  of  «ach  of  the  mail- 
steamers  on  the  routes  between  San  Francisco,  Japan,  and  China; 
between  San  Francisco  and  Honolulu,  in  the  Hawaiian  Islands ;  and 
between  New  York  and  Kio  Janeiro,  who  shall  be  allowed,  out  of  the 
appropriation  for  transportation  of  the  mail,  an  annual  salary  of  two 
thousand  dollars  each.     (E.  S.,  §  4022.) 

Sec.  21.  Postal  Agencies  in  China  and  Japan. — The  Postmaster-General 
may  establish,  in  connection  with  the  mail  steamship  service  to  Japan 
and  China,  a  general  postal  agency  at  Shanghai,  in  China,  or  at  Yoko- 
hama, in  Japan,  with  such  branch  agencies  at  any  other  ports  in  China 
and  Japan  as  he  shall  deem  necessary  for  the  prompt  and  efficient  man- 
agement of  the  postal  service  in  those  countries;  and  he  may  pay  the 
postal  agents  employed  thereat  a  reasonable  com[)ensation  for  their 
services,  in  addition  to  the  necessary  expenses  for  rent,  furniture,  clerk- 
hire,  and  incidental  expenses.     (R.  S.,  §  4023.) 

Sec.  22.  Route  Agents,  Employment  of. — The  Postmaster-General  may 
employ  as  many  route  agents  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  promi)t  and 
safe  transportation  of  the  mail,  each  of  whom  shall  be  paid  out  of  the 
ai)propriation  for  transportation  of  the  mail,  at  the  rate  of  not  less  than 
nine  hundred  nor  more  than  one  thousand  two  hundred  dollars  a  year 
each.     (R.  S.,  §  4024.) 

See  Title  IV,  The  Balhmij  Mail- Service. 

Sec.  23.  Railway  Postal  Clerks. — The  Postmaster-General  may  appoint 
clerks  for  the  purjjose  of  assortmg  and  distributing  the  mail  in  railway 
post-offices,  each  of  whom  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  appropriation  for  trans- 
portation of  the  mail,  at  the  rate  of  not  more  than  one  thousand  four 
hundred  dollars  a  year  each  to  the  head  clerks,  nor  more  than  one  thous- 
and two  hundred  dollars  a  year  each  to  the  other  clerks.     (R.  S.,  §  4025.) 

See  Title  lY,  The  Railway  Mail- Service. 

Sec.  24.  Oath  of  Office. — Before  entering  upon  their  duties,  and  before 
they  shall  receive  any  salary,  the  Postmaster-General,  and  all  persons 
employed  in  the  postal  service,  shall  respectively  take  and  subscribe 
before  some  magistrate  or  other  competent  officer  authorized  to  admin- 
ister oaths  by  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  or  of  any  State  or  Terri- 
tory, the  following  oath  or  affirmation:  "'I,  A.  B.  do  solemnly  swear 
(or  affirm,  as  the  case  may  be,)  that  I  will  faithfully  perform  all  the  duties 
required  of  me  and  abstain  from  everything  forbidden  by  the  laws  in 
relation  to  the  establishment  of  post-offices  and  post-roads  within  the 
United  States ;  and  that  I  will  honestly  and  truly  account  for  and  pay 
over  any  money  belonging  to  the  said  United  States  which  may  come 
into  my  possession  or  control;  and  I  also  further  swear  (or  ailii'm)  that 
I  will  support  the  Constitution  of  the  United  State«;  So  help  me  God.'" 
(Act  of  June  8,  1872,  §  15,  as  amended  by  18  Stat.,  p.  19;  see  also  R.  S., 
§  391.) 

Sec.  25.  Who  may  Administer  Oath. — And  this  oath  or  affirmation  may 


TITLE    I-^THE    POST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  39 

be  taken  before  any  officer  civil  or  military,  holding:  a  coinniission  nnder 
tbe  United  States,  and  sucli  oflicer  is  lu'ieby  antliorized  to  adiniiiisttT 
and  certify  sneli  oatli  <n-  allinuation.     (IS  Stat.,  p.  1!).) 

A  contractor  for  carrying;  tlu'  mail  cannot  draw  pay  from  tlic  DopartmcTit  for  serv- 
ices rendered  or  work  done  ])nor  to  his  takinjj  the  oatli.     (11  Opin.,  ji.  4;H) 

Sec.  26.  Authority  of  Postmaster-General  to  Prescribe  Regulations. — Tbe 
bead  of  each  I)ei)artinent  is  antliorized  to  presenile  regnlatioiis,  not  in- 
consistent Avitb  biAV,  for  tbe  government  of  bis  Department,  tbe  condnct 
of  its  officers  and  clerks,  tbe  distribution  and  performance  of  its  busi- 
ness, and  tbe  custody,  use,  and  pn^scrvation  of  the  records,  papers,  and 
X)roperty  appertainiu.n'  to  it.     (li.  S.,  §  101.) 

Sec.  27.  Distribution  of  the  Business  of  the  Department. — That  tbe  busi- 
ness of  the  Department  may  be  conveniently  arranged  and  prepared  for  the  tinal  ac- 
tion of  the  Postmaster-General,  it  is  distributed  among  its  several  officers  as  follows: 

TuK  Office  of  the  Postmasteu-Gexeral. — The  duties  of  this  office  are  under  the 
immediate  supervision  of  the  Chief  Clehk  of  the  Department,  and  relate  to  the  mis- 
cellaneous coiTespondence  of  the  Department  not  specially  connected  with  its  other 
offices ;  the  appointment  of  Department  employes ;  the  recording  of  orders  promulgat«Ml 
by  the  Postmaster-General ;  the  tixing  of  rates  for  the  transmission  of  government 
telegrams ;  the  supervision  of  the  advertising,  and  management  of  the  general  work  of 
the  Department  not  otherwise  assigned.  To  it  is  attached  the  office  of  the  Tch'OGUA- 
PiiER,  charged  with  the  duty  of  keeping  up  the  maps  in  constant  use  in  the  Depart- 
ment proper,  with  the  preparation  and  publication  of  new  and  revised  post-route  maps, 
with  supplying  maps  to  all  branches  of  the  postal  service,*  and  with  furnishing  infor- 
mation for  the  settlement  of  all  governmental  mileage  and  telegi-aph  accounts ;  the 
office  of  the  Superixtexdext  .s:\d  Disbursing  Clerk,  to  which  is  assigned  the  super- 
vision of  all  repairs,  the  care  of  the  public  property  in  and  the  furnishing  of  the  De- 
partmental building,  and  the  dislmrscment  of  the  salaries  of  the  officers  and  employes 
of  the  Department;  the  office  of  the  Chief  Special  Agext,  to  which  are  referred  all 
cases  of  losses  or  irregularities  in  the  mails,  and  all  reported  violations  of  the  postal 
law ;  and  the  Divisiox  of  Special  Agexts  axd  Mail  Depredatioxs,  to  which  are 
referi-ed  all  accounts  of  Special  Agents  for  salary,  per  diem,  and  allowance. 

The  Office  of  the  First  Assistaxt  Postmaster-Gexeral. — To  this  office  is 
assigned  the  duty  of  preparing  all  cases  for  the  establishment,  discontinuance,  and 
change  of  name  or  site  of  post-offices,  and  for  the  appointment  of  all  postmasters,  and 
employ6s  of  the  railway  mail  service,  and  all  correspondence  incident  thereto ;  the 
duty  of  readjusting  the  salaries  of  postmasters,  and  the  consideration  of  allowances 
for  rent,  fuel,  and  lights,  clerk -hire,  and  miscellaneous  expenditures;  of  receiving  and 
recording  appointments,  of  receiving,  entering,  and  tiling  bonds  and  oaths  of  i)ostmas- 
ters  and  issuing  their  commissions.  This  office  is  also  charged  with  the  correspond- 
ence with  postmasters  and  the  public  upon  questions  relating  to  the  character  and 
classification  of  mail-matter  and  the  rates  of  postage  thereon,  under  the  direct  super- 
vision of  the  Law  Clerk  of  the  Department.  To  it  is  attached  the  Divisiox  of  Free 
Delivery,  having  in  charge  the  preparation  of  cases  for  the  inauguratiou  of  the 
system  in  cities,  the  appointment  of  letter-carriers,  and  the  regulation  of  allowances 
for  incidental  expenses,  as  well  as  the  general  supervision  of  the  free-delivery  system 
throughout  the  United  States ;  and  also  the  Blank  Agency,  to  -which  is  assigned  the 

*The  Postmaster-General  may  authorize  tbe  sale  of  one  or  move  of  these  maps  to  individuals  at  the 
cost  thereof;  the  proceeds  to  be  applied  as  a  further  appropriation  towards  the  preparation  and  ]iub!i- 
catiou  of  post  route  maps  (including  the  miscellaneous  expenses  of  the  Topographers  ofKce).  It  is  im- 
pliedly understood  that  sales  can  only  be  made  from  suiidus  copies,  after  the  immediate  wants  ot  tlio 
Department  are  supplied;  postmasters  and  others  in  the  service  being  furnished  with  these  maps  only 
in  cases  deemed  needful  by  the  Department.  For  tavilf  of  prices  and  other  information,  application 
should  be  made  to  the  Topographer  of  the  Post-Office  Department. 


40  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

duty  of  supi)lyiiig  the  j)ost-ofifices  entitled  thereto  with  blauks,  wrapping-paper  aud 
twine,  letter-balances,  and  canceling-stamps,  aud  the  Department  with  stationery. 

The  Officii  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General. — To  this  office  is 
assigned  the  business  of  arranging  the  mail  service  of  the  United  States,  and  placing 
the  same  under  contract,  embracing  all  correspondence  and  proceedings  resxiectiug 
the  fi-equeucy  of  trips,  mode  of  conveyance,  and  times  of  departures  and  aiTivals  on 
all  the  routes ;  the  course  of  the  mails  between  the  dift'ereut  sections  of  the  country, 
the  points  of  mail  distribution,  and  the  regulations  for  the  government  of  the  domestic 
mail  service  of  the  United  States.  It  prepares  the  advertisements  for  mail  proposals, 
receives  the  bids  and  has  charge  of  the  annual  and  miscellaneous  mail  lettings,  aud  the 
adjustment  and  execution  of  the  contracts.  All  applications  for  mail  service  or  change 
of  mail  arrangements  and  for  mail  messengers  should  be  sent  to  this  office.  All  claims 
should  be  submitted  to  it  for  transportation  service.  From  this  office  all  postmasters 
at  the  end  of  routes  receive  the  statement  of  mail  arrangements  j)rescribed  for  the 
respective  routes.  It  reports  weekly  to  the  Auditor  all  contracts  executed  and  all 
orders  aft'ecting  the  accounts  for  mail  transportation ;  prepares  the  statistical  exhibits 
of  the  mail  service  and  the  reports  to  Congress  of  the  mail  lettings,  giving  a  statement 
of  each  bid  ;  also,  of  the  contracts  made,  the  new  service  originated,  the  curtailments 
ordered,  and  the  additional  allowances  granted  within  the  year.  The  rates  of  pay  for 
the  transportatiou  of  the  mails  on  raih-oad  routes,  according  to  the  amount  and  char- 
acter of  the  service,  are  adjusted  by  this  office.  It  also  directs  the  weighing  of  the 
mails  on  the  same,  and  authorizes  new  service  on  railroad  routes.  The  issuing  of 
mail-locks  and  keys,  mail-pouches  and  sacks,  and  the  supervision  of  the  construction 
of  mail-bag-catchers  is  also  iu  charge  of  this  office.  To  it  is  attached  the  Dia'ision  of 
Inspection,  to  which  is  assigned  the  duty  of  receiving  and  inspecting  the  monthly 
registers  of  arrivals  and  departures,  reporting  the  performance  of  mail  service ;  also 
special  reports  of  failures  or  delinquencies  on  the  part  of  mail  contractors  or  their 
agents,  and  of  noting  such  failures  or  delinquencies,  and  preparing  cases  of  fines  or 
deductions  by  reason  thereof;  of  conducting  the  correspondence  growing  out  of  re- 
ports of  failures  or  delinquencies  in  the  transportatiou  of  the  mails ;  of  reporting  to 
the  Auditor  of  the  Treasiuy  for  the  Post-Office  Department,  at  the  close  of  each  quarter, 
by  certificate  of  inspection,  the  fact  of  performance  or  non-performance  of  contract  or 
recognized  m.ail  service,  noting  therein  such  fine  or  deduction  as  may  have  been  ordered ; 
of  authorizing  the  pajTuent  of  all  employes  of  the  railway  mail  service  ;  also  the  pay- 
ment of  siich  acting  employes  as  may  be  employed  by  this  office  through  the  Super- 
intendent of  Railway  Mail  Service  in  cases  of  emergency,  and  of  authorizing  the 
Auditor  to  credit  postmasters  with  sums  paid  by  them  for  such  temporary  service ; 
and  such  other  duties  as  may  be  necessary  to  secure  a  faithful  iierformauce  of  the  mail 
service.  All  complaints  against  mail  contractors  or  their  agents,  relating  to  failures 
or  other  irregularities  iu  the  transportation  of  the  mails,  whether  made  by  postmastei-s 
or  others,  should  be  promptly  forwarded  to  the  Second  Assistant  PoHtmaster-General, 
marked  "  Division  of  Inspection." 

The  Office  of  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General.— This  office  is 
charged  with  the  duty  of  issuing  drafts  aud  warx'auts  in  payment  of  balances  re- 
liorted  bj'  the  Auditor  to  be  due  to  mail-contractors  or  other  persons ;  the  superintend- 
ence of  the  collection  of  revenue  at  depository,  draft,  and  depositing  post-offices,  and 
the  accounts  between  the  Department  and  Treasurer  aud  Assistant  Treasurers  aud 
specially  designated  depositories  of  the  United  States.  It  receives  all  accounts, 
monthly  or  quarterly,  of  the  depository  or  draft  post-offices,  and  certificates  of  deposit 
from  depositing  post-offices.  This  office  is  also  charged  with  the  duty  of  preparing  in- 
structions for  the  guidance  of  postmasters  respecting  registered  matter,  aud  all  coitc- 
spondence  connected  with  tlie  Registry  System  of  the  United  States.  To  it  is 
attaclied  the  Division  of  Postage  Stamps  and  Stamped  Envelopes  and  1'ostal 
Cards,  having  charge  of  the  issuing  of  postage-stamps,  stauiped-euvelopes,  newspaper- 
wrappers,  aud  postal-cards,  aud  the  supplying  of  postmasters  with  euvelopes  for  their 


TITLE    I Tin:    POST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  41 

official  iiso,  and  rfgistcrod-padkago-envolopes  and  seals;  the  Division  ok  Dkad  Let- 
TKRS  (M)  (lcsi<riiat.'d  in  the  law  Imt  more  properly  called  TiiK  Retuun  Lktteii  Office), 
havinj,'  assi<;n((l  to  it  the  examination  and  retnrn  to  the  writcrH  of  und(divere«l  mail- 
matter  and  all  correspondence  n-latin^  thereto.  The  agencies  havin;;  the  snpervisiou 
of  the  manufactnre  of  i»osta;;e-.stamps,  stamped-envelopes,  and  postal-cards  are  also 
nnder  the  direction  of  this  otiice. 

Ofkici:  of  the  SurEuiXTEXDEXT  OF  THE  Money-Ordeu  System.— The  general 
snpervision  and  contnd  of  the  postal  money-onh-r  system  thronglnnit  the  United 
States  and  the  snperintendence  of  the  international  mouey-order  correspondence  with 
foreign  co\intries  is  exercised  hy  this  oQice. 

Office  of  the  SurEUixTENDENT  of  the  Foreign  Mails. — To  this  office  are 
assigned  all  foreign  postal  arrangements  and  correspondence  connected  with  the  for- 
eign mail  service  and  the  snpervision  of  the  ocean  mail-steamship  service. 

Office  of  the  Superintexdext  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service. — To  this  office 
are  intrusted  the  distribution  and  dispatch  of  mails  on  all  railroads  and  inland  steam- 
boat mail  lines,  the  management  of  the  postal-car  service,  and  the  general  direction 
of  the  mail  service  on  railroads  and  inland  steamboats  after  that  service  has  been  con- 
tracted for  or  recognized  under  the  law  by  the  Postmaster-General,  and  the  general 
direction  of  the  distribution  and  dispatch  of  mails  from  all  post-offices. 

Office  of  the  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department.— 
This  is  a  bureau  of  the  Treasury,  which  for  convenience  is  located  in  the  General 
Post-Office  building,  to  which  is  assigned  the  duty  of  auditing  the  accounts  of  the 
Post-Office  Department,  including  those  of  postmasters,  mail-contractors,  and  other 
agents  or  employes  of  the  Department. 

Office  of  the  Assistaxt  Attokxey-General  for  the  Post-Office  Depart- 
ment.— To  this  office  are  referred,  when  deemed  advisable  by  the  Postmaster-General 
and  the  heads  of  the  several  offices  of  the  Department,  questions  concerning  the  con- 
struction of  the  laws  and  regulations  which  may  arise  in  the  administration  of  the 
business  of  the  Department. 

Sec.  28.  Seal  of  the  Post-Office  Department. — The  Postmaster-General 
shall  keep  the  seal  heretofore  adopted  for  his  I>epartiueut,  which  shall 
be  affixed  to  all  commissions  of  postmasters  and  others,  and  used  to 
authenticate  all  transcripts  and  copies  which  may  be  required  from  his 
Department.     (R.  S.,  §  395.) 

Sec.  29.  Duties  of  the  Postmaster-General. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Postmaster-General : 

First.  To  establish  and  discontinue  post-offices. 

Second.  To  instruct  all  persons  in  the  postal  service  with  reference  to 
their  duties. 

Third.  To  decide  on  the  forms  of  all  official  papers. 

Fourth.  To  prescribe  the  manner  of  keeping  and  stating  accounts. 

Fiftli.  To  enforce  the  prompt  rendition  of  returns  relative  to  accounts. 

Sixth.  To  control,  according  to  law,  and  subject  to  the  settlement 
of  the  {Sixth)  Auditor  [of  tlie  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department j, 
all  expenses  incident  to  the  service  of  the  Department. 

Seventh.  To  superintend  the  disposal  of  the  moneys  of  the  Depai 
ment. 

Eighth.  To  direct  the  manner  in  which  balances  shall  be  paid  over ; 
issue  warrants  to  cover  money  into  the  Treasury ;  and  to  pay  out  the 
same. 

Ninth.  To  superintend  generally  the  business  of  the  Department,  and 
execute  all  laws  relative  to  the  postal  service.    (E.  S.,  §  390.) 


42  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

Possessing  tlie  power  to  (liscoutinue  post-offices,  the  Postmaster-General  may  exer- 
cise it,  notwithstanding  that  the  postmasters  have  been  appointed  by  the  President  by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  and  under  a  statute  which  enacts  that 
the  appointee  shall  hold  his  office  for  the  term  of  four  years,  unless  sooner  removed  by 
the  President.  The  office  of  postmaster  at  that  place  is  in  such  case  gone.  (Ware  vs. 
The  United  States,  4  Wall.,  617.) 

The  head  of  a  Department  has  not  a  right  to  review  the  decision  of  his  predecessor 
allowing  a  credit,  except  to  correct  some  error  of  calculation  ;  if  he  is  of  oiiinion  that 
the  allowance  was  wrongful  he  must  have  a  suit  brought.  (United  States  vs.  Bank  of 
Metropolis,  15  Peters,  377.) 

Where  the  Postmaster-General  is  authorized  and  required  by  act  of  Congress  to 
adjust  a  particular  claim,  nothing  but  a  new  authority  emanating  from  Congress  will 
enable  one  of  his  successors  to  open  his  adjustment  upon  the  ground  that  he  adojited 
an  erroneous  basis  of  settlement.     (Chorpenning  Case,  12  Opinions,  355.) 

Sec.  30.  Property  in  charge  of  the  Department.. — The  Postmaster-General 
shall  make  out  and  keep,  in  j)roper  books,  full  and  comi^lete  inventories 
and  accounts  of  all  the  property  belonging  to  the  United  States  in  the 
buildings,  rooms,  offices,  and  grounds  occupied  by  him  and  under  his 
charge ;  and  shall  add  thereto,  from  time  to  time,  an  account  of  such, 
property  as  may  be  procured  subsequently  to  the  taking  of  the  same, 
and  also  an  account  of  the  sale  or  disposal  of  any  such  property,  and 
to  report  the  same  to  Congress  during  the  first  week  of  each  annual 
session.  But  this  section  shall  not  apply  to  the  supplies  of  stationerj^ 
and  fuel.    (E.  S.,  §  397.) 

Sec.  31.  Postal  Arrangements  with  Foreign  Countries. — For  the  purpose  of 
making  better  jiostal  arrangements  with  foreign  countries,  or  to  coun- 
teract their  adverse  measures  aiiecting  our  postal  intercourse  with  them, 
the  Postmaster-General,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
President,  may  negotiate  and  conclude  postal  treaties  or  conventions, 
and  may  reduce  or  increase  the  rates  of  postage  on  mail-matter  con- 
veyed between  the  United  States  and  foreign  countries.     (R.  S.,  §  398.) 

Sec.  32.  Publication  of  Postal  Conventions. — The  Postmaster-General  shall 
transmit  a  copy  of  each  postal  convention  concluded  with  foreign  gov- 
ernments to  the  Secretary  of  State,  who  shall  furnish  a  copy  of  the  same 
to  the  Congressional  Printer  for  publication;  and  the  printed  proof- 
sheets  of  all  such  conventions  shall  be  revised  at  the  Post-Office  De- 
partment.    (R.  S.,  §  399.) 

Sec.  33.  Blank  Agency  at  Washington. — The  Postmaster-General  may 
establish  a  blank  agency  for  the  Post-Office  Department  to  be  located  at 
Washington,  District  of  Columbia.     (R.  S.,  §  -400.) 

Sec.  34.  Foreign  Dead  Letters. — The  actiou  of  the  Post-Office  Depart- 
ment respecting  foreign  dead  letters  shall  be  subject  to  conventional 
stipulations  with  their  respective  foreign  administrations.    (R.  S.,  §  401.) 

Sec.  35.  Orders,  Contracts,  etc.,  to  be  truly  Dated. — Every  order,  entry,  or 
memorandum  whatever,  on  which  any  action  is  to  be  based,  allowance 
made,  or  money  paid,  and  evcvj  cou tract,  paper,  or  obligation  made  by 
or  with  the  Post-Office  Department,  shall  have  its  true  date  affixed  to 
it ;  and  every  paper  relating  to  contracts  or  allowances  filed  in  the  De- 


TITLE    I THE    rOST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  43 

piirtmcnt  sliall  have  the  date  when  it  was  filed  iii(h)r.sed  upon  it.     (11. 
S.,  §  402.) 

Sec.  36.  Form  of  Bonds  and  Contracts. — All  bonds  taken  and  contracts 
entered  into  by  the  rost-Ollice  Department  shall  be  made  to  and  with 
the  United  States  of  America.     (K.  S.,  §  403.) 

Postiiiaster-Goneral  vs.  Early,  12  Wheat.  49. 
Dox  rs.  I'ostiuaster-General,  1  Petens,  318. 

Sec.  37.  Copies  of  Mail  Contracts  for  the  Auditor. — The  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral shall  deliver  to  the  (JSixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post- 
Office  Department]  within  sixty  days  after  the  making  of  any  contract 
for  earryiii<;-  the  mail,  a  duplicate  copy  thereof.     (II.  S.,  §  404.) 

Sec.  38.  iDrders  to  be  Certified  to  the  Auditor. — All  orders  and  regulations 
of  the  Postmaster-General  which  may  originate  a  claim,  or  in  any  man- 
ner affect  the  accounts  of  the  postal  ser%'ice,  shall  be  certified  to  the 
Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department.     (R.  S.,  §  405.) 

Sec.  39.  Credits  for  Payments  by  Postmasters. — Upon  the  certified  quar- 
terly statement  by  the  {Sixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post  Office 
Department]  of  the  payments  by  postmasters  on  account  of  the  postal 
service,  the  Postmaster- General  shall  issue  his  warrant  to  the  Treasurer 
to  carry  the  amount  to  the  credit  of  the  postal  revenues  and  to  the  debit 
of  the  proper  appropriations  upon  the  books  of  the  Auditor.  (R.  S.,  § 
40G.) 

Sec.  40.  Fines,  Penalties,  Forfeitures,  etc.,  how  Remitted. — In  all  cases  of 
fine,  penalty,  forfeiture,  or  disability,  or  alleged  liability  for  any  sum  of 
money  by  way  of  damages  or  otherwise,  under  any  provision  of  law  in 
relation  to  the  officers,  employes,  operations,  or  business  of  the  postal 
service,  the  Postmaster-General  may  prescribe  such  general  rules  and 
modes  of  proceeding  as  shall  appear  to  be  expedient,  for  the  government 
of  the  {Sixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department] 
in  ascertaining  the  fact  in  each  case  in  which  the  Auditor  shall  certify  to 
him  that  the  interests  of  the  department  probably  i-equire  the  exercise 
of  his  powers  over  fines,  penalties,  forfeitures,  and  liabilities ;  and  upon 
the  fact  being  ascertained,  the  Auditor  may,  with  the  written  consent 
of  the  Postmaster-General,  mitigate  or  remit  such  fine,  penalty,  or  for- 
feiture, remove  such  disability,  or  compromise,  release,  or  discharge  such 
claim  for  such  sum  of  money  and  damages,  and  on  such  terms  as  the 
Auditor  shall  deem  just  and  expedient.     (R.  S..  §  409.) 

Sec.  41.  Discharge  of  Imprisoned  Judgment  Debtors. — The  Postmaster- 
General  may  discharge  from  imprisonment  any  person  confined  in  jail  on 
any  judgment  in  a  civil  case,  obtained  in  behalf  of  the  Department,  if  it 
be  made  to  appear  that  the  defendant  has  no  property  of  any  descrix)- 
tion.     (R.  S.,  §  410.) 

Sec.  42.  Such  Discharge  no  Bar  to  Execution. — The  release  i^rovided  for 
by  the  preceding  section  shall  not  bar  a  subsequent  execution  against 
the  property  of  the  defendant  on  the  same  judgment.     (R.  S.,  §  411.) 

Sec.  43,  Postal  Employes  may  not  be  Interested  in  Contracts. — Xo  person 


44  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

employed  iu  the  Post-Oflfice  Department  sliall  become  interested  in  any 
contract  for  carrying  tlie  mail,  or  act  as  agent,  with  or  without  compen- 
sation, for  any  contractor  or  j^erson  offering  to  become  a  contractor, 
in  any  business  before  the  Department ;  and  any  i)erson  so  offending 
shall  be  immediately  dismissed  from  office,  and  shall  be  liable  to  pay  so 
much  money  as  would  have  been  realized  from  said  contract,  to  be  re- 
covered in  an  action  of  debt,  for  the  use  of  the  Post-Office  Department. 
(R.  S.,  §412.) 

See  section  599. 

Sec.  44.  Prescribed  Annual  Reports  of  the  Postmaster-General. — The  Post- 
master-General shall  make  the  following  annual  reports  to  Congress : 

First.  A  report  of  all  contracts  for  carrying  the  mail  made  ^^ithiu  the 
preceding  year,  giving  in  each  case  the  name  of  the  contractor ;  the  date 
and  duration  of  the  contract ;  the  routes  embraced  therein,  with  the 
length  of  each ;  the  time  of  arrival  and  departure  at  the  ends  of  each 
route ;  the  mode  of  transportation ;  and  the  price  to  be  paid,  together 
with  a  copy  of  the  recorded  abstracts  of  all  proposals  for  carrying  the 
mail,  as  provided  by  section  588  [three  thousand  nine  hundred  and  forty- 
eight)  [of  the  Revised  Statutes]. 

Second.  A  report  of  all  laud  and  water  mails  established  or  ordered 
within  the  preceding  year,  other  than  those  let  to  contract  at  the  annual 
letting,  giving  in  each  case  the  route  or  water-course  on  which  the  mail 
is  established ;  the  name  of  the  person  emplo3^ed  to  transport  it ;  the 
mode  of  transportation  5  the  price  to  be  paid ;  and  the  duration  of  the 
order  or  contract. 

Third.  A  report  of  all  allowances  made  to  contractors  within  the  pre- 
ceding year  above  the  sums  originally  stipulated  in  their  respective 
contracts,  and  the  reasons  for  the  same,  and  of  all  orders  made  whereby 
additional  exj)ense  is  incurred  on  any  route  beyond  the  original  contract 
price,  giving  in  each  case  the  route ;  the  name  of  the  contractor ;  the 
original  service  pro.vided  for  \>j  the  contract ;  the  original  price ;  the 
additional  service  required ;  and  the  additional  allowance  therefor. 

Fourth.  A  report  of  all  curtailments  of  expenses  effected  within  the 
preceding  year,  giving  in  each  case  the  same  particulars  as  in  the  pre- 
ceding report. 

Fifth.  A  report  of  the  finances  of  the  Department  for  the  preceding 
year,  showing  the  amount  of  balance  due  the  Department  at  the  begin- 
mng  of  the  year ;  the  amount  of  postage  which  accrued  within  the  year ; 
the  amount  of  engagement  and  liabilities;  and  the  amount  actually 
paid  during  the  year  for  carrying  the  mail,  showing  how  much  of  said 
amount  was  for  carrying  the  mail  in  preceding  years. 
.  Sixth.  A  report  of  the  fines  imposed  on,  and  the  deductions  from  the 
pay  of  contractors,  made  during  the  preceding  year,  stating  the  name  of 
the  contractor;  the  nature  of  the  delinquency;  the  route  on  which  it 
occurred;  when  the  fine  was  imposed;  and  whether  the  fine  or  deduc- 
tion has  been  remitted :  and  for  what  reason. 


TITLE    I THE    POST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  45 

Seventh.  A  copy  of  each  contract  for  carrying  the  mail  between  the 
United  States  and  toreijin  countries,  Avith  a  statement  of  the  iinioniit  of 
postage  derived  under  the  same,  so  far  as  the  returns  of  tlie  Department 
will  enable  it  to  be  done. 

Eighth.  A  rei)()it  showing  all  contracts  which  have  been  made  by  the 
Department,  other  than  for  carrying  the  mail,  giving  the  name  of  the  con- 
tractor; the  article  or  thing  contracted  for;  the  place  where  the  article 
was  to  be  delivered  or  the  thing  jierformed;  the  amount  paid  therefor  ; 
and  the  date  and  duration  of  the  contract. 

Ninth.  A  report  on  the  postal  business  and  agencies  in  foreign  coun- 
tiies. 

Tenth.  A  report  of  the  amount  expended  in  the  Department  for  the 
preceding  fiscal  year,  including  detailed  statements  of  exi^enditures 
made  from  the  contingent  fund. 

And  the  Postmaster-General  shall  cause  all  of  such  reports  to  be 
printed  at  the  Public  Printing  Ofiice,  either  together  or  separately,  and 
in  such  numbers  as  may  be  required  by  the  exigencies  of  the  service  or 
by  law.     (R.  S.,  §  413.) 

Sec.  45.  Annual  Reports  of  the  Auditor. — The  annual  reports  of  the  Au- 
ditor of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Ottice  Department  to  the  Postmaster- 
General  shall  show  the  financial  condition  of  the  Post-Oflace  Depart- 
ment at  the  close  of  each  fiscal  year,  and  be  made  a  part  of  the  Post- 
master-General's annual  report  to  Congress  for  that  fiscal  year.  (Act 
of  July  12,  1876,  §  4,  19  Stat.,  p.  80.) 

Sec.  46.  Annual  Estimates  of  the  Postmaster-General. — The  Postmaster- 
General  shall  submit  to  Congress  at  each  annual  session  an  estimate  of 
the  amount  that  will  be  required  for  the  ensuing  fiscal  year,  under  each 
of  the  following  heads: 

First.  Transportation  of  the  mails. 

Second.  Compensation  of  postmasters. 

Third.  Comi)ensation  of  clerks  in  post-offices. 

Fourth.  Compensation  of  letter-carriers. 

Fifth.  Compensation  of  blank-agents  and  assistants. 

Sixth.  Mail  depredations  and  special  agents. 

Seventh.  Postage-stamiJs  and  envelopes. 

Eighth.  Ship,  steamboat,  and  way  letters. 

Kinth.  Dead  letters. 

Tenth.  Mail-bags. 

Eleventh.  Mail  locks,  keys,  and  stamps. 

Twelfth.  Wrapping-paper. 

Thirteenth.  Office-furniture. 

Fourteenth.  Advertising. 

Fifteenth.  Balances  to  foreign  countries. 

Sixteenth.  Pent,  light,  and  fuel  for  post-offices. 

Seventeenth.  Stationery. 

Eighteenth.  Miscellaneous. 


46  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

Siicli  estimates  shall  show  the  sums  paid  imder  each  heail,  and  the 
names  of  the  persons  to  whom  payments  are  made  out  of  the  miscel- 
laneous fund ;  but  the  names  of  persons  employed  in  detecting  depre- 
dations on  the  mail,  and  of  other  contidential  agents,  need  not  be  dis- 
closed.    (R.  S.,  §  3G68.) 

Hereafter,  in  making  his  estimates  for  railway  mail  service,  the  Post- 
master-General shall  separate  the  estimate  for  postal-car  service  from 
the  general  estimates ;  and  in  case  any  increase  or  diminution  of  service 
by  postal  cars  shall  be  made  by  him,  the  reasons  therefor  shall  be  given 
in  his  annual  report  next  succeeding  such  increase  or  diminution.  (Act 
of  March  3,  1879,  §  1,  20  Stat.,  p.  356.) 

Sec.  47.  Estimates  to  be  furnished  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury. — The 
Postmaster-General  shall  furnish  a  copy  of  his  annual  estimates  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury  prior  to  the  first  of  October  in  each  year, 
which  shall  be  reported  to  Congress  by  the  latter  in  his  regular  printed 
estimates.  (R.  S.,  §  414,  as  amended  by  act  March  3,  1875,  §  3,  18  Stat., 
p.  370.) 

Sec.  48.  Contracts  signed  by  the  First  Assistant. — The  bonds  of  all  post- 
masters may  by  the  direction  of  the  Postmaster-General  be  ai)proved 
and  accepted,  and  the  approval  and  acceptance  signed  by  the  First 
Assistant  Postmaster-General  in  the  name  of  the  Postmaster- General ; 
and  all  contracts  for  stationery,  wrapping-paper,  letter-balances,  scales, 
and  street  letter-boxes,  for  the  use  of  the  postal  service  may  be  signed 
in  like  manner  by  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General  in  the  place 
and  stead  of  the  Postmaster-General,  and  his  signature  shall  be  attested 
by  the  seal  of  the  Post-Offlce  Department.  (Act  March  3,  1877,  §  2,  19 
Stat.,  p.  335.) 

Sec.  49.  Contracts  signed  by  the  Second  Assistant. — The  Second  Assistant 
Postmaster-General  on  the  order  of  the  Postmaster-General  may  sign 
with  his  name,  in  the  place  and  stead  of  the  Postmaster-General  and 
attest  his  signature  by  the  seal  of  the  Post-OfQce  Department,  all  con- 
tracts made  in  the  said  Department  for  mail  transportation  and  for  sup- 
plies of  mail-bags,  mail-catchers,  mail-locks,  and  keys  and  all  other  arti- 
cles necessary  and  incidental  to  mail-transportation.  (Act  March  3, 1877, 
§  3,  19  Stat.,  p.  335.) 

Sec.  50.  Contracts  signed  by  the  Third  Assistant. — The  Third  Assistant 
Postmaster-General,  when  directed  by  the  Postmaster-General,  may  also 
sign,  in  his  name,  in  the  place  and  stead  of  the  Postmaster-General,  and 
attest  his  signature  by  the  seal  of  the  Post-Ofi&ce  Department,  all  con- 
tracts for  supplies  of  postage-stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  newspaper- 
wrappers,  postal  cards,  registered-package  envelopes,  locks,  seals,  and 
official  envelopes  for  the  use  of  postmasters,  and  return  of  dead  letters, 
that  may  be  required  for  the  postal  service.  (Act  March  3,  1877,  §  4, 10 
Stat.,  p.*  335.) 

Sec.  51.  Omission  to  take  Oath  not  to  affect  Liability,  etc. — Every  person 
emi)loyed  in  the  postal  service  shall  be  subject  to  all  ijenalties  and  for- 


TITLE    I THE    POST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  47 

feituies  for  violation  of  tlie  laws  relating?  to  such  service  whether  he  has 
taken  tlie  oath  of  olVico  or  not.     (II.  S.,  §  38.32.) 

Sec.  52.  Suits  and  Prosecutions  in  State  courts. — All  causes  of  action  aris- 
ing under  the  postal  laws  may  be  sued,  and  all  offenders  a;,^iinst  the 
same  may  he  prosecuted,  before  the  justices  of  the  peace,  magistrates, 
or  other  Judicial  ccmrts  of  the  several  States  and  Territories  having 
competent  jurisdiction  by  the  laws  thereof,  to  the  trial  of  claims  aud 
demands  of  as  great  vahie,  and  of  prosecutions  where  the  punishments 
are  of  as  great  extent ;  and  such  justices,  magistrates,  or  judiciary  shall 
take  cognizance  thereof,  aud  i)roceed  to  judgment  and  execution  as  iu 
other  cases.     (R.  S.,  §  3833.) 

Sec.  53.  Disbursements  for  the  Topographer's  Office,  how  made. — The  dis- 
bursements of  the  moneys  appropriated  for  the  preparation  and  publica- 
tion of  post-route  maps  shall  be  made  by  a  regular  bonded  disbursiug- 
officer  of  the  Post-Offtce  Department,  according  to  the  laws,  rides,  and 
customs  as  recognized  by  the  accounting-ofQcers  of  the  Treasury  Depart- 
ment. The  pay-rolls  of  the  draughtsmen,  clerks,  messengers,  and  other 
employees  of  the  topographer's  office,  shall  be  regularly  made  out  by  the 
chief  of  the  topographer's  office,  examined  and  checked  by  the  appoint- 
ment-clerk of  the  Post-Office  Department,  and  the  payments  thereof 
made  by  a  bonded  disbursing-officer  of  the  Post-Office  Department.  All 
expenditures  made  by  the  chief  of  the  topographer's  office  for  the  prep- 
aration and  publication  of  post-route  maps  shall  be  accounted  for  by 
vouchers,  accompanied  by  affidavit,  and  the  moneys  therefor  shall  be 
disbursed  by  a  disbursing-officer  of  the  Post-Office  Department;  and  all 
of  the  above  disbiu'sements  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  appropriation  for  the 
jireparation  aud  publication  of  i)ost-route  maps.  (Act  of  June  17,  1878, 
§  2,  20  Stat.,  p.  143.) 

Sec.  64.  No  Employ^  to  Receive  Fees. — Xo  persou  employed  in  the 
postal  ser\ice  shall  receive  any  fees  or  perquisites  on  account  of  the 
duties  to  be  performed  by  virtue  of  his  appointment.     (K.  S.,  §  3858.) 


CHAPTER    TWO. 

ACCOUNTS,  REVENUES,  AND   DEPOSITS. 


Sec. 

55.  Manner  of  keeping  accounts. 

56.  Miscellaneous  ami  uioney-order  receipts.. 
67.  Postal  revenues  to  be  accounted  for. 


Sec. 

64.  Accounts  to  be  preserved  tvro  years. 

65.  Restrictions  on  pajTucnts  on  account  of  postal 

service. 


58.  Revenues  to  be  appropriated  for  postal  serv'ice.   !  66.  Postal  revenues  and  coUectious  to  be  paid  into 

59.  Payments,  liow  made ;  advances.  I  Treasury. 

60.  Transfer  of  debts  to  contractors.  67.  Deposits,  how  brought  into  the  Treasury. 
01.  Suits  to  recover  -wrongful  or  fraudulent  pay-      68.  Transfer  of  postal  deposits. 

ments.  I  69.  Accounts  of  postal  deposits. 

62.  Delivery  of  stolen  money  to  owner.  I  70.  Entry  of  each  deposit,  transfer,  and  pa>nnent. 

63.  Disposal  of  fines,  penalties,  aud  forfeitures  ;  of      71.  Public  moneys  iu  Treasury  subject  to  diiift  of 

moieties.  1  Treasurer. 


48 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 


Sec. 

72.  Money  to  be  safely  kept  by  postmasters. 

73.  Custody  of  government  money  in  hands  of  po.st- 

masters. 

74.  Frequent  deposits  of  revenues. 

75.  No  money  to  be  paid  directly  into  the  Depart- 

ment. 

76.  Post-offices  financially  designated  and  classi, 

fled.  • 

77.  Post-offlces  transferred  from  one  class  to  an. 

other. 

78.  Postmasters  to  transfer  their  deposits  promptly. 

79.  Letter  of  transmittal,  to  state  what. 
SO.  Postmasters  may  transfer  funds  free. 

81.  Postmasters  to  report  amounts  paid  mail-mes- 

sengers, etc. 

82.  Postmasters  to  report  cause  of  failure  to  de- 

posit. 

83.  Want  of  funds  not  accepted  as  excuse. 

84.  Collection-drafts  must  be  paid. 


Sec. 

85.  Failure  to  deposit  cause  for  removal,  unless. 

86.  Postmasters  to  pay  over  balance  at  end  ot 

quarter. 

87.  Postmasters  at  special  post-offices  to  report 

balance. 

88.  Postmasters  at  special  post-offices  to  transmit 

receipts  promptly. 

89.  Payments  to  Department  must  be  in  what. 

90.  'No  allowance  made  for  expenses  for  payments, 

etc. 

91.  Counterfeit  money  to  be  replaced. 

92.  Postmasters  at  di'aft  post-offices  not  to  pay 

drafts  on  other  post-offices. 

93.  Postmasters  not  required  to  redeem  mutilated 

cun-ency. 

94.  Postmasters  to  refuse  mutilated  coins. 

95.  All  funds  to  be  kept  in  current  money. 

96.  Postmasters  to  sign  certificates  in  person. 

97.  Postmasters  not  to  receive  foreign  coin. 


Sec.  55.  Manner  of  Keeping  Accounts. — The  accounts  of  the  postal  service 
shall  be  kept  in  such  a  mauiier  as  to  exhibit  separately  the  amouut  of 
revenue  derived  from  the  following  sources  respectively : 

First.  Letter-postage. 

Second.  Book,  newspaper,  and  pamphlet  postage. 

Third.  Eegistered  letters. 

rourth.  Box-rents  and  branch  offices. 

Fifth.  Postage-stamj)s  and  envelopes. 

Sixth.  Dead  letters. 

Seventh.  Fines  and  penalties. 

Eighth.  Revenue  from  money-order  business. 
^  Ninth.  Miscellaneous. 

And  they  shall  exhibit  separately  the  amount  of  expenditure  made  for 
each  of  the  following  objects  respectively: 

First.  Transportation  of  the  mail. 

Second.  Compensation  of  postmasters. 

Third.  Comiiensation  of  letter-carriers; 

Fourth.  Compensation  of  clerks  for  i)ost-offices. 

Fifth.  Compensation  of  blank-agents  and  assistants. 

Sixth.  Mail  depredations  and  special  agents. 

Seventh.  Postage-stamps  and  envelopes. 

Eighth.  Ship,  steamboat,  and  way  letters. 

Ninth.  Dead-letters. 

Tenth.  Mail-bags. 

Eleventh.  Mail  locks  and  keys. 

Twelfth.  Post-marking  and  canceling  stamps. 

Thirteenth.  Wrapping-i)aj)er. 

Fourteenth.  Twine. 

Fifteenth .  Letter-balances. 

Sixteenth.  OfiQce-furniture. 

Seventeenth.  Advertising. 

Eighteenth.  Balances  to  foreign  countries. 


TITLE    I — TIIF.    POST-OrJTCE    DEPATiTMEXT.  49 

Nineteenth.  Rent,  lijiilit,  and  fuel  for  post-offices. 

Twentietli.  Stationery. 

Twenty-first.  Miscellaneous.     (K.  S.,  §  4049.) 

Sec.  56.  Miscellaneous  and  Money-order  Receipts. — Unclaimed  money  in 
dead  letters  for  which  no  owner  can  Ix?  found;  all  monej' taken  from  the 
mail  by  robbery,  theft,  or  otherwise,  whicli  may  come  into  tlie  liands  ot 
any  agent  or  employ^  of  the  United  States,  or  any  other  i^erson  whatever : 
all  fines  and  penalties  imposed  for  any  violation  of  the  i)ostal  laws,  ex- 
cei)t  such  part  as  may  by  law  belong  to  the  informer  or  party  prosecnt- 
ing  for  the  same;  and  all  money  derived  from  the  sale  of  waste  paper 
or  other  public  property  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  shall  be  depos- 
ited in  the  Treasury,  under  the  direction  of  the  Postmaster-General,  as 
part  of  the  postal  revenue.  And  the  Postmnster-General  shall  cause  to 
be  placed  to  the  credit  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  United  States,  for  the 
service  of  the  Post -Office  Department,  the  net  proceeds  of  the  money- 
order  business;  and  the  receipts  of  the  Post-Office  Department  derived 
from  this  source  during  each  quarter  shall  be  entered  by  the  {tSixtlt) 
Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department]  in  the  ac- 
counts of  such  Department,  under  the  head  of  "revenue  from  money ^ 
order  business."     (K.  S.,  §  4050.) 

Sec.  57.  Postal  Revenues  to  be  Accounted  for. — All  postages,  box-rents, 
and  other  receipts  at  post-offices,  shall  be  accounted  for  as  part  of  the 
postal  revenues ;  and  each  postmaster  shall  be  charged  with  and  held 
accountable  for  any  part  of  the  same,  accruing  at  his  office,  which  he 
has  neglected  to  collect,  the  same  as  if  h«  had  collected  it.  (K.  S., 
§  4051.) 

Sec.  58.  Revenues  to  be  Appropriated  for  Postal  Service. — The  money  re- 
quired for  the  jiostal  service  in  each  year  shall  be  appropriated  by  law 
out  of  the  revenues  of  the  service.    (R.  S.,  §  4054.) 

Sec.  59.  Payments,  how  Made ;  Advances. — All  payments  on  account  of 
the  postal  service  shall  be  made  to  persons  to  whom  the  same  shall  be 
certified  to  be  due  by  the  {Sixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post- 
Office  Dei)artraent];  but  advances  of  necessary  sums  to  defray  ex- 
penses may  be  made  by  the  Postmaster-General  to  agents  enq)loyed  to 
investigate  mail  depredations,  examine  post  routes  and  offices,  and  on 
other  like  services,  to  be  charged  to  them  by  the  Auditor,  and  to  be 
accounted  for  in  the  settlement  of  their  accounts.     (K.  S.,  §  4055.) 

Sec.  60.  Transfer  of  Debts  to  Contractors. — The  Postmaster-General  may 
transfer  debts  due  to  the  Department  from  postmasters  and  others  to 
such  contractors  as  have  given  bonds,  with  security,  to  refund  any 
money  that  may  come  into  their  hands  over  and  above  the  amount 
found  due  them  on  the  settlement  of  their  accounts ;  but  such  transfers 
shall  only  be  in  satisfaction  of  legal  demands  for  which  appropriations 
have  been  made.     (R.  S.,  §  4050.) 

Sec.  61.  Suits  to  recover  Wrongful  or  Fraudulent  Payments. — In  all  cases 
where  money  has  been  x>aid  out  of  the  funds  of  tlie  Post-Office  Dei)art- 

4  P  L 


50  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

meut  under  tlie  pretense  that  service  has  been  performed  therefor,  when, 
in  fact,  such  service  has  not  been  performed,  or  as  additional  allowance 
for  increased  service  actually  rendered,  when  the  additional  allowance 
exceeds  the  sum  which,  according  to  law,  might  rightfully'  have  been 
allowed  therefor,  and  in  all  other  cases  where  money  of  the  Department 
has  been  paid  to  any  person  in  consequence  of  fraudulent  representa- 
tions, or  by  the  mistake,  collusion,  or  misconduct  of  any  ofScer  or  other 
employe  in  the  postal  service,  the  Postmaster-General  shall  cause  suit  to 
be  brought  to  recover  such  wrong  or  fraudulent  paj'ment  or  excess,  with 
interest  thereon.     (R.  S.,  §  4057.) 

Sec.  62.  Delivery  of  Stolen  Money  to  Owner. — Whenever  the  Postmaster- 
General  is  satisfied  that  money  or  property  stolen  from  the  mail,  or  the 
proceeds  thereof,  has  been  received  at  the  Department,  he  may,  upon 
satisftictory  evidence  as  to  the  owner,  deliver  the  same  to  him.  (R.  S., 
§  4058.) 

Sec.  63.  Disposal  of  Fines,  Penalties,  and  Forfeitures ;  Moieties. — All  pen- 
-alties  and  forfeitures  imposed  for  any  violation  of  law  affecting  thePost- 
Oflfice  Department  for  its  revenue  or  property  shall  be  recoverable,  one- 
half  to  the  use  of  the  person  informing  and  prosecuting  for  the  same,  and 
the  other  half  to  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  for  the  use  of  the  Post-Oflfice 
Department,  unless  a  different  disposal  is  expressly  prescribed.  All 
tines  collected  for  violations  of  such  laws  shall  be  paid  into  the  Treasury 
for  the  use  of  the  Post-Office  Department.     (R.  S.,  §  4059.) 

Sec.  64.  Accounts  to  be  Preserved  Two  Years. — The  Postmaster-General 
may  dispose  of  any  quarterly  returns  of  mails  sent  or  received,  pre- 
serving the  accounts-current  and  all  accompanying  vouchers,  and  use 
such  portions  of  the  proceeds  as  may  be  necessary  to  defray  the  cost  of 
separating  and  disposing  of  them;  but  the  accounts  shall  be  preserved 
entire  for  at  least  two  years.     (R.  S.,  §  4000.) 

Sec.  65.  Restrictions  on  Payments  on  Account  of  Postal  Service. — Payments 
■of  money  out  of  the  Treasury  on  account  of  the  postal  service  shall  be 
in  pursuance  of  appropriations  made  by  law,  by  warrants  of  the  Post- 
master-General, registered  and  countersigned  by  the  Auditor  for  the 
Post-Office  Department,  and  expressing  on  their  fiice  the  appropriation 
to  which  they  should  be  charged.     (R.  S.,  §  3ij74.) 

Sec.  66.  Postal  Revenues  and  Collections  to  be  paid  into  Treasury. — The 
postal  revenues  and  all  debts  due  to  the  Post-Office  Department  shall, 
when  collected,  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Postmaster-General ;  and  the  Treasurer,  assistant  treas- 
urer, or  designated  depositary'  receiving  such  paynient,  shall  give  the 
depositor  duplicate  receipts  tlierefor.     (R.  S.,  §  407.) 

Sec.  67.  Deposits ;  how  Brought  into  the  Treasury. — All  deposits  on  ac- 
count of  the  postal  service  shall  be  brought  into  the  Treasury  by  war- 
rants of  the  Postmaster-General,  countersigned  by  tlie  Auditor;  and 
no  credit  shall  be  allowed  for  any  deposit  until  such  warrant  has  been 
issued.     (R.  S.,  §  408.) 


TITLE    I THE    rOST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  51 

Sec.  68.  Transfer  of  Postal  Deposits. — Tlie  Postmaster-General  may  trans- 
fer money  bel<)ii;;in;;-  to  tlie  i)o>,tal  service  between  the  Treasnrer,  assist- 
ant treasurers,  and  designated  depositaries,  at  his  diseretion,  and  as  tlni 
safety  of  the  public  money  and  tUe  conveuience  of  the  service  may  re- 
quire.   (11.  s.,  §  r>(]n.) 

Sec.  69.  Accounts  of  Postal  Deposits. — Every  depositary  sliall  keep  liis 
account  of  the  money  paid  to  or  deposited  with  him,  belonging  to  tlie 
Post-Offico  Department,  .separate  and  distinct  from  the  account  Icept  by 
him  of  other  i>ublic  moneys  so  paid  or  dei)osited.     (R.  S.,  §  .'Jfil:!'.) 

Sec.  70.  Entry  of  each  Deposit,  Transfer,  and  Payment. — All  persons 
charged  by  law  with  the  safe-keeping,  transfer,  and  disltursement  of  the 
public  moneys,  other  than  those  connected  with  the  Post-Oilk-e  Depart- 
ment, are  required  to  keep  an  accnrate  entry  of  each  sum  received  and 
of  each  payment  or  transfer.     (11.  S.,  §  3043.) 

Sec.  71.  Public  moneys  in  Treasury  subject  to  draft  of  Treasurer. — All 
moneys  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States  shall  be  subject  to 
the  draft  of  the  Treasurer.  And  for  the  purpose  of  payments  on  the 
public  account  the  Treasnrer  is  anthorized  to  draw  upon  any  of  the  de- 
positaries, as  he  may  think  most  conducive  to  the  public  interest  and  to 
the  convenience  of  the  public  creditors.  Each  depositary  so  drawn  upon 
shall  make  returns  to  the  Treasury  and  Post-Office  Departments  of  all 
moneys  receiv^ed  and  paid  by  him,  at  such  times  and  in  such  forms  as 
shall  be  directed  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  or  the  Postmaster- 
General.     (P.  S.,  §  3644.) 

Sec.  72.  Money  to  be  Safely  Kept. — Postmasters  shall  keep  safely,  with- 
out loaning,  using,  depositing  in  an  unauthorized  bank,  or  exchanging 
for  other  funds,  all  the  public  money  collected  by  them,  or  which  may 
come  into  their  possession,  until  it  is  ordered  l)y  the  Postmaster-General 
to  be  transferred  or  paid  out.     (R.  S.,  §  3846.) 

Sec.  73.  Custody  of  Government  Money  in  hands  of  Postmasters. — Any 
postmaster,  having  public  money  belonging  to  the  Government,  at  an 
ofhce  within  a  county  where  there  are  no  designated  depositaries,  treas- 
urers of  mints,  or  Treasurer  or  assistant  treasurers  of  the  United  States, 
may  deposit  the  same,  at  his  own  risk  and  in  his  official  capacity,  in  any 
national  bank  in  the  town,  city,  or  county  where  the  said  postmaster 
resides ;  but  no  authority  or  permission  is  or  shall  be  given  for  the  de- 
mand or  receipt  by  the  postmaster,  or  any  other  jjerson,  of  interest, 
directly  or  indirectly,  on  any  deposit  made  as  herein  described ;  and 
evary  postmaster  who  makes  any  such  deposit  shall  report  quarterly  to 
the  Postmaster-General  the  name  of  the  bank  where  such  deposits  have 
been  made,  and  also  state  the  amount  which  may  stand  at  the  time  to 
his  credit.     (P.  S.,  §  3S47.) 

Sec.  74.  Frequent  Deposits  of  Revenues. — The  postmaster  at  Washington, 
and  postmasters  at  cities  where  there  is  an  assistant  treasurer,  shall  de- 
posit the  postal  revenues,  and  all  money  accruing  at  their  office,  with 
such  assistant  treasurer,  as  often  as  once  a  week  at  least,  and  as  much 
oftener  as  the  Postmaster-General  may  direct.     (R.  S.,  §  3848.) 


52  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    KEGULATIOXS. 

Sec.  75.  "So  money  to  be  paid  Directly  into  the  Department. — Xo  moneys 

are  to  be  paid  directly  iuto  the  Department,  neither  are  any  paid  ont  directly  by  it.  The 
proceeds  of  postage,  or  moneys  received  for  postage-stamps,  stamped-euvelopes,  news- 
paper-wrappers, or  postal-cards  sold,  will,  therefore,  never  be  remitted  by  postmasters 
to  the  Department,  nor  be  paid  to  any  of  its  officers  or  .agents,  without  duo  authority 
from  the  Postmaster-General.  When  money  is  sent  to  the  Department  in  violation  of 
this  regulation  it  will  be  returned  at  the  risk  of  the  person  so  sending  it. 

Sec.  76.  Post-offices  Financially  Designated  and  Classified. — For  couveni- 
ence  ia  collecting  and  disbursing  the  revenues  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  post- 
offices  are  designated  and  classed  as  follows,  viz  : 

1.  Special  post-offices. — Those  post-offices  not  located  on  a  regular  mail-route, 
but,  which  are  supplied  by  a  special  carrier,  whose  compensation  ie  fixed  at  two-thirds 
of  the  salary  of  the  jiostmaster.     See  section  548. 

2.  Depositing  post-officks. — Such  as  are  directed  to  deposit,  at  some  designated 
pointii,  their  surplus  funds,  quarterly  or  oftener. 

3.  Depositokt  and  draft  post-offices. — Those  which  are  directed  to  retain  their 
own  funds,  the  surplus  funds  of  de^wsiting  post-offices  and  funds  received  by  collec- 
tiou-drafte  on  hand  to  meet  drafts  drawn  by  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General, 
and  countersigned  by  the  Auditor. 

4.  Collection  post-offices. — Those  which  are  required  to  pay  over  their  net  proceeds 
quarterly  to  the  mail  carrier  named  in  their  special  instructions,  upon  the  production 
by  him,  from  time  to  time,  of  the  proper  orders  and  receipts  sent  to  him  by  the  Depart- 
ment. No  receipts  other  than  the  printed  forms  furnished  to  contractors  by  the  De- 
partment Avill  be  recognized.  All  manuscript  receipts  are  illegal.  Upon  the  pre- 
sentation of  the  order  to  the  j)Ostmaster  by  the  contractor,  or  his  agent  named  in  the 
order,  the  iiostmaster  must  pay  over  all  money  in  his  hands  due  to  the  United  States 
for  that  quarter,  from  whatever  source  derived  (except  money-order  funds),  whether 
for  drafts  collected  from  postmasters  and  others,  postage-.stamps,  stamped  envelopes, 
newspaper- wrappers,  postal  cards,  waste-paper,  box-rents,  or  other  emoluments  of  the 
post-wMcft.  The  amount  duo  the  mail-messenger,  if  employed,  is  also  excepted  from 
this  regulation. 

Sec.  77.  Post-offices  transferred  from  one  Class  to  Another. — Post-offices 

are  transferred,  from  time  to  time,  from  one  to  another  of  these  classes,  to  meet  the 
necessities  of  the  service.  When  such  changes  are  made  postmasters  will  be  duly 
notified. 

Sec.  78.  Postmasters  to  transfer  their  Deposits  Promptly. — When  a  post- 
master has  been  directed  to  deposit  quarterly,  he  will,  as  soon  as  practicable  after  the 
close  of  a  quarter,  not  delaying  more  than  fifteen  days,  deposit  the  whole  amount  due 
by  him  to  the  Department  (as  shown  by  his  general  account)  in  such  funds  as  are 
receivable  by  law,  taking  an  original  and  duplicate  certificate  for  the  same.  The  ori- 
ginal nuist  be  transmitted  in  a  letter  addressed  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster- 
(Jeueral,  and  the  duplicate  retained  as  a  voucher.  If  it  be  not  convenient  for  him  to 
attend  to  it  in  person,  it  is  expected  that  he  will  embrace  the  first  safe  opportunity 
for  transferring  the  funds  by  private  hands  to  the  point  designated,  without  incurring 
expense  or  risk  to  the  Di^partment. 

Sec.  79.  Letter  of  Transmittal  should  State  what. — A'  letter  of  transmittal 

should  ac*ouipany  each  deposit,  giving  full  name  of  the  postmaster,  the  name  of  his 
post-office,  county,  and  State,  .and  the  quarter  for  which  the  amount  is  due. 

Sec.  80.  Postmasters  may  Transfer  Funds  free. — Postmasters  desi  ring  to  do 

sft  mny  trasmit  funds  for  d<'i>osit  by  registered  letti^r,  in  official  jxinalty-euvelopes  fui- 
iiishod  by  the  D(q):irluient,  ;ind  omit  th(  fee  for  r(^gistratIou.     See  section  81"2. 

Sec.  81.  Postmasters  to  report  Amounts  paid  Mail  Messengers,  etc. — Post- 
masters at  depositing  post-offices  who  pay  mail-messengers  or  special  mail-carriers  will 
report  the  amount  so  paid  each  quarter  to  tlie  Third  Assistant  Postuiaster-General,  .and 
deposit  the  balance,  if  auy,  at  the  point  dejsignated. 


TITLE    I Tin:    I'OST-OFFICE    DEPARTMENT.  :53 

Sec.  82.  Postmasters  to  report  Cause  of  Failure  to  Deposit. — Postmaatej-s 

;it  iiost-otlici's  siK'fitiod  by  section  7H,  fiiiling  to  deposit  within  a  inoiitli  after  tlio  elose 
of  a  iinartcr,  must  rejiort  tlie  eanse  of  failure  to  tlie  Third  Assistant  Postiiiaster-Ooueral, 
or  they  will  be  treated  as  d<liii(|iifiit. 

Sec.  83.  Want  of  funds  Not  accepted  as  Excuse. — AViiut  of  funds  will  not 

be  accepted  as  au  excuse  for  failing;  to  pay  or  to  tlei>o8it.  The  postmaster  is  not  per- 
mitted to  f^iv*'  credit  for  i»ostajjes,  which  are  regarded  jis  cash  iu  his  hands.  In  like 
manner,  he  is  juohibited  from  using,  loaninj;,  investing,  or  exchanging  moneys  received 
for  iinstagcs,  on  i»ain  nf  criminal  prosecution. 

Sec.  84.  Collection-drafts  Must  be  Paid. — A  postmaster  cannot  refuse  to 

])ay  a  draft  or  collection-order  because  the  contractor  is  indebted  to  him.  nor  because 
there  is  an  unsettled  private  account  between  them,  nor  upon  any  other  i>retext;  and 
such  refusal  is  made  by  the  law  (section  1249)  prima-facie  evidence  of  embezzlement, 

subjecting  him  to  punishment. 

Sec.  85.  Failure  to  deposit  Cause  for  Removal,  Unless. — A  failure  either  to 

deposit  according  to  instructions,  or  to  pay  a  draft  when  presented,  or  to  pay  over  to 
a  contractor  n})ou  tlie  production  of  the  proper  collection  orders  and  receipts,  will  be 
followed  by  the  removal  of  the  delinquent  postmaster,  unless  satisfactory  explanation 
is  made  to  the  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  86.  Postmasters  to  Pay  over  Balance  at  end  of  Quarter. — Postinaster.s 

at  collection  post-t>rtices  must  be  rtady  to  pay  over  the  balance  of  postal  funds  due  to 
the  United  States  at  the  end  of  each  quarter  after  paying  all  othcers  and  employes  of 
the  Post-Othce  Department  authorized  by  circular  No.  3000,  and  will  transnut  the  con- 
tractor's receipt  by  the  very  first  mail  after  payment  is  made.  Such  payments  must 
include  the  whole  amount  of  money  on  hand  (except  money-order  funds),  whether 
arising  from  the  postages  of  the  quarter  or  any  preceding  quarters,  from  s.ales  of  postage- 
stamps,  stamped-envelopes,  newspaper-wrappers,  or  postal-cards,  or  from  nmneys  col- 
lected by  or  deposited  with  the  postmaster.  The  absence  of  the  postmaster  from  his 
post-oftice  when  the  contractor  presents  the  collection-order  will  not  be  accepted  as  a 
good  reason  for  non-payment.  The  receipts  must  never  be  put  up  with  the  quarterly 
returns,  but  should  be  sent  in  a  separ.ate  envelope,  addressed  to  the  Auditor  of  the 
Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department. 

Sec.  87.  Postmasters  at  Special  Post-offices  to  report  Balance. — Eveiy  post- 
master of  a  "special  post-olhce"  will  report  to  the  Postmaster-tienei'al,  at  the  end  of 
each  ([uarter,  the  balance  in  his  hands  over  and  above  the  sums  due  the  carrier  for 
supplying  his  post-office  with  the  mail,  in  order  that  the  Department  may  make  a 
l)roi»er  disposition  of  such  balances. 

Sec.  88.  Postmasters  at  Special  Post-offices  to  transmit  Receipts  promptly, — 

Postmasters  at  "special  post-offices,"  when  under  orders  to  pay  their  respective  car- 
riers, will  not  only  pay  i»romptly,  but  lose  no  time  in  transmitting  to  the  Auditor  of 
the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Ofiice  Department  the  receipts  taken  for  their  quarterly  pay- 
ments. 

Sec.  89.  Payments  to  Department  must  be  in  what. — All  payments  to  the 

Department,  whether  upon  drafts  or  otherwise,  nnist  be  in  specie,  United  .States  Treas- 
ury notes,  or  notes  of  the  national  banks;  and  iKistmasters,  in  receiving  payment  of 
postages  or  other  dues  to  the  Deitartuuuit,  should  always  bear  in  mind  that  they  are 
bound  to  pay  them  over  iu  the  legal  currency  of  the  L'nited  States. 

Sec.  90.  No  allowance  made  for  Expenses  for  Payments,  etc. — Xo  allowance 
will  be  made  to  any  jiostmaster  for  expenses  incurred  in  paying  over  moneys  due  by 
him  to  the  Department;  neither  will  any  allowance  be  made  for  expenses  incurred  iu 
collecting  moneys  due  the  Department. 

Sec.  91.  Counterfeit  money  to  be  replaced. — Postmasters  receiving  coun- 
terfeit money  will  be  recpiircd  to  replace  the  same  with  genuine  current  funds. 


54  POSTAL    LAWS    AXD    EEGULATIOXS. 

Sec.  92.  Postmasters  at  draft-offices  not  to  pay  for  other  post-offices. — Post- 
masters at  draft  post-offices  must  not  pay  drafts  drawu  upon  otlier  post-offices.  Credit 
for  sncli  payments  will  not  be  allowed. 

Sec.  93.  Postmasters  not  Required  to  redeem  Mutilated  Currency.— Post- 
masters are  not  recjuired  by  law  to  redeem,  or  accept  in  payment  of  post-office  dues, 
money-orders,  stamps,  or  stamped-euvelopes,  any  currency  wMch  may  be  so  mutilated 
as  to  be  nncurrent;  nor  is  it  any  part  of  their  duty  to  receive  and  transmit  to  the 
Treasury,  for  redemption,  mutilated  cuiTency  belonging  to  individuals,  excej)t  as  reg- 
ular mail-matter,  forwarded  in  the  usual  manner  at  the  risk  of  the  owner. 

Sec.  94.  Postmasters  to  Refuse  Mutilated  Coins. — The  Treasury  Department 

having  declined  to  receive  any  coins  which  have  been  mutilated  (perforated  or  abraded)» 
postmasters  should  refuse  all  such  coins,  and  thus  avoid  trouble  and  expense. 

Sec.  95.  All  funds  to  be  kept  in  Current  Money. — The  necessities  of  the 
postal  service  are  such  that  all  funds  received  by  postmasters  must  be  kept  in  ciu'reut 
and  passable  money,  so  as  to  be  immediately  available  for  paying  the  drafts  of  the 
De-partment,  money-orders,  and  expenses  of  the  service. 

Sec.  96.  Postmasters  to  sign  Certificates  in  Person. — Postmasters  at  depos- 
itory post-offices  must  sign  certificates  of  deposit  in  person,  unless  necessarily  absent 
or  sick,  in  Avhich  case  they  maj^  be  signed  as  follows : 

A B ,  P.  M., 

By  C D ,  A><>iista)i(  P.  if. 

Sec.  97.  Postmasters  not  to  Receive  foreign  Coins. — Foreign  gold  aud  silver 

coins  are  not  a  legal  tender  in  the  United  States,  and  postmasters  should  not  receive 
them  in  payment  of  postal  dues  or  stamps. 


TITLE  II. 

POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS. 

CHAPTER  ONE. 

ESTABLISHMENT   OF  POST-OFFICES  AND  APPOINTMENT   OF  POST- 
MASTERS.— OF  BONDS  AND  SURETIES. 

Soc.  I  Sec. 

98.  E.st;il)lislim-nt  of  post-offioes.  I  107.  Commissions  not  i.s-titi'd  to  pD.stm.i.sters  before 

99.  Discoutinu;nii'(^  of  post-offices.  ,  approval  of  bonds. 

100.  Classificatiou  of  i)ostniasti'rs.  \  108.  Who  may  be  appointed  postmaster. 

101.  Appointment  and  tenure  of  office  of  postmas-  j  109.  "When  new  bond  is  required. 

ters.  j  110.  Limit  of  time  of  suretie.s'  liability. 

102.  Appointments  issued  from  office  of  First  As-  '  111.  Responsibility  of  sureties  upon  postmaster's 

sistaut.  j  death. 

103.  Postmasters"  commissions  to  be  recorded  and  I  112.  Kenewal  of  bond. 

countersigned.  '  113.  Application  of  sureties  for  release,  to  whom 

104.  Residence  of  postmasters.  I              made. 

105.  Bonds  of  postmasters.  j  114.  Changingnameof  post-office  necessitates  new 

106.  Application  of  payments  after  giving  new                 bond. 

bond.  I  115.  Sureties  on  bonds,  how  released. 

Sec.  98.  Establishment  of  Post-offices. — The  Postmaster-General  shall 
establish  po.st-offices  at  all  such  places  on  post-roads  established  by  law 
as  he  may  deem  expedient,  and  he  shall  promptly  certify  such  establish- 
ment to  the  (Sixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Othce  Depart- 
ment.] And  every  person  who,  without  authority  from  the  Postmaster- 
General,  sets  u})  or  professes  to  keej)  any  office  or  place  of  business  bear- 
ing' the  sign,  name,  or  title  of  post-office,  shall,  for  every  such  offense,  be 
liable  to  a  penalty  of  not  more  than  five  hundred  dollars.  (R.  S.,  § 
3820.)     See  sections  16,  5iS. 

Sec.  99.  Discontinuance  of  Post-offices. — The  Postmaster-General  may 
discontinue  any  post-office  where  the  safety  and  security  of  the  postal 
service  and  revenues  are  endangered  from  any  cause  whatever,  or  where 
the- efficiency  of  the  service  requires  such  discontinuance,  and  he  shall 
promptly  certify  such  discontinuance  to  the  [Sixth)  Auditor  [of  the 
Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department.]     (R.  S.,  §  3864.) 

Sec.  100.  Classification  of  Postmasters. — Postmasters  shall  be  divided 
into  four  classes,  as  follows :  The  first  class  shall  embrace  all  those  whose 
annual  salaries  are  three  thousand  dollars  or  more  than  three  thousand 
dollars ;  the  second  class  shall  embrace  all  those  whose  annual  salaries 
are  less  than  three  thousand  dollar.s,  but  not  less  than  two  thousand 
dollars;  the  third  class  shall  embrace  all  those  whose  annual  salaries 
are  less  than  two  thousand  dollars,  but  not  less  than  one  thousand  dol- 
lars; the  foiu'th  class  shall  embrace  all  postmasters  whose  annual  com- 
pensation, exclusive  of  their  commissious  on  the  money -order  business. 

55 


56  POSTAL    LAVvS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

of  tbeir  offices,  aiuoimts  to  less  thau  one  tlioiisaud  dollars.  (Act  July 
12,  1876,  §  5, 19  Stat.,  p.  80.) 

Sec.  101.  Appointment  and  term  of  office  of  Postmasters. — Postmasters  of 
the  first,  second,  and  third  classes  sliall  be  appointed  and  may  be  re- 
moved by  the  President  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Sen- 
ate, and  shall  hold  their  offices  for  four  years  unless  sooner  removed  or 
suspended  according  to  law;  and  postmasters  of  the  fourth-class  shall 
be  appointed  and  may  be  removed  by  the  Postmaster-General,  by  whom 
all  appointments  and  removals  shall  be  notified  to  the  Auditor  (of  the 
Treasury)  for  the  Post-Office  Department.  (Act  July  12,  1876,  §  6,  10 
Stat.,  p.  80.) 

Sec.  102.  Appointments  hy  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General. — All  ap- 
iiointmcnts  of  postmasters  are  issued  by  ilirectiou  of  tlie  Postmaster-General  from  tlie 
office  of  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-Geueral. 

Sec.  103.  Postmasters'  Commissions  to  be  Recorded  and  Countersigned. — 
Hereafter  the  commissions  of  all  postmasters  appointed  by  the  President, 
by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  shall  be  made  out  and 
recorded  in  the  Post-Office  Department,  and  shall  be  under  the  seal  of 
said  Department,  and  countersigned  by  the  Postmaster-General,  any 
laws  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding :  Provided,  That  the  said  seal 
shall  not  be  affixed  to  any  such  commission  until  after  the  same  shall 
have  been  signed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States.  (x^Lct  March 
18,  1874,  §  1,^18  Stat.,  p.  23.) 

Sec.  104.  Residence  of  Postmasters. — Every  postmaster  shall  reside  with- 
in the  delivery  of  the  office  to  which  he  is  appointed.     (R.  S.,  §  3831.) 

A  x)ostraaster  until  the  action  of  the  Postmaster-Genei-al  does  not  vacate  his  office 
by  remaining  out  of  the  neighborhood  of  the  jjost-office.  If  he  keep  the  post-office 
by  an  assistant  he  is  still  responsible  to  the  Department  and  to  individuals.  (2 
McLean,  14.) 

Sec.  105.  Bonds  of  Postmasters. — Every  postmaster,  before  entering  upon 
the  duties  of  his  office,  shall  give  bond,  with  good  and  approved  security, 
and  in  such  penalty  as  the  Postmaster-General  shall  deem  sufficient, 
conditioned  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  all  duties  and  trusts  imiwsed 
on  him  either  by  law  or  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Department ; 
and  where  an  office  shall  be  designated  as  a  money-order  office,  the  bond 
of  the  i)ostmaster  shall  contain  an  additional  condition  for  the  faithful 
X^erformance  of  all  duties  and  obligations  in  connection  with  the  money- 
order  business.  On  the  death,  resignation,  or  removal  of  a  postmaster, 
his  bond  shall  be  delivered  to  the  {iSixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for 
the  Post-Office  Department.]  The  bond  of  any  married  Avomau  who 
may  be  appointed  postmaster  shall  be  binding  upon  her  and  her  sureties, 
and  she  shall  be  liable  for  misconduct  in  office  as  if  she  were  sole.  (R. 
S.,  §  3834.) 

The  bond  of  a  deputy  postmaster  takes  effect  and  speaks  from  tlie  time  that  it 
reaches  the  Postnuister-Geueral,  and  not  from  the  day  of  its  date  nor  from  the  time 
wluMi  it  is  deposited  in  the  post-ol'lice  to  be  forwarded.  (Boody  vs.  United  States,  1 
Wood  &Min.,  150.) 

The  bond  does  not  constitute  a  binding  contract  until  approved  and  accepted  by 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES    AND    TOSTMASTERS.  57 

tlip  Postiimstcr-Gencral.  The  n'('(i])tii)n  and  dt'ti'iitioii  of  an  oflirial  liond  by  tlie  Post- 
master-General ft»r  a  considorablo  time  without  (dejection  i8  a  8iirtieiout  proof  of  itb 
acceptance.     (The  I'ostma.ster-General  v.  Norvel,  (iilpin,  I).  ('.  R.,  131.) 

Sec.  106.  Application  of  Payments  after  Giving  new  Bond. — AVliencvor  any 
])(»stiii;istt'r  is  icijuircd  t<>  execute  a  new  bund,  all  i)a\  iiient.s  made  by 
him  after  the  execution  of  such  new  bond  may,  if  the  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral or  tlie  {Sixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Odice  Dei)art- 
ment]  deem  it  just,  be  applied  first  to  di.scharge  any  balance  which  may 
be  due  fi'om  said  i)ostmaster  under  his  old  bond. 

Hereafter,  Avhen  a  deficiency  shall  be  discovered  in  the  accounts  of 
any  postmaster,  who  after  the  adjustment  of  his  accounts  fails  to  make 
good  such  deficiency,  it  sliall  be  the  duty  of  the  {Siiih)  .Vuditor  of  the 
Treasury  [for  the  Post  Office]  Department  to  notify  the  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral of  such  failure,  and  upon  receiving  such  notice  the  Postmaster- 
General  shall  forthwith  deposit  a  notice  in  the  post-office  at  Washington, 
District  of  Columbia,  addressed  to  the  sureties  re.sjjectively  upon  the 
bond  of  said  postmaster,  at  the  office  where  he  or  tliey  may  reside,  if 
known;  but  a  failure  to  give  or  mail  such  notice  shall  not  discharge 
such  surety  or  sureties  upon  such  bond.  (E.  S.,  §  3835,  as  amended  by 
act  of  Feb.  4,  1879,  20  Stat.,  p.  281.) 

Sec.  107.  Commissions  not  issued  to  Postinasters  before  Approval  of  Bonds. — 

Uitoii  the  appointment  of  a  postmaster,  he  is  furnished  \vith  a  h'tter  of  appointment, 
tlie  blank  form  of  the  oath  required,  and  a  blank  bond.  The  person  designated  for 
appointment  will  execute  the  bond  as  directed,  take  the  prescribed  oath  of  otiice,  and 
transmit  the  bond  antl  oath  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  A  commission 
■will  be  issued  when  the  bond  shall  be  aiiproved  by  the  Postmaster-General,  uj>on  the 
receipt  of  which,  and  not  before,  the  new  appointee  is  authorized  to  take  charge  of  the 
post-office.  The  bond  must  be  signed,  in  the  presence  of  suitable  witnesses,  by  him- 
self and  at  least  two  sureties,  the  sufficiency  of  each  of  whom,  for  the  payment  of  the 
sum  inserted  therein,  must  be  shown  by  the  certificate  of  the  magistrate  who  admin- 
ister.-^  the  oath,  Avhose  signatures  to  the  same  must  be  attested  by  the  clerk  of  a  coirrt 
of  record  in  the  county  ov  State  where  the  magistrate  resides. 

Sec.  108.  "Who  may  be  appointed  Postmaster. — Xo  person  can  be  appointed 

postmaster  who  cannot  legally  execute  a  bond  and  take  the  prescribed  oath  of  office. 
Minors  are,  by  law,  incapable  of  holding  the  office  of  postmaster ;  but  the  law  provides 
that  married  women  may  be  appointed  postmasters,  and  bonds  executed  by  them,  as 
such  officers,  are  declared  to  be  valid.     See  section  105. 

Sec.  109.  "When  new  Bond  is  Required. — In  case  of  the  death,  removal 

from  the  State,  insolvency,  or  any  other  disability  of  one  or  both  of  the  sureties,  the 
postmaster  must  report  the  fact  to  the  Depaitmeut,  in  order  that  a  new  bond  may  be 
executed. 

Sec.  110.  Limit  of  time  of  Sureties'  Liability. — TMieuever  the  office  of  any 
postmaster  becomes  vacant,  the  Postmaster-General  or  the  President 
.shall  supply  such  vacancy  without  delay,  and  the  Postmaster-General 
shall  promptly  notify  the  (Sixth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post- 
Office  Department]  of  the  change ;  and  every  postmaster  and  his  sureties 
shall  be  responsible  under  their  bond  for  the  safe-keeping  of  the  i)ublic 
property  of  the  post-office,  and  the  due  performance  of  the  duties  thereof, 
until  the  expiration  of  the  commission,  or  until  a  successor  has  been  didy 
ai»pointed  and  qualified,  and  has  taken  possession  of  the  office  j  except 


58  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

tliat  in  cases  where  there  is  a  delay  of  sixty  days  in  supplying"  a  vacancy, 
the  sureties  may  terminate  tlieir  respousibility  by  giving  notice,  iu  Avrit- 
ing,  to  the  Postmaster-Greneral,  such  termination  to  take  effect  ten  days 
after  sufficient  time  shall  have  elapsed  to  receive  a  reply  from  the  Post- 
master-General ;  and  the  Postmaster-General  may,  when  the  exigencies 
of  the  service  require,  place  such  office  in  charge  of  a  special  agent  until 
the  vacancy  can  be  regularly  filled ;  and  when  such  special  agent  shall 
have  taken  charge  of  such  post-office,  the  liability  of  the  sureties  of  the 
postmaster  shall  cease.     (R.  S.,  §  383G.) 

Sec.  111.  Responsibility  of  sureties  after  Postmaster's  death. — Whether  the 
aiipoiutmeiit  be  from  the  Presicleut  or  the  Postmaster-General,  in  the  event  of  death, 
the  respousibility  of  the  sureties  will  coutiuue  for  the  tidelity  of  the  persou  left  in 
charge  of  the  post-office,  until  a  successor  is  appointed  and  qualified,  and  has  taken 
possession  of  the  j)ost-office:  and  thej-  or  any  oue  of  them  may  perform  the  duties  of 
postmaster  until  a  successor  is  appoiuted  and  takes  possession.  The  person  i^erforming 
such  duties  must,  befoi-e  entering  on  the  discharge  thereof,  take  the  required  oath. 

Sec.  112.  Renewal  of  Bond. — Whenever  any  of  the  sureties  of  a  post- 
master notify  the  Postmaster-General  of  their  desire  to  be  released  froiu 
their  suretyship,  or  when  the  Postmaster- General  deems  a  new  bond 
necessary,  he  shall  require  the  postmaster  to  execute  such  new  bond  with 
security.  When  accepted  by  the  Postmaster-General,  the  new  bond 
shall  be  as  valid  as  the  bond  given  upon  the  original  appointment  of  such 
postmaster,  aud  the  sureties  in  the  j)rior  bond  shall  be  released  from 
re^^ponsibility  for  all  acts  or  defaults  of  the  postmaster  which  may  be 
done  or  committed  subsequent  to  the  last  day  of  the  quarter  in  which 
such  new  bond  shall  be  executed  and  accepted.     (R.  S.,  §  3837.) 

For  the  security  of  the  sureties  bound  in  the  previous  obligation,  the  date  of  the 
acceptance  should  be  Indorsed  on  the  bond ;  yet  the  sureties  to  the  new  bond  are 
bound  by  the  acceptance  in  fact  of  their  bond  by  the  Postmaster-General,  and  this 
acceptance  may  be  shown  as  any  other  fact  is  required  to  be.  (4  Opin.,  187 ;  vide 
Bank  of  U.  S.  vs.  Dandridge,  12AVheat.,  64.) 

Sec.  113.  Application  of  Sureties  for  Release,  to  Whom  made. — The  office  of 

the  First  Assistaut  Postmaster-General  being  charged  with  the  duty  of  examining  and 
recording  the  bonds  of  postmasters,  all  applications  of  sureties  to  be  released  from  their 
lia1>ility  as  sureties  should  be  addressed  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  114.  Changing  Name  of  post-office  Necessitates  new  Bond. — AVhenthe 

Postmaster-General  shall  change  the  name  of  a  post-office  without  a  change  of  post- 
master, the  postmaster  will  be  required  to  execute  a  new  bond,  and  will  be  recommis- 
sioned.  The  order  changing  the  name  will  take  elTect  on  the  first  day  of  the  quarter 
next  succeeding  the  date  of  such  new  bond;  but  if  a  change  is  made  both  in  the  post- 
master and  the  name  of  the  post-office,  the  name  designated  by  the  Postmaster-General 
will  be  used  from  the  date  upon  which  the  new  postmaster  enters  upon  the  discharge 
of  his  duties. 

Sec.  115.  Sureties  on  Bonds,  how  Released. — If  on  the  settlement  of  the 
account  of  any  postmaster  it  shall  appear  that  he  is  indebted  to  the 
United  States,  and  suit  therefor  shall  not  be  instituted  within  three 
years  after  the  close  of  sui-h  account,  the  sureties  on  his  bond  shall  not 
be  liable  for  such  iudebteduess.     (K.  S.,  §  3838.) 


TITLE    II ro.ST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS. 


59 


OHAPTEl^   TWO. 

SALARIES  OF  POSTMASTERS  AND  EXPENDITURES  AT  POST-OFFICES. 


111).  S.ilarirs  of  i>ostm;i»tei'«  at   I'rcsiilriiliiil  imst- 
i.lH.-c's. 

117.  S;il;iiir.'<  of  f«iiir(li-clas8  ixistiiia.stcis. 

1 18.  Pcn-iltii's  for  false  rctiiin.s.     Unlawful  salrs  of 

.stamps. 
ll!».  Iticniiial  rfatl,jti.stiiu'iit  of  salaries. 
r_'0.  OnliTs   aft'i'i'tiii-i   .salafics   to  Uv   ifpoitt'tl  to 

Auditor. 
iL'l.   AUinvanci'  foiileiUsat  sfiiaiatinn  post-ortieo.s. 
\'2'2.  Limit  of  .snlarios. 

1"J3.  Application  for  i'ea(l,iu.stmcnt  of  salaries. 
li'4.  Allowauci-sfonk'iks anil  iuiidcutal cxiienst'S. 
]2'>.  Allciwiucos  for  extraoriliuarv  business. 
IL'G.  Allowano-s  to  he  tixfil  bv  order. 


Sec. 
l-JT. 
V'H. 
129. 

130. 
131. 
I.'i2. 

133. 

134. 

13.j. 


.Vllowanres  cannot  exceed  snn)lus  re  venues. 

Ueceipts  rciiuired  foi'  ])ay  of  clerks  emidoyed. 

Extra  allowances  to  first  and  second  cla.>*s 
post-otfice.s. 

Al)))ointMieut  of  clerks  in  jiost-ollices. 

Roster  of  clerks,  flieir  duties  and  .salaries. 

Salaries  and  ex])enses  inay  be  deducted  from 
rocciiits. 

Voucliers  for  deductions  to  lie  sent  to  tlie 
Auditor. 

Ko  postmaster  to  retain  mcire  than  iiis  sala- 
ries, etc. 

Compensation  of  iinstmastcrs  jjro  tetiipure. 


Sec.  116.  Salaries  of  Postmasters  at  Presidential  Post-Offices. — TLe  resi)oct- 
ive  compensation  of  postmasters  of  tbe  first,  second,  and  third  classes 
shall  bcanimal  salaries,  assiyiied  ineven  hundreds  of  dollars,  and  ])ayable 
ill  ([uarterly  i)ayinents,  to  l)e  ascertained  and  tixcd  by  the  rostiiia.ster- 
General  from  their  respective  quarterly  returns  to  the  Auditor  fof  the 
TreasiiryJ  for  the  Post-OfRce  Department,  or  co]nes  or  duplicates  tlicreot, 
for  four  (luarters  immediately  preceding-  tlie  adjustment  or  readjustment, 
l)y  adding-  to  an  amount  of  the  box-rents  of  the  office  received  or  esti- 
mated not  exceeding-  thirteen  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  when  the  boxes 
are  supplied  and  owned  by  the  ])ostiiiaster,  and  two-thirds  of  the  box- 
rents,  and  not  to  exceed  one  thousand  dollars,  when  the  boxes  are  not 
supplied  and  owned  by  the  postmaster,  commis.sions  on  ail  the  other 
postal  revenues  of  the  office  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  thirteen  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars,  at  the  following  rates,  namely:  On  the  first  one 
liundred  dollars  per  quarter,  sixty  per  centum;  on  all  over  one  hundred 
dollars  and  not  over  three  hundred  dollars  per  cpiarter,  fifty  per  centum ; 
on  all  over  tliree  hundred  dollars  and  not  over  seven  liundred  dollars  ]ier 
(juarter,  forty  ]>er  centum  ;  and  thirty  per  centum  on  all  revenues  ex- 
ceeding-.seven  hundred  dollars  per  quarter,  but  the  aggregate  of  the  said 
commis.sions  not  to  exceed  thirteen  hundred  and  fifty  dollars;  and  at 
all  otfiees  where  the  total  revenues  exceed,  respectively,  four  thousand 
dollars  jier  annum,  there  shall  be  added  to  the  compeii.sation  heieiiibc- 
fore  i)i-o\ided  from  box-rents  and  commissions  a  percentage  of  the  gross 
revenues  at  the  following  rates,  namely :  One  jier  centum  on  all  sums 
over  four  thousand  dollars  and  not  exceeding- ten  thousand  dollars  :  nine- 
tenths  of  one  per  centum  on  all  sums  over  ten  thousand  dollars  and  not 
exceeding  twenty  thousand  dollars;  eight-tenths  of  one  i>er  centum  on 
all  sums  over  twenty  tliou.saiid  dollars  and  not  exceeding  forty  thon.sand 
dollars;  six-tenths  of  one  per  centum  on  all  sums  over  fiu-ty  thousand 
dollars  and  not  exceedhig- eighty  thousand  dollars;  five-tenths  of  one 


60  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

per  eeiitnm  on  all  sums  over  eighty  thousand  dollars  and  not  exceeding- 
one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand  dollars ;  four-tenths  of  one  per  centum  on 
all  sums  over  one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand  dollars  and  not  exceeding- 
three  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  dollars ;  three-tenths  of  one  per 
centum  on  all  sums  over  tliree  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  dollars  and 
not  exceeding-  six  hundred  and  forty  thousand  dollars ;  two-tenths  of 
one  per  centum  on  all  sums  over  six  hundred  and  forty  thousand  <lollars 
and  not  exceeding  one  million  two  hundred  and  eighty  thousand  dollars; 
and  one-tenth  of  one  per  centum  on  all  sums  exceeding  one  million  two 
hundred  and  eighty  thousand  dollars ;  and  in  order  to  ascertain  the 
amount  of  the  i)ostal  receipts  of  each  office,  the  Postmaster-General  may 
require  postmasters  to  furnish  duplicates  of  their  quarterly  returns  to 
the  Auditor  at  such  times  and  for  such  periods  as  he  may  deem  neces- 
sary in  each  case :  Provided^  That  at  oflices  where  the  letter-caiTier  sys- 
tem is  now,  or  may  hereafter  be,  established,  the  box-rents,  in  fixing  the 
compensation  of  the  respective  postmasters  at  such  offices,  shall  be  es- 
timated at  not  less  than  one  thousand  dollars  per  annum ;  but  at  all 
such  offices  where  the  comi)eusation  is  now  four  thousand  dollars,  they 
shall  be  estimated  at  an  amount  which,  Avith  the  commissious  and  per- 
centages hereby  allowed,  will  make  the  salaries  of  the  postmasters  thereat 
not  less  than  three  thousand  dollars.  (Act  July  12,  1870,  §  7,  11)  Stat., 
p.  80.) 

Sec.  117.  Salaries  of  Fourth-Class  Postmasters. — Tlie  compensation  of  post 
masters  of  the  fourth  class  shall  be  the  whole  of  the  box -rents  collected 
at  their  offices  and  commissions  upon  the  amount  of  the  canceled  postage- 
clue  stamps,  provided  for  in  sec.  270,  on  amounts  received  frimi  waste- 
l)aper,  dead  newspapers,  printed  matter,  and  twine  sold,  and  on  postage- 
stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  postal  cards,  and  news])aper  and  periodical 
stami)s  canceled  on  matter  actually  mailed  at  their  offices,  at  the  follow- 
ing rate,  namely :  On  the  first  one  hundred  dollars  or  less  pei'  <piarter, 
sixty  per  centum ;  on  all  over  one  luiudred  dollars  and  not  over  three 
liundred  dollars  per  quarter,  fifty  per  centum ;  and  on  all  over  three  hun- 
dred dollars  per  quarter,  forty  per  centum ;  the  same  to  be  ascertained 
and  allowed  by  the  Auditor  in  the  settlement  of  the  accounts  of  such 
postmasters,  upon  their  sworn  (piarterly  returns  :  Provided^  Tliat  Avhen 
the  compensation  of  any  postmaster  of  this  class  shall  reach  one  thou- 
sand dollars  per  annum,  exclusive  of  commissions  on  money -order  busi- 
ness, and  when  the  returns  to  the  Auditor  for  four  quarters  shall  sliow 
him  to  be  entitled  to  a  compensation  in  excess  of  that  auu)unt  under  the 
[preceding]  section  {necen  of  the  act  of  JuJy  ficeJftJt,  eighteen  hundred 
and  serenty-siv,)  the  Auditor  shall  report  such  fact  to  the  Postmaster- 
General,  who  shall  assign  him  to  his  i)ro])er  class,  and  fix  his  salary  as 
provided  by  said  section :  Provided  fiirthfr,  Tliat  in  no  case  shall  there 
be  allowed  to  any  postmaster  of  this  class  a  comi)ensation  greater  than 
two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  in  any  one  «iuarter,  exclusive  of  money. 


TlTl.i;    II I'OSr-OFFICKS    AND    I'OST.MAS'I-KI.'S.  ()  L 

onlcr  (Mniiiiiissiniis.     (  Act  .liiiic  17,  1S7S,  I'O  Stat.,  j).  I  IL',  ami  ad  of  .Manli 
.•5,  1.S71),  §  -J(),  LM»  Stat.,  p.  :'.<il.) 

Soe  sections  L'7(>--!74. 

Sec.  118.  Penalties  for  False  Returns,  Unlawful  Sales  of  Stamps,  etc. —  In 
any  case  wlicri*  the  Postnuistt'i-dcncral  shall  be  satislied  that  a  jtost- 
niaster  has  made  a  false  return  of  business,  it  shall  be  within  his  dis- 
cretion to  withhold  comniissions  ou  such  returns,  and  to  allow  any 
compensation  that  under  the  ciicumstances  he  may  deem  reasonabh*: 
ProrifJal,  That  the  form  of  aitidavit  to  be  made  by  ])ostmasters  ui)on 
their  returns  shall  be  such  as  may  be  prescribed  by  the  Postnia.ster- 
(reneral ;  and  any  ])ostinaster  who  sliall  make  a  false  return  to  the  Audi- 
tor, for  the  i)uri)ose  of  fraudulently  incieasiiii;-  his  compensation  under 
the  jyroAisions  of  this  or  any  other  act,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  mi.s- 
demeanor,  and,  on  conviction  thei-eof,  shall  be  fined  in  a  sum  not  less 
than  fifty  nor  nu)re  than  tive  hundred  dolhu's,  <n'  imjuisoue*!  for  a  term 
not  exceeding  one  year,  orpnnished  by  both  such  tine  and  imprisonment, 
in  the  discretion  of  the  court;  and  no  postmaster  of  any  class,  or  other 
person  connected  with  the  postal  service,  intrusted  with  the  sale  or  cus- 
tody of  postage-stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  or  x)ostal  cards,  shall  use 
or  dispose  of  them  in  the  payment  of  debts  or  in  the  purchase  of  mer- 
chandise or  other  salable  articles,  or  pledge  or  hyi)othecate  the  same,  or 
sell  or  dis])ose  of  them  except  for  cash,  or  sell  or  dispose  of  ])ostage- 
stami)S  or  postal  cards  for  any  larger  or  less  sum  than  the  values  indi- 
cated on  their  faces,  or  sell  or  dispose  of  stamped  envelopes  for  a  larger 
or  less  sum  tlum  is  charged  therefor  by  the  Post-Ottice  Department  for 
like  quantities,  or  sell  or  dispose  of  postage-stamps,  stamped  en\'eloi>es, 
or  postal  cards  otherwise  than  as  provided  by  laAV  and  the  regulations 
of  tlie  Post-Ottice  De]>artnient ;  and  any  postmaster,  or  other  i»erson 
connected  with  the  postal  service,  who  shall  violate  any  of  these  pro- 
visions shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and,  on  conviction 
thereof,  sludl  be  lined  in  any  sum  not  less  than  tifty  nor  more  than  tive 
hundred  dollars,  or  be  imprisoned  for  a  term  not  exceeding  one  year. 
(Act  June  17,  1878,  20  Stat.,  142.) 

Sec.  119.  Biennial  Readjustment  of  Salaries. — The  salaries  of  i)ostmasters 
of  the  first,  second,  and  third  classes  shall  be  readjusted  by  the  l\)st- 
master-Cieneral  once  in  two  years,  and  in  special  cases,  on  the  applica- 
tion of  the  postmaster,  as  much  oftener  as  the  Postmaster-General  may 
deem  expedient.     (Act  July  12,  1870,  §  9,  V.)  Stat.,  p.  82.) 

Sec.  120.  Orders  affecting  Salaries  to  be  Reported  to  the  Auditor. — The 
Po.stmaster-(leneral  shall  make  all  orders  assigning  or  changing  the 
salaries  of  iiostmasters  in  writing,  and  record  them  in  his  joiu-nal,  and 
notify  the  change  to  tlu'  Auditor;  and  any  change  made  in  such  salaries 
shall  not  take  effect  until  the  tirst  day  of  the  (puirter  next  following  sucli 
order :  Provided^  That  in  cases  of  not  less  than  fifty  per  centum  increase 
or  decrease  in  the  luisiness  of  any  post-ofiice,  the  Postmaster-General 
may  adjust  the  salary  of  the  postmaster  at  such  ottice  to  take  effect  from 


62  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGl'LATIONS. 

thelirst  dayof  tbe  quarter  or  period  the  returns  IbrAvliieb  foriii  the  basis 
of  readjustnieiit.*     (Act  July  12,  1S7G,  §  10,  10  Stat.,  p.  82.) 

Sec.  121.  Allowance  for  Clerks  at  Separating  Post-Offices. — The  Post- 
inaster-Cleueral  may  designate  offices  at  the  intersection  of  mail  routes 
as  distributing  or  separating  offices ;  and  where  any  such  office  is  of  the 
third  or  fourth  class,  he  nmy  make  a  reasonalde  allowance  to  the  post- 
master for  the  necessary  cost  of  clerical  services  arising  from  such  duties. 
(Act  of  July  12,  1876,  §  11,  19  Stat.,  p.  82.) 

Sec.  123.  Limit  of  Salaries. — Xo  salary  of  any  postmaster  (»»r76'>-f/</.srtc-f) 
shall  exceed  the  sum  of  four  thousand  dollars  per  annum,  except  in  the 
city  of  Xew  York,  which  salary  shall  remain  as  now  fixed  by  law  [to  wit, 
$8,000];  and  no  salary  of  any  postmaster  where  the  appointment  is  now 
presidential  shall  l)e  reduced  by  the  compensation  herein  established 
until  the  next  readjustment  below  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  i»cr 
annum.     (Act  of  July  12,  1870,  §  12,  10  Stat.,  p.  82. 

Sec.  123.  Applications  for  Readjustment  of  Salaries. — Ai)i)lications  for  spe- 
cial reailjiKstiiieiit  of  salary  must  be  made  to  the  First  Assistjuit  Postniaster-Geiieral, 
aud  must  stiite  fully  the  facts  iipou  whieh  such  apjilicatiou  is  based,  and  if  found  to 
come  Avithiu  the  rule  prescrihed  by  the  law,  an  order  will  be  made  readjusting  the 
salary  of  the  ])ostmastei-. 

Sec.  124.  Allowance  for  Clerks  and  Incidental  Expenses. — The  Postmaster- 
General  may  allow  to  the  postmaster  at  New  York  City,  and  to  the  post- 
masters at  offices  of  the  tirst  and  second  classes,  out  of  the  suri»lus 
revenues  of  their  respective  offices,  that  is  to  say,  the  excess  of  l)ox- 
rents  and  comnnssions  over  and  above  the  salary  assigned  to  the  office, 
a  reasonable  sum  for  the  necessary  cost  of  rent,  fuel,  lights,  furidture, 
stationary,  printing,  clerks,  and  necessary  incidentals  to  be  adjusted  on 
a  satisfactory  exhibit  of  the  facts,  and  no  such  allowance  shall  be  made 
except  u]X)n  the  order  of  the  Postmaster-General.     (R.  S.,  §  3800.) 

Sec.  125.  Allowances  for  Extraordinary  Business. — Whenever  unusual 
business  accrues  at  any  post-office,  the  Postmaster-General  shall  make 
a  special  order  allowing  reasonable  com])ensation  for  clerical  service, 
and  a  proportionate  increase  of  salary  to  the  postmaster  during  the  time 
of  such  extraordinary  business.     (E.  S.,  §  3803.) 

Sec.  126.  Allowances  to  be  Fixed  by  Order. — Expenditures  for  clerk-hire, 

rent,  fuel,  and  light,  in  the  case  of  the  post-office  at  New  York  city,  and  of  post-offices 
of  tlie  lirst  and  second  classes,  will  be  tixed  by  an  order,  and  shall  remain  until  other- 
wise ordered ;  and  other  items  of  expense  for  furnitiu'c,  stationery,  &c.,  under  this 
section,  in  the  ease  of  the  same  class  of  post-offices,  must  be  made  only  under  s])ecial 
authority  from  the  Post master-(;i'uei;il. 

Sec.  127.  Allowances  cannot  Exceed  Surplus  Revenue. — Allowances  for  ex- 

jienses  at  first  and  second  class  post-offices  are  made  out  of  the  surplus  revenue  of  the 
post-office,  that  is  to  say,  the  excess  of  l)ox-rents  and  commissions  over  and  above  the 
salary  assigned  to  the  post-office.  And  in  no  case  will  an  allowance  l>e  nuide  in  excess 
of  such  surplus  revenue. 

*The  language  of  this  section  to  the  proviso  is  the  same  as  the  first  sentence  of  sec- 
tion 38.56  of  the  Revised  Statutes.  The  remainder  of  that  section  reads  as  follows: 
"]5ut  incases  of  an  extraordinary  increase  or  decrease  in  the  business  of  any  jiost- 
office,  the  Postuuister-(ieneral  may  adjust  the  salary  of  the  postmaster  at  such  jiost- 
ottice,  to  take  el'tect  from  the  lirst  day  of  the  (juarter  or  period  the  returns  for  whicli 
form  the  basis  of  readjustment.'' 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES    AND    TOSTMASTKUS.  G3 

Sec.  128.  Keceipts  Required  for  Pay  of  Clerks  employed. — Ai)[»li(';iti()ii  for 

allnwiincc!  lor  cltTk-liin;  at  sriciratiii;^  post-olHinis  must  he,  niaih;  to  tlu'  First  A.s.sist- 
ant  PoHtiiiastcr-Gonnral.  Such  allowance  tnust  not  be  uiulor.stool  as  an  increase  of 
the  salary  of  tlu^  postmaster,  but  as  a  C(»mpeusatiou  for  clerical  services  arisiuj;  from 
the  duties  of  rtopanitinj^  the  mails  for  other  post-otlice.s.  Tiu^  amount  of  sncli  clerk-hiro 
will  not  be  allowed  by  the  Auditor  unless  the  receipt  of  the  persr)n  employed  as  such 
clerk  shall  accompany  the  (juartcrly  account-current. 

Sec.  129.  Extra  Allowances  to  first  and  second  class  Post-Offices. — lieiit, 

li<llits,  fuel,  and  stationery  are  allowed  only  to  post-oHiccs  of  tlu;  first  and  second 
class. 

Sec.  130.  Appointment  of  Clerks  in  Post-OfRces. — Except  as  provided  in 

section  41:?,  all  clerks  and  em[)loyes  in  post-ofHces  are  ai)pointed  by  and  are  under 
the  direct  supervisiou  of  the  postmaster,  and  all  postmasters  are  held  responsible  for 
the  acts  oi"  their  subordinates. 

Sec.  131.  Roster  of  Clerks ;  their  Duties  and  Salaries. — The  power  will  be 

exercised  by  the  Postmaster-GeneBal  to  tix  the  number  and  grades  of  clerks  and  their 
compensation  in  all  post-otlrtces  where  an  allowance  for  clerk-hire  is  nniile.  The  post- 
master at  each  post-otitice  of  the  first  .and  second  class  must  submit  to  the  Firs*  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-General  for  approval  tlie  jilan  of  the  organization  of  his  [tf>8t-ofHce,  with 
a  list  of  all  the  clerks  and  other  persons  employed,  showing  their  respective  compensa- 
tions and  the  duties  performed  by  each.  The  approval  by  the  First  Assistant  Post- 
master-General of  this  roster  will  bo  necessary  before  any  allowance  for  clerk-hire  will 
be  made  fm-  the  ensuing  fiscal  year.  After  the  roster  of  clerks  and  other  persons  em- 
ployed has  once  been  approved  at  the  Department  the  number  or  compensation  of 
those  employed  must  not  be  changed  without  authority  from  the  Department,  and 
l»ostm.asters  must  report  all  removals  and  new  appointments  as  soon  as  made  to  the 
First  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  The  rosters  must  be  submitted  annually,  on  the 
first  day  of  Jannary. 

Sec.  132.  Salaries  and  Expenses  may  be  Deducted  from  Receipts. — The  sal- 
ary of  a  postmaster,  and  such  other  expenses  of  the  postal  service  author- 
ized by  law  as  may  be  incurred  by  him,  and  for  which  ai)propriations 
have  been  made,  may  be  deducted  out  of  the  receipts  of  his  office,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Postmaster-General.     (R.  S.,  §  .3801.) 

Sec.  133.  Vouchers  for  Deductions  to  be  sent  to  the  Auditor. — Vouchers  for 
all  deductions  made  hy  a  postmaster  out  of  the  receipts  of  his  office,  on 
account  of  the  expenses  of  the  postal  service,  shall  be  submitted  for  ex- 
amination and  settlement  to  the  {Sijcth)  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the 
Post-Office  Department],  and  no  such  reduction  shall  be  valid  unless 
found  to  be  in  conformity  with  law.     (R.  S.,  §  3862.) 

Sec.  134.  No  Postmaster  to  Retain  more  than  his  Salary,  etc. — Xo  i)OSt- 
master  shall,  under  any  pretense  whatever,  have,  receive,  or  retain  for 
himself,  in  the  aggregate,  more  than  the  amount  of  his  salary  and  his 
commission  on  the  money-order  business  as  hereinafter  provided.  (R.  S. , 
§  3857.)     See  section  0G8. 

Sec.  135.  Compensation  of  Postmasters  pro  tern. — Any  person  performing 
the  duties  of  postmaster,  by  authority  of  the  President,  at  any  post-office 
where  there  is  Ji  vacancy  for  any  cause,  shall  receive  for  the  term  for 
which  the  duty  is  performed  the  same  compensation  to  which  he  would 
have  been  entitled  if  regularly  appointed  and  confirmed  as  such  post- 
master ;  and  all  services  heretofore  rendered  in  like  cases  shall  be  i)aid 
for  under  this  provision.    (Act  of  March  3,  1870,  §  31,  20  Stat.,  p.  302.) 


64 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


CHAPTER  THREE. 
POSTAGE-STAMPS,  STAMPED  ENVELOPES,  AND  POSTAL  CARDS. 


Sec. 
136. 
137. 
138. 
139. 
140, 
141. 

142. 


144. 
145. 
146. 
147. 

148. 
149. 
150. 

151. 
152. 
1.53. 

154. 

1.55. 
156. 


158. 
159. 


Postage-stamps  for  prepayment  of  postage. 

Postage-stamps,  denominations  of. 

Stamped-euvelopes  to  he  provided. 

Stamped-envelopes,  of  how  many  liinds. 

Postal-cards  to  be  provided. 

Postal-cards  for  use  in  Postal  Union  corre- 
spondence. 

Exclusive  issue  of  postal-cards  by  the  De- 
paitment. 

Letter-sheets,  envelopes,  double-postal-cards, 
etc. 

Improvements  in  stamps  and  envelopes. 

Sale  of  stamps  at  post-offlces. 

Postmasteis  to  keep  a  supply  of  stamps. 

Eequisitions  for  stamp.s,  etc. ;  how  to  be 
made. 

Eequisitions,  -when  to  be  made. 

Kequisitions  for  special-rcqnest-envelopes. 

Postmasters  not  supplied  with  stamps  until 
commissioned. 

Postmasters  to  count  supplies  when  received. 

Damaged  supplies,  how  to  be  treated. 

Mistakes  in  printing  special-request-envel- 
opes. 

Postmaster  to  charge  himself  with  stamps, 
etc. 

Ko  quarterly  returns,  no  stamps. 

Postage-due-stamps  ;  newspaper  and  periodi- 
cal-stamps. 

Moneys  received  for  sale  of  .stamps,  how  jiaid 
over. 

Postage-due-stamps,  how  used,  etc. 

Newspaper  and  periodical  stamps,  how  used. 


Sec. 

160.  "When  supplies  exhausted,  how  to  proceed. 

161.  Postmasters  to  report  postage  collected  from 

publishei-s. 

162.  Monthly  report  of  supplies  by  postmasters 

at  presidential  „fflces. 

163.  Postmaster  to  turn  over  supplies  to  succes- 

sor. 

164.  Discontinued  post-office ;  disposition  of  .sup. 

plies. 

165.  No    percentage  to   postmasters   for  sale  of 

stamps,  etc. 

166.  Hates  governing  sale  of  stamps,  etc. 

167.  Affidavit    claiming    credit    for    stamps    de- 

stroyed. 

168.  No  credit  allowed  where  post-office  is  robbed 

of  stamps. 

169.  Exchange  of  postage-stamps  prohibited. 

170.  Postage  on  spoiled  stamped  envelopes,  when 

refunded,  etc. 

171.  Postal  cards,  when  spoiled,  to  be  redeemed. 

172.  Stamps,  etc.,  redeemed,  to  be  sent  to  Depart- 

ment with  letter. 

173.  Postmasters  held  to  strict  accountability  for 

stamps. 

174.  Stamped  envelopes,  etc.,  to  be  .sold  at  cost. 

175.  Postage-stamps  sold  at  discount  to  designated 

agents. 

S^p"  For   provisions   respecting   cancellation    of 

stamps,  see  Chapter  nine,  Title  II. 
i^^  For  provisions  respecting  misuse  of  stamps, 

see  Title  IX. 


Sec.  136.  Postage-stamps  for  Prepayment  of  Postage. — The  Postmaster- 
Geiieral  shall  prepare  postage- stami)s  of  suitable  denominations,  which, 
when  attached  to  mail-matter,  shall  be  evidence  of  the  payment  of  the 
postage  thereon.     (E.  S.,  §  3914.) 

Sec.  137.  Postage-stamps,  Denominations  of — Of  postage-stamps,  three 
kiuds,  eacli  consisting  of  various  denominations,  are  provided,  viz:  Ordinary  stamps, 
wliicli  arc  used  to  prepay  postage  on  ordinary  mail-matter  of  the  first,  third,  and 
fourth  classes;  postage-dnc  stamps,  wlucli  are  used  for  the  collection  of  unpaid  post- 
nge  ;  and  newspaper  and  i)erio(lical  stamps,  which  are  used  to  pay  jio.stage  on  second- 
class  matter. 

Sec.  138.  Stamped-envelopes  to  be  Provided. — The  Postmaster-General 
shall  provide  suitable  letter  and  newspaper  envelopes,  with  such  water- 
marks or  other  guards  against  counterfeits  as  lie  may  deem  expedient, 
and  with  ])ostagc-stamps  with  sucli  device  and  of  such  suitable  denomi- 
nations as  he  may  direct  impressed  thereon;  and  such  envelopes  shall 
be  known  as  "stamped  envelopes,"  and  shall  be  sold,  as  nearly  as  may 
be,  at  the  cost  of  procuring  them,  with  the  addition  of  the  value  of  the 
postage-stamps  impressed  thereon ;  but  no  stamped  envelope  furnished 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES   AND    TOSTM ASTERS.  65 

by  tbc  Government  shall  contain  any  litlio;4iai»liing  or  en;,'raving,  nor 
any  printin.u'  excei)t  a  printed  request  to  return  the  letter  to  the  writer. 
Letters  and  papers  inclosed  in  such  stamped  envelop«'s  shall,  if  the 
l)0sta^e-stamp  is  of  a  denomination  suHicient  to  cover  the  ijostage 
properly  charj^^eable  thereon,  pass  in  the  mail  as  i)repaid  matter.  [Th^ 
Postmaster-Creneral  shall  cause  to  be  prepared  a  special  stamp  or 
stamped  envelope,  to  be  used  only  for  otticial  mail-matter,  for  each  of 
the  Executive  Departments;  aiul  said  stamps  and  stamped  envelopes 
shall  be  supplied  by  the  projier  officer  of  said  Departments  to  all  per- 
sons under  its  direction  requiring  the  same  for  official  use;  and  all 
ap])ropriations  for  postage  made  prior  to  March  third,  eighteen  hundred 
and  seventy-three,  shall  no  longer  be  available  for  said  purpose ;  and  all 
stanq^s  and  stamped  envelopes  shall  be  sold  or  furnished  to  said  several 
Departnu'nts  or  clerks  onlj'  at  the  price  for  Avhich  stamps  and  stauq)ed 
envelopes  of  like  value  are  sold  at  the  several  post-offices.]   (K.  S.,  §  3915.) 

See  sections  24:9-2r)l. 

Sec.  139.  Stamped-envelopes,  of  how  many  Kinds. — Of  stamiied-envelopes, 

two  kinils,  oacli  consisting  of  various  sizes,  qualities,  an<l  denominatious,  are  provide<l, 
viz:  Ordinary,  -wliich  may  be  either  plain  or  bear  a  blank  request  to  return;  aud 
special-reciuest,  wliicli  bear  a  printed  request  for  the  return  of  unclaimc<l  letters,  with 
the  name  and  post-office  address  printed  in  full,  aud  which  are  furnished  by  the  De- 
partment without  extra  charge  for  such  printing. 

Sec.  140.  Postal-cards  to  be  Provided. — To  facilitate  letter  correspond- 
ence, and  to  ])rovi(le  for  the  transmission  in  the  mails,  at  a  reduced  rate 
of  postage,  of  messages,  orders,  notices,  and  other  short  communica- 
tions, either  printed  or  written  in  pencil  or  ink,  the  Postmaster-General 
is  authorized  and  directed  to  furnish  and  issue  to  the  public,  with  post- 
age-stamps impressed  upon  them,  "postal  cards,"  manufactured  of  good 
stiff  paper,  of  such  quality,  form,  and  size  as  he  shall  deem  best  adapted 
for  general  use;  which  cards  shall  be  used  as  a  means  of  postal  inter- 
course, under  rules  and  regulations  to  be  prescribed  by  the  Postnutster- 
General,  and  when  so  used  shall  be  transmitted  through  the  mails  at  a 
postage  charge  of  one  cent  each,  including  the  cost  of  their  mauufac- 
tm-e.     (E.  S.,  §  3910.) 

Sec.  141.  Postal-cards  for  use  in  Postal  Union  correspondence. — The  Post- 
master-General is  hereby  authorized  to  furnish  and  issue  to  the  public 
l)OStal  cards  with  j)ostage-stamps  impressed  upon  them,  for  circulation 
in  the  mails  exchanged  with  foreign  countries  under  the  provisions  of 
the  Universal  Postal  Union  Convention  of  June  first,  eighteen  hundred 
and  seventy  eight,  at  a  postage  charge  of  two  cents  each,  including  the 
cost  of  their  manufitcture.     (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  1,  20  Stat.,  p.  357.) 

Sec.  142.  Exclusive  issue  of  Postal-cards  by  the  Department. — Postal-cards 

are  issued  exclusively  by  the  Department.  Cards  issued  by  private  parties,  which  con- 
tain any  written  matter  having  the  nature  of  personal  correspondence  other  than  the 
address  cannot  be  passed  through  the  mails  at  less  than  letter  postage,  as  they  are  not 
"postal-cards''  within  the  meaning  of  the  laAV.     See  sections  181, S",}?. 

Sec.  143.  Letter-sheet  Envelopes,  double  Postal-cards,  etc. — The  Postmas- 
ter-General is  hereby  authorized  to  take  the  necessary  steps  to  introduce 
5  p  L 


66  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

and  farnisli  for  public  use  a  letter-sheet  envelope,  on  which  postage- 
stamps  of  the  denominations  now  in  use  on  ordinary  envelopes  shall  be 
placed.  And  the  Postmaster- General  is  also  authorized  to  introduce 
and  furnish  for  public  use  a  double  postal  card,  on  which  shall  be 
placed  two  one-cent  stamps,  and  said  card  to  be  so  arranged  for  the 
address  that  it  may  be  forwarded  and  returned,  said  cards  to  be  sold  for 
two  cents  apiece ;  and  also  to  introduce  and  furnish  for  public  use  a 
double-letter  envelope,  on  which  stami)s  of  the  denominations  now  in 
use  may  be  placed,  and  with  the  arrangement  for  the  address  similar  to 
the  double  postal  card ;  said  letter-sheet  and  double  postal  card  and 
double  envelope  to  be  issued  under  such  regulations  as  the  Postmaster- 
Greneral  may  prescribe.  No  money  shall  be  paid  for  royalty  or  patent 
on  any  of  the  articles  named.  (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  32,  20  Stat.,  p. 
362.) 

Sec.  144.  Improvements  in  Stamps  and  Envelopes. — The  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral may,  from  time  to  time,  adopt  such  improvements  in  postage-stamps 
and  stamped  envelopes  as  he  may  deem  advisable ;  and  when  any  such 
improvement  is  adopted  it  shall  be  subject  to  all  the  provisions  herein 
respecting  postage-stamps  or  stamj^ed  envelopes.     (R.  S.,  §  3017.) 

Sec.  145.  Sale  of  Stamps  at  Post-Offices. — Postage-stam])s  and  stamped 
envelopes  shall  be  furnished  by  the  Postmaster-General  to  all  postmas- 
ters, and  shall  be  kept  for  sale  at  all  post-ofi&ces ;  and  each  postmaster 
shall  be  held  accountable  for  all  such  stamps  and  envelopes  furnished 
to  him.     (R.  S.,  §  3918.) 

Sec.  146.  Postmasters  to  keep  a  Supply  of  Stamps. — Stamps,  stamped-en- 

velopes,  newspaper-wrappers,  and  postal-cards  are  furnished  only  to  postmasters  for 
sale.  Postmasters  who  fail  to  supplj'  themselves  from  the  Department  must  purchase 
temporary  supplies  from  the  nearest  post-offlces.  They  are  not  required  to  render  to 
the  Department  an  account  of  such  purchases. 

Sec.  147.  Requisitions  for  Stamps,  etc.,  how  to  be  Made. — Requisitions  for 

postage-stamps,  stamped-envelopes,  newspaper-wrappers,  postal-cards,  and  official 
penalty-envelopes  are  required  to  be  made  upon  printed  forms  furnished  by  the  First 
Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Blank  Agency.  Care  must  he  taken  to  iill  out  the  blank 
form  with  the  name  of  the  post-office,  county,  and  State,  the  date  of  the  order,  the 
number  and  amount  of  each  of  the  several  descriptions  wanted,  the  numV)er  and 
amount  of  each  on  hand,  together  with  the  average  monthly  requiremeut.  The  re- 
quisition must  be  signed  by  the  postmaster  liimself,  unless  he  be  sick  or  necessarily 
absent,  when  it  may  be  signed  by  the  assistant  or  deputy,  who  will  write  the  post- 
master's name  above  his  own.  Requisitions  when  thus  completed,  must  be  forwarded 
to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  148.  Requisitions,  when  to  be  Made. — Postmasters  are  expected  to 

keep  themselves  fully  supplied  with  such  stamps,  stamped-envelopes,  newsjiapcr- 
wr.ippere,  postal-cards,  and  official  pen.alty-envelopes  as  are  needed  at  their  post- 
offices,  and  generally  to  order  in  such  (luautities  as,  on  a  careful  estimate,  maybe 
deemed  a  sufficient  supply  for  three  montlis  from  the  date  of  the  order.  They  are  not 
required  to  make  their  requisitions  at  any  particular  period  during  the  t^uarter,  but 
should  order  Avheuever  tlieir  supjtlics  sire  ;ib(>ut  to  become  exhausted. 

Sec.  149.  Requisitions  for   Special-Request  Envelopes. — Ro(]nisitions  for 

special-recpiest  enveloi)es  must  be  made  by  ])ostmasters  immediately  u]ion  receiving 
orders  from  parties  wauting  them,  at  whatever  time  in  the  quarter  it  may  be,  and  if 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  G7 

possible  shonUl  always  ho  accompauiod  hy  a  printed  card  showing  the  matter  disireil 
to  be  printed.  No  order  is  to  be  taken  on  eredit,  except  at  the  postrausti-r's  own 
risk,  and  in  no  case  for  less  than  five  hundred  of  any  specified  deuouiiuation  to  bear 
the  same  piintin^j. 

Sec.  150.  Postmasters  not  Supplied  with  Stamps  until  Commissioned. — No 

postmaster  will  be  supplied  with  srumjts,  stamjied-euvtMopes,  and  jxistal-cards  until 
liis  bond  and  oath  of  ottiee  shall  have  ))eeu  placed  on  file,  and  his  commission  duly 
issued. 

Sec.  151.  Postmasters  to  Count  Supplies  when  Received. — Upon  receiving 
.supplies  of  postage-stamps,  stamped-euvclopes,  newspaper-wrappers,  or  jiostal-cards, 
postmasters  are  recpiired  to  open  ami  count  them  in  the  presence  of  a  disinterested  wit- 
ness, to  date  and  sign  the  receipt,  and  transmit  the  same  to  the  Third  Assistant  Post- 
master-General. In  case  of  any  deficiency,  the  attidavit  of  the  jiostmaster  and  that  of 
the  witness,  stating  the  amount  of  such  deficiency,  with  all  the  facts  in  the  case,  will 
be  necessary  in  order  to  obtain  credit  theiefor;  and  in  every  such  case  the  wrapper, 
label,  and  box,  or  wooden  case  in  which  the  supplies  were  sent,  should  also  be  re- 
turned and  a  record  kept  of  the  number,  date,  address,  and  all  other  marks  on  the 
same.     Receipts  nntst  be  signed  in  the  same  manner  as  requisitions. 

Sec.  152.  Damaged  Supplies,  how  to  he  Treated. — If  any  portion  of  a  par- 
cel be  damaged,  the  i)0st master  will  sign  the  receipt  fur  the  whole  amount  of  the 
l)arcel,  and  having  written  across  the  face  of  the  receipt  the  number  and  amount  of 
stamps,  envelopes,  wrappers,  or  cards  unfit  for  use,  he  will  return  the  same,  together 
with  the  receipt,  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  who  will  give  credit  for 
the  amount  returned.  But  if  the  damage  be  total,  the  entire  number  should  be  re- 
turned, with  the  receipt  not  signed,  in  order  that  others  may  be  sent  in  their  place. 
The  package  must  be  registered,  and  the  postmaster  must  also  be  able  to  prove  the 
act  of  mailing  by  a  disinterested  witness.  Postmasters  fiailing  to  register  such  pack- 
ages will  not  receive  credit  for  the  amount  alleged  to  have  been  returned,  in  case  the 
same  fails  to  reach  the  Department. 

Sec.  153.  Mistakes  in  Printing  Special-Request  Envelopes. — Special-re- 
quest envelopes,  which  may  be  refused  by  the  parties  ordering  them,  on  account  of 
misprinting  or  other  mistake,  .should  be  returned  registered  to  the  Third  Assistant 
Postmaster-Geiieral.  If  the  mistake  has  occurred  through  the  fault  of  the  Depart- 
ment, credit  for  the  full  value  of  the  envelopes  will  be  given  in  the  po.stmaster"s  ac- 
count, and  the  requisition  will  be  refilled;  if  otherwise,  credit  for  the  postage  value 
only  of  the  envelopes  will  be  given,  and  the  postmaster  should  forward  a  new  and 
con-ect  requisition.  In  no  case  should  a  postmaster  endeavor  to  dispose  of  special- 
recpiest  envelopes  to  any  other  party  than  the  one  for  whose  use  they  were  ordered. 

Sec.  154.  Postmaster  to  Charge  himself  with  Stamps,  etc. — Every  po.st- 
master  will,  at  the  eud  of  each  quarter,  charge  himself  in  his  quarterly  account-cur- 
rent with  the  amount  of  such  stamps,  stamped-envelopes,  newspaper-%vrappers.  and 
l)Ostal-cards  as  remained  on  hand  at  the  close  of  the  preceding  quarter,  or  (if  he  has 
entered  into  office  during  the  quarter)  with  the  amount  of  such  articles  received 
from  his  predecessor,  adding  thereto  the  amounts  received  from  the  Department  dur- 
ing the  quarter  just  ended,  and  deducting  the  amount  then  remaining  on  hand, 
together  with  the  amount  of  damaged  stamps,  enveloi)es,  or  cai"ds  returned  for  credit. 
The  balance  of  the  account  thus  stated  will  represent  the  amount  sold,  which  must 
be  added  on  the  debit  side  of  the  quarterly  account-current  to  the  amounts  due  from 
other  sources. 

Sec.  155.  No  quarterly  Returns,  no  Stamps. — Po.stmaster.s  who  have  failed 
to  duly  render  their  (quarterly  returns  to  the  Auditor  will  not  be  sui)i)lied  with  post- 
age-stamps, stamped-envelojies,  newspaper-wrappers,  or  postal-cards  until  the  delin- 
quency has  been  con-ected. 

Sec.  156.   Postage-due-stamps;    newspaper    and    periodical -stamps. — The 


68  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

postage-diie-stamps,  the  newspaper  and  periodical-stamps,  and  the  special-reqnest  en- 
velopes, will  all  be  accounted  for  in  the  same  manner  and  together  with  the  ordinary 
stamps,  stamped-envelopes,  newspaper- wrappers,  and  postal-cards. 

Sec.  157.  Moneys  received  for  sale  of  Stamps,  how  Paid  over. — Postmasters 

receiving  postage-stamps,  stamped-envelopes,  newspaper- wrappers,  and  postal-cards 
from  the  Department  for  sale,  will  pay  over  the  money  by  them  received  for  snch  as 
may  be  sold,  together  with  other  moneys  that  may  be  due  the  Department  at  the  times 
and  in  the  manner  required  by  their  special  instructions.  Inclosing  money  to  the  De- 
partment to  pay  for  stamps,  stamped-envelopes,  newspaper-wrappers,  and  postal-cards 
is  prohibited. 

Sec.  158.  Postage-due-stamps,  how  used,  etc. — Postage-dne-stamps  are  to 

be  us(m1  for  matter  of  the  first,  third,  and  fourth  classes  which  has  passed  through  the 
mails  and  arrived  at  destination  with  the  postage  partly  or  wholly  unpaid.  The  gen- 
eral manner  of  using  these  stamps,  and  the  course  to  be  pursued  by  postmasters,  at 
post-offices  of  free  delivery  only,  for  obtaining  credit  for  such  as  may  be  attached  to 
matter  of  which  no  delivery  can  be  made,  is  fully  explained  in  sections  270-274. 

Sec.  159.  Newspaper  and  Periodical-stamps,  how  used. — Newspaper  and 

periodical-stamps  are  to  be  used  only  for  the  payment  of  postage  on  newspaper  and 
periodical  pviblications,  mailed  from  a  known  office  of  publication  or  news  agency  to 
regular  sulxscribers  or  news  agents,  known  as  second-class  matter.  All  matter  of  this 
kind  intended  to  be  mailed  must  be  brought  to  the  post-office  of  mailing,  Avhere  it 
will  be  weighed  in  bulk,  and  the  postage  prepaid,  according  to  the  weight  of  the  mat- 
ter to  be  mailed,  l)y  the  newspaper  and  periodical  stamps.  Ordinary  postage-stamps 
cannot  be  used  for  such  matter,  nor  can  the  newsijaper  and  iieriodical  stamps  be  iised 
for  any  other  purpose.  After  weighing  the  mail  matter  thus  received,  and  immedi- 
ately collecting  the  proper  amount  of  postage  thereon,  the  postmaster  will  give  a  re- 
ceipt to  the  party  mailing  from  a  book  of  forms  to  be  furnished  by  the  Department. 
The  stamps  will  then  be  affixed  to  the  stub  of  the  receipt,  and  at  once  effectually  can- 
celed. Stamps  so  used  must  be  accounted  for  as  sold.  The  stub-books  are  to  be  kept 
permanently  in  the  post-office,  ready  to  be  produced  whenever  demanded  by  the  De- 
partment. The  stamps  attached  thereto  must  never  be  removed,  nor  the  books  dis- 
posed of  otherwise  than  as  directed  by  the  Department.  Postmastei's  should  never 
neglect  to  attach  to  the  stub-book  the  necessary  amount  to  cover  all  iJostage  collected 
ou  newspaper  and  periodical  matter.  Failure  to  attach  stamps  to  the  stub-book  will 
subject  the  oftending  postmaster  to  the  penalty  provided  by  law  for  embezzlement. 

Sec.  160.  When  supply  Exhausted  how  to  Proceed. — Should  the  supply 

of  newspaper  and  jjeriodical  stamps  at  any  time  become  exhausted,  the  postage  on 
newspaper  and  periodical  matter  should  be  collected  in  money,  and  the  necessary 
stamps  afterwards  attached  when  they  are  obtained  from  the  Department.  This 
course  should  also  be  iiursued  in  the  case  of  postmasters  at  whose  post-offices  such 
uuitter  is  mailed  for  the  first  time.  In  either  case,  however,  no  delay  should  be  made 
in  ordering  a  full  sup]>ly  of  stamps. 

Sec.  161.  Postmasters  to  report  Postage  collected  from  Publishers,  etc. — 

Postmasters  will  be  required  to  render  promptly  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster- 
Gener.al,  at  the  close  of  each  quarter,  on  lilanks  furnished  for  the  purpose,  a  statement 
of  postage  collected  from  each  publisher  and  news-agent  during  the  whole  quarter. 
In  rendering  his  first  statement  a  new  postnuister  will  state,  separately,  the  amount 
collected  by  himself  and  that  collected  by  his  predecessor  in  the  same  quarter,  giving 
the  exiict  date,  also,  when  the  change  of  postmasters  took  effect. 

Sec.  162.   Monthly  reports  by  Postmasters  at  Presidential  Post-Offices. — 

Postmasters  at  x)ost-(>ffices  of  the  first,  second,  and  third  classes  are  reiiuired  to  make 
monthly  reports  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postnuister-General  of  the  auumnts  of  postage* 
stam])s,  stamped-t^nvelopes,  newsx)ai)er-wra)tp('rs,  and  postal-cards  received  from  the 
Department,  the  amount  sold,  and  that  remaiuing  on  hand  at  the  close  of  the  mouth. 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  69 

Blanks  for  this  lunposo  will  Ijc  supplied  by  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-Geueral, 

Blank  A;x<""<>'. 

Sec.  163.  Postmaster  to  turn  over  Supplies  to  Successor. — Upon  surrender- 
ing a  i)ost-()llieo  to  his  siicit'ssor,  tin;  late  postnnister,  or  his  rt'prcscntative,  will  turn 
over  to  such  successor  all  the  stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  newspaper-wrai»i)ers,  jiostal- 
eanls,  then  on  hand,  take  duplicate  receipts  for  the  same,  and  transmit  the  ori;(inaI 
forthwith  to  the  Auditor,  that  the  account  of  the  late  postmaster  may  be  credited  ac- 
cordiujfly.  These  stamps,  envelopes,  wrappers,  and  cards  must  not  be  sent  to  the 
Department,  but  should  be  retained  for  sale  by  the  postmaster,  who  will  charjie  him- 
self with  the  amount  in  the  quarterly  account-current.  In  such  receipt  will  also 
be  included  all  postajicc-due  stamps  that  may,  at  free  delivery  post-offices  only,  be  at- 
tached to  matter  not  delivered  to  the  parties  to  whom  the  matter  belongs. 

Sec.  164.  Discontinued  post-ofl5ce,  Disposition  of  Supplies. — If  a  post-office 

lie  (liseoutiuued,   the  postuiastev  will  deliver  all   stamiis,   staniped-envelopes,    news 
l>aper-wrappers,  and  postal-cards  to  the  postmaster  to  whom  he  is  directed  to  deliver 
the  other  post-office  property,  and  will  take  duplicate  receipts,  one  of  which  he  will 
transmit  to  the  Auditor  as  above. 

Sec.  165.  No  percentage  to  Postmasters  for  Sale  of  Stamps,  etc. — The  law 

allows  uo  compensation  to  postmasters  for  the  sale  of  postage-stamps,  stamped-eu- 
velopes,  newspaper-wrappers,  or  postal-cards. 

Sec.  166.  Rules  governing  Sale  of  Stamps,  etc. — Stamps,  envelopes,  ^Tap- 
pers, and  cards  are  to  be  sold  only  for  cash  at  the  prices  stated  in  the  receipt  which  is 
sent  with  them  to  each  post-office.  In  making  sales  of  envelopes  and  wrappers  post- 
masters are  expected  to  evince  a  due  spirit  of  accommodation,  but  they  are  not  re- 
quired to  lose  the  fraction  of  a  cent  iu  selling  small  quantities ;  and  if  a  postmaster 
cannot  readily  make  change,  the  purchaser  must  tender  the  exact  amount  for  the 
number  wanted. 

Sec.  167.  Affidavit  claiming  Credit  for  Stamps  Destroyed. — ^Vlieuever  a 
postmaster  claims  credit  for  postage-stamps,  stamped- envelopes,  newspaper- wrappers, 
or  postal-cards  alleged  to  have  been  lost  iu  the  mails,  burnt  or  otherwise  destroyed, 
his  own  affidavit,  stating  the  circumstauces  and  amount  of  loss,  together  with  all  the 
other  proof  which  in  the  particular  case  he  can  produce,  is  required  to  be  forwai'ded 
to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-Geueral.  Ui)on  the  receiiit  of  such  affidavit  and 
additional  testimony,  which  should  be  sent  with  the  least  possible  delay,  the  claim 
will  be  duly  considered. 

Sec.  168.  No  credit  allowed  where  Post-office  is  Robbed  of  Stamps. — Credit 

will  not  be  allowed  in  cases  where  post-offices  have  been  robbed  of  stamps  or  stamped- 
envelopes,  newsjiaper-wrappers,  or  postal-cards.  In  an  ojiiniou  of  a  former  Attorney- 
General  the  following  occurs  :  "If  the  stamps  should  be  stolen  or  lost,  and  get  into 
the  hands  of  those  who  may  use  them,  and  thus  deprive  the  government  of  so  much 
revenue,  the  postmaster  should  be  held  for  them.  One  who  has  the  custody  of  public 
uidney  or  property,  and  is  paid  for  taking  care  of  it,  cannot  get  rid  of  his  resi>onsi- 
bility  by  showing  a  theft  or  accidental  loss.  He  is  an  insurer  of  its  safety  against  al 
perils  of  that  kind." 

Sec.  169.  Exchange  of  Postage-stamps  Prohibited. — The  exchange  of  post- 
age-stamps or  stamped-envelopes  for  those  of  other  denominations  to  accommodate 
private  parties  is  prohibited.  Postmasters  will  not  be  permitted  to  return  to  the  De- 
partment unserviceable  stamps  or  stamped-euvelopes  that  may  be  acquiied  in  this 
way. 

Sec.  170.  Postage  on  Spoiled  Stamped-envelopes,  etc.,  when  Refunded. — The 

amount  of  the  postage  only  on  stamped  envelopes  and  newspaper-wrappers  spoiled 
in  directing  may  be  refunded  iu  stamps  or  stamiJed  envelopes  by  a  postmaster  if  satis- 
fied that  they  have  never  been  used,  and  that  the  misdirection  occurred  at  the  place 


70  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

■where  tlie  rcflemptiou  is  claimed ;  also,  i>rovitlcd  that  such  envelopes  and  wraiijpers 
shall  be  jireseuted  iu  a  whole  condition.  In  no  case  is  an  envelope  or  wrapper  to  he 
redeemed  at  the  post-office  to  which  it  is  directed,  except  iu  the  case  of  envelopes  for 
drop-letters,  which  are  to  be  redeemed  upon  the  foregoiug  conditions. 

Sec.  171.  Postal-cards  when  Spoiled  to  be  Redeemed. — Postmasters  may 

also  redeem  in  stamps  or  stamped  envelopes  such  postal-cards  as  have  been  spoiled  iu 
lirintiug  or  by  other  causes,  and  have  never  been  used,  at  the  rate  of  four  cents  iu 
stamps  or  stamped-euvelopes  for  every  five  cards  in  whatever  quantities  presented. 

Sec.  172.  Stamps,  etc.,  redeemed  to  be  sent  to  Department  with  letter. — 
Stamped-euvelopes,  newspaper- wrappers,  and  postal-cards  redeemed  under  the  two 
foregoing  sections  must  be  sent  with  a  special  letter  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmas- 
ter-General, stating  the  number  and  amount.  The  package  must  be  registered,  and 
the  postmaster  must  be  able  to  prove  the  act  of  mailing  by  a  disinterested  witness. 
Postmasters  failing  to  register  such  packages  will  not  receive  credit  for  the  amount 
alleged  to  have  been  returned,  iu  case  the  same  fails  to  reach  the  Department.  A 
postmaster  need  not  return  sjioiled  envelopes  or  wrappers  to  the  Department  oftener 
than  once  in  each  quarter. 

Sec.  173.  Postmasters  held  to  strict  Accountability  for  Stamps,  etc. — Post- 
masters Avill  be  held  to  a  strict  accountability  for  all  iiackages  of  i)ostage-stamps, 
.stamped-euvelopes,  newspaper-wrappers,  and  postal-cards  passing  through  their 
hands :  and  the  value  of  any  package  that  may  be  lost  or  stolen  while  in  transit  will  be 
charged  to  the  postmaster  through  whose  fault  the  loss  or  robbery  occurred.  Con- 
cerning the  treatment  of  registered  packages  of  i)ostage-stami)8,  stamped  envelopes, 
and  j)ostal  cards  arriving  at  or  in  transit  to  post-offices  reference  is  made  to  Title  V, 
Till' mgl^fri/  System  of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  174.  Stamped  envelopes,  etc.,  to  be  sold  at  cost. — Xo  stami)ed  envel- 
opes or  newspaper- wrappers  shall  be  sold  by  the  Post-Office  Department 
at  less  (ill  addition  to  the  legal  postage)  tlian  the  cost,  including  all 
salaries,  clerk  hire,  and  other  expenses  connected  there Avith.*  (Act  of 
July  12,  1876,  §  14,  19  Stat.,  p.  b2.) 

Sec.  175.  Postage-stamps  sold  at  Discount  to  designated  Agents. — Postage- 
stamjis  and  stamped  envelopes  may  be  sold  at  discount  to  certain  desig- 
nated agents,  who  will  agree  to  sell  again  without  discount,  under  rules 
to  be  prescribed  by  the  Postmaster- General ;  but  the  quantities  of  each 
sold  to  any  one  agent  at  one  time  shall  not  exceed  one  hundred  dollars 
in  value,  and  the  discount  shall  not  exceed  tive  per  centum  on  the  face 
value  of  the  stamps,  nor  the  same  per  centum  on  the  current  inice  of  the 
envelopes  when  sold  in  less  quantities.    (R.  S.,  §  3919.) 

*  Section  3920  R.  S.,  not  specifically  repealed  by  section  174,  is  as  follows:  • 

Postage-stamps  shall  not  be  sold  for  any  larger  sum  than  the  value  indicated  ou 
tlieir  face,  nor  stauqicd  envelopes  for  more  th.an  is  charged  therefor  by  the  Post-Office 
Department  for  like  quantities.  Any  person  connected  with  the  postal  service  who 
.sluUl  violate  this  provision  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  less  than  ten  dollars 
nor  more  than  five  hundred. 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS. 


71 


CHAPTER  FOUR. 

CLASSIFICATION    OF    DOMESTIC    MAIL-MATTER    AND    RATES    OF 

POSTAGE  THEREON. 


Soo. 

17(5.  Mnil-niiittey  divided  into  four  classes. 

177.  First-tlas.s  luiittei-  detiiifd. 

178.  Po.stage  on  ftrst-class  matter. 

179.  SoMiiTs',  sailors',  aud  mariues'  unpaid  letters 

forward  I'd. 

180.  Prepayinciit  required  on  officers'  letters. 

181.  Posta-ic  on  delivered  postal  cards  rei)osted. 

182.  Otlier  tlian  firstela.ss  matter  must  be  opeu  to 

examination. 

183.  Sealed  packages,  etc.,  to  pay  letter-rates. 

184.  Second-cla.ss  matter  defined. 

185.  Essential  characteristics  of  second-class  mat- 

ter. 

186.  A  known  ofHce  of  publication  defined. 

187.  Advertising-sheets  defined. 

188.  Decision  upon  doubtful  publications. 

189.  Postmaster's  record  of  second-class  publica- 

tions. 

190.  Postage  on  .second-class  matter. 

191.  "Weighing  of  second-class  matter. 

192.  ^Manner  of  prepaying  second-class  matter. 

193.  Kegular  subscribers  defined. 

194.  Evidence  of  subscription -list  may  be  required. 

195.  Sample  copies  at  second-class  rates. 

196.  Admission  of  new  publications  to  second-class 

rates. 

197.  Penalty  for  submitting  false  evidence  as  to  a 

publication. 

198.  Postmasters  to  report  the  submission  of  false 

evidence. 

199.  Entry  of  second-class  publications. 

200.  News-agents  applying  for  second-class  rates. 

201.  Evidence  required  of  news-agents. 

202.  News-agents  defined. 

203.  Samjjle  copies  defined. 

204.  Extra  iiuiubers  not  sample  copies. 

205.  Sample  cojdes  to  be  mailed  .separately. 

206.  Supplements  admitted  as  second-class  matter. 

207.  Definition  of  supplements. 

208.  Handbill.s  and  posters  not  supplements. 

209.  E.Kamiuation  of  second-class  matter. 

210.  Prohibited   advertisements    in    second-class 

matter. 

211.  Detention  of  suspected  second-class  matter. 

212.  Foreign  publications  admitted  as  second-class 

matter. 

213.  Examination  of  foreign  publication.s. 

214.  Infringement  of  copyright  by  foreign  publica- 

tion. 

215.  Third-class  matter  and  postage  thereon. 

216.  Proof-sheets  defined. 

217.  Circulars  defined. 

218.  Postage  on  circulars  mailed  in  bulk  for  post- 

masters to  distribute. 


vSec. 

219.  Printed  matter  defined. 

220.  Manifolding  and  type- writing  not  printing. 

221.  Fonrtli-class  matter  defined. 

222.  Unmailable  matter. 

223.  Precautions  against  injury  to  the  mails. 

224.  Postmasters  responsible  for  admission  of  im- 

l)roper  matter. 

225.  Obscene  matter  prohibited  in  the  mails. 

226.  Lottery-circulars  iirohibited  in  tlie  niail.s. 

227.  Lottery  advertisements  in  second-class  mat- 

ter. 

228.  Postmasters  responsible  for  admission  of  ob 

scene  matter  in  the  mails. 

229.  Postage  on  fourth-class  matter. 

230.  Treatment  of  unmailable  matter  reaching  its 

destination. 

231.  Permissible  additions  to  other  than  first-class 

matter. 

232.  Personal  correspondence  negatively  defined. 

233.  Letter-postage   and    i)enalty   for   prohibited 

writing  or  printing. 

234.  Form  of  bills  accompanying  second-class  mat- 

ter. 

235.  Newspapers  to  be  wrapped  and  sufficiently 

dried. 

236.  Manner  of  presenting  second-class  m.atter  for 

mailing. 

237.  Manner  of  presenting  third-class  matter  for 

mailing. 

238.  "What  a  jiackago  of  third-class  matter  may 

contain. 

239.  Free  county  publications. 

240.  Postage  on  second-class  matter  at  free-deliv- 

ery offices. 

241.  Second-class  matter  at  free-delivery  offices, 

how  separated. 

242.  Free  county  publications  must  be  mailed  by 

themselves. 

243.  Publications  with  offices  in  two  counties  free 

in  neitlier. 

244.  Sample  copies  of  free  county  imblications  sub- 

ject to  postage. 

245.  Congressional  documents  free  of  postage. 

246.  Congressional  Record  and  extracts  therefrom 

free. 

247.  Steeds  and  Eeports  from  Agricultural  Depart- 

ment free. 

248.  Reraailing  of  Congressional  documents  after 

cue  delivery. 

249.  Letters,  etc..  on  government  business  free. 
2.">0.  Penalty-envelopes  for  otficial  matter. 

251.  Extension  of  two  preceding  sections. 

{^"For  classification  of  matter  addressed  to  for 
eign  countries,  see  Title  VII. 


72  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  176.  Mail-matter  Divided  into  four  Classes. — Mail-matter  sliall  be 
divided  into  four  classes : 

First.  Written  matter. 

Second.  Periodical  publications. 

Third.  Miscellaneous  printed  matter. 

Fourth.  Merchandise.     (Act  March  3,  1879,  §  7,  20  Stat.,  p.  353.) 

Sec.  177.  First-class  Matter. — Mailable  matter  of  the  first  class  shall 
embrace  letters,  postal  cards,  and  all  matter  wholly  or  partially  in  writ- 
ing, except  as  hereinafter  provided.  (Act  March  3,  1871),  §  8,  20  Stat., 
p.  358.) 

See  sections  231  and  232. 

Sec.  178.  Postage  on  first-class  Matter. — On  mailable  matter  of  the  first 
class,  except  postal  cards  and  drop-letters,  postage  shall  be  prepaid  at 
the  rate  of  three  cents  for  each  half  ounce  or  fraction  thereof;  postal 
cards  shall  be  transmitted  through  the  mails  at  a  postage  charge  of  one 
cent  each,  including  the  cost  of  manufacture ;  and  drop-letters  shall  be 
mailed  at  the  rate  of  two  cents  per  half  ounce  or  fraction  thereof,  includ- 
ing delivery  at  letter-carrier  offices,  and  one  cent  for  each  half  ounce  or 
fraction  thereof  where  free  delivery  by  carrier  is  not  established.  The 
Postmaster-General  may,  however,  provide,  by  regulation,  for  transmit- 
ting unpaid  and  duly  certified  letters  of  soldiers,  sailors,  and  marines  in 
the  service  of  the  United  States  to  their  destination,  to  be  paid  on  de- 
livery.    (Act  March  3,  1879,  §  9,  20  Stat,  p.  358.) 

Sec.  179.  Soldiers',  sailors',  and  marines'  unpaid  Letters  Forwarded. — Let- 
ters written  by  uoii-commissioiied  officers  aud  privates  in  the  military  service,  or  iu  the 
naval  service  (embracing  the  Marine  Corps),  on  which  the  postage  is  not  prepaid,  must 
be  plainly  marked  on  the  outside,  over  the  address,  "Soldier's  letter,"  " Sailor's  let- 
ter," or  "Marine's  letter"  (as  the  case  may  be),  and  this  certificate  signed  with  his 
official  designation  by  a  field  or  staff  officer  of  the  regiment  to  which  the  soldier  be- 
longs, or  \)y  the  officer  in  command  of  his  detachment  or  of  the  post,  or  by  a  surgeon 
or  chaplain  at  a  hospital.  In  the  Navy  or  Marine  Corjis,  the  certificate  must  be  signed 
l)y  the  officer  in  command  of  the  vessel,  or  bj-  a  chaplain  or  surgeon  on  board,  or  by  the 
officer  commanding  a  detachment  of  marines  on  shore.  All  unpaid  letters  of  soldiers, 
sailors,  or  marines,  duly  certified,  must  be  forwarded  to  their  destination  charged  with 
the  amounts  of  postage  due  at  single  rates  only,  to  be  collected  on  delivery. 

Sec.  180.  Prepayment  required  on  Ofiicers'  Letters. — Letters  written  by 

commission('<l  officers  in  the  military,  naval,  or  marine  service  cannot  be  certified  as 
letters  of  soldiers,  sailors,  or  marines. 

Sec.  181.  Postage  on  Delivered  Postal-Cards  Eeposted. — When  a  postal-card 

has  once  been  delivered  to  the  person  to  whom  it  is  addressed  it  loses  its  character  as 
a  postal-card ;  and  if  it  is  ofterod  for  mailing  again  it  must  be  prepaid  either  .at  letter 
or  third  class  r.ates,  as  indicated  by  the  nature  of  the  printing  or  writing  thereon. 

Sec.  182.  Other  than  first-class  Matter  must  be  open  to  Examination. — The 
Postmaster-General  may  prescribe,  by  regulation,  the  manner  of  wrap- 
ping and  securing  for  the  mails  all  i)ackagos  of  matter  not  charged  with 
first-class  postage,  so  that  the  contents  of  such  packages  may  be  easily 
examined  ;  and  no  package  the  contents  of  which  cannot  be  easily  exam- 
ined shall  pass  in  the  mails  or  bo  delivered  at  less  rate  than  for  matter 
of  the  first  class.     (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  24,  20  Stat.,  p.  3G1.) 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  73 

Sec.  183.  Sealed  Packages,  etc.,  to  pay  Letter  Rates. — Wlieiievor  any  pack- 

.a<^c  offerod  for  iiiailiiij;  to  any  point  within  the  United  States  is  sealed  or  otherwise 
closed  afjain.st  inspection,  or  contains  or  bears  writing  which  is  not  allowed  hy  law,  sneh 
l»aeka;je  is  subject  to  pitstage  at  letter  rates,  and  is,  in  all  respects,  to  bo  treated  as  a 
letter;  i.  e.,  if  one  full  rate  (3  cents)  is  paid,  it  is  to  be  forwarded  rated  np  with  the 
deficient  postage  ;  if  less  than  one  full  rate,  it  is  to  be  treated  as  a  short-iiaid  letter. 
See  sections  -JM,  •J:V2,  and  '2:?:?. 

Sec.  184.  SecQnd-class  Matter. — Mailable  matter  of  the  second  class  shall 
embrace  all  newspapers  and  other  jieriodical  publications  which  are 
issued  at  stated  intervals,  aiul  as  frecpiently  as  four  times  a  year,  and 
are  within  the  conditions  named  in  the  next  succeeding  section.  (Act 
March  3,  1870,  §  10,  20  Stat.,  p,  350.) 

Sec.  185.  Essential  characteristics  of  Second-class  Matter. — Tlie  conditions 
upon  which  a  imblicatiou  shall  be  admitted  to  the  second  class  are  as 
follows : 

First.  It  must  regularly  be  issued  at  stated  intervals,  as  frequently  as 
four  times  a  year,  and  bear  a  date  of  issue,  and  be  numbered  consecu- 
tively. 

Second.  It  must  be  issued  from  a  known  office  of  publication. 

Third.  It  must  be  formed  of  printed  paper  sheets,  without  board, 
cloth,  leather,  or  other  substantial  binding,  such  as  distinguish  jiriuted 
books  for  preservation  fi'om  periodical  publications. 

Fourth.  It  must  be  originated  and  published  for  the  dissemination 
of  inforumtiou  of  a  j)ublic  character,  or  devoted  to  literature,  the  sci- 
ences, arts,  or  some  special  industry,  and  ha^'ing  a  legitimate  list  of 
subscribers :  Provided,  however,  That  nothing  herein  contained  shaU  be 
so  construed  as  to  admit  to  the  second-class  rate  regular  publications 
designed  primarily  for  advertising  i)urposes,  or  for  fiee  circulation,  or 
for  circulation  at  nominal  rates.  (Act  March  3,  1879,  §  14,  20  Stat., 
p.  350.) 

Sec.  186.  A  Known  Office  of  Publication  defined. — A  known  office  of  pub- 
lication is  a  j)ublic  office  for  the  transaction  of  the  bnsiucss  of  the  periodical,  where 
orders  may  be  received  for  subscriptions  and  advertising  during  the  usual  business  hours. 
Publicatious  issued  without  disclosing  the  office  of  publication  must  not  be  forwarded 
unless  prepaid  at  the  rate  of  third-class  matter. 

Sec.  187.  Advertising  Sheets  Defined. — "  Eegular  publications,  designed 

primarily  for  advertising  purposes,"  within  the  intendment  of  section  185,  are  defined 
to  be — 

First.  Those  owned  and  controlled  by  one  or  several  individuals  or  biisiness  con- 
ceras,  and  conducted  as  an  auxiliary,  and  essentially  for  the  advancement  of  the  main 
business  or  calling  of  those  who  own  or  control  them. 

Second.  Those  which,  having  no  genuine  or  paid-up  subscriptions,  insert  advertise- 
ments free,  on  the  condition  that  the  advertiser  will  pay  for  any  number  of  jiapers 
which  are  sent  to  persons  whose  names  are  given  to  the  publisher. 

Third.  Those  which  do  advertising  only,  and  whose  columns  are  filled  with  long  edi- 
torial puffs  of  firms  or  individuals  who  buy  a  certain  number  of  copies  for  distribution. 

Fourth.  Pamphlets  containing  market  quotations,  and  the  business  cards  of  various 
business  houses  opposite  the  pages  containing  such  quotations. 

Sec.  188.  Decision  upon  Doubtful  Publications. — Whenever  a  postmaster 
is  in  doubt  as  to  the  character  of  a  publication  ofi"ered  for  mailing  as  second-class  mat- 


74  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    EEGULATIONS. 

ter,  he  will  submit  a  copy  of  the  same  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-Geueral,  and 
accompany  it  with  a  statement  of  such  facts  as  he  may  be  in  possession  of  respecting 
the  publication  and  the  reasons  for  his  inability  to  decide  as  to  its  character.  The 
First  Assistant  Postinaster-Geueral  will  also  decide  any  appeal  from  the  decision  of  a 
postmaster  by  publishers  whose  publications  have  been  excluded  from  the  second  class 
by  the  action  of  the  postmaster. 

Sec.  189.  Postmaster's  Record  of  Second-class  Publications. — Postmasters 

must  keep  a  record  of  all  the  publications  of  the  second  class  mailed  at  their  post- 
ofitices,  and  submit  a  duplicate  thereof  to  the  office  of  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General,  and  must  report  on  the  first  day  of  every  month  any  changes  made  therein. 

Sec.  190.  Postage  on  Second-class  Matter. — Publications  of  the  second 
class,  except  as  provided  in  section  2.39,  when  sent  by  the  publisher 
thereof,  and  from  the  oflice  of  publication,  including  sample  copies,  or 
when  sent  from  a  news  agency  to  actual  subscribers  thereto,  or  to  other 
news  agents,  shall  be  entitled  to  transmission  through  the  mails  at  two 
cents  a  pound  or  fraction  thereof,  such  postage  to  be  prepaid,  as  now 
provided  by  law.  (Act  of  March  3, 1879,  §  11, 20  Stat.,  p.  359.)  See  sec- 
tion 192. 

Sec.  191.  Weighing  of  Second-class  Matter. — Periodical  publications  on 
their  receipt  at  the  i)ost-ofiice  of  mailing  shall  be  weighed  in  bulk,  and 
postage  paid  thereon  by  a  special  adhesive  stamp,  to  be  devised  and  fur- 
nished by  the  Postmaster-Geueral,  which  shall  be  affixed  to  sucli  matter, 
or  to  the  sack  containing  the  same,  or  upon  a  memorandum  of  such  mail- 
ing, or  otherwise,  as  the  Postmaster-General  may,  from  time  to  time,  pro- 
vide by  regulations.     (Act  of  June  23,  1874,  §  6,  18  Stat.,  p.  233.) 

Sec.  192.  Manner  of  Prepaying  second-class  Matter. — Publishers  and  news 

agents  must  tender  their  newspapers  and  periodicals  intended  to  be  sent  through  the 
mails  at  the  post-office  of  mailing,  so  that  they  may  be  weighed  in  bulk.  The  postage 
thereon  must  then  be  prepaid,  according  to  the  weight  of  the  matter  to  be  mailed,  by 
special  adhesive  stamps,  known  as  newspaper  and  periodical  stamps,  which  are  fur- 
nished by  the  Department  to  postmasters  for  that  purpose.  Unbound  back  numbers 
of  a  regular  second-class  publication  may  be  sent  at  the  rate  of  two  cents  per  pound. 
See  section  159. 

Sec.  193.  "Regular  Subscribers"  Defined. — A  regular  subscriber  is  a  per- 
son who  has  actually  paid,  or  undertaken  to  pay,  a  subscription  price  for  a  newspaper, 
magazine,  or  other  periodical,  or  for  whom  such  payment  has  been  made,  or  under- 
taken to  be  made,  by  some  other  person.  But,  in  the  latter  case,  such  payment  must 
have  been  made  or  undertaken  with  the  consent  or  at  the  request  of  the  person  to 
whom  such  newspaper,  magazine,  or  periodical  is  sent.  Consent  is  to  be  implied  in 
the  absence  of  objection  by  the  party  to  whom  the  iniblication  is  sent. 

Sec.  194.  Evidence  of  Subscription-list  may  be  Required. — If  a  postmaster 

has  reason  to  douljt  that  a  jiuldication  ottered  for  mailing  as  second  class  matter  has  a 
legitimate  list  of  subscribers,  ho  may  require  the  piiblisher  thereof  to  satisfy  him  that 
it  has,  before  permitting  such  publication  to  be  mailed  at  the  rates  prescribed  in  sec- 
tion 190. 

Sec.  195.  Sample  copies  at  Second-class  Rates. — By  section  1S5  subscriber 

ship  is  made  one  of  the  tests  of  the  bona  fide  character  of  a  publication.  A  publica 
tion  having  no  legitimate  list  of  subscribers  cannot  bo  admitted  to  the  second  class 
except  as  provided  in  section  196.  When  once  determined  to  be  entitled  to  transmission 
as  second-class  matter,  the  distinction  in  favor  of  subscribcrship  in  the  circulation  of 
second-class  matter,  which  was  made  uccessary  by  former  laws,  is  by  section  190  abau- 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AXD    POSTMASTERS.  75 

douod,  ami  siuiiplo  copies  of  secoiid-claMS  im1)li(atir)ns  may,  wln-u  sent  from  an  oflfice 
of  piiblicatiou,  or  a  news  agency,  be  forwanlcd  iu  the  mails  at  the  same  rates  as  to 

subscrilxTS,  to  wit,  at  two  cents  per  i)otMid  or  fraction  tliercf)f. 

Sec.  196.  Admission  of  New  Publications  to  Second-class  Rates. — .V  tem- 
porary permit,  in  writing,  shall  he  grante<l  hy  a  postmaster  to  a  pnhlication  when  the 
first  i.ssnc  of  the  same  shall  he  presented,  accompanied  hy  an  afllda\  it  from  the  puh- 
lisher  thereof  that  the  pnhlication  is  pnhlished  for  the  pnrposes  named  in  section  18.'>, 
unless  the  postmaster  shall  he  satistied  from  internal  evidence  fimushed  l)y  the,  pnhli- 
cation itself  that  it  comes  within  the  proviso  of  that  section.  When  snch  t<'mporary 
permit  shall  he  granted,  the  pnhlication  shall  he  eiititled  to  pass  m  the  mails  at  the 
rate  of  two  cents  per  pound  or  fraction  thereof.  Such  temporary  permit  shall  he  re- 
voked hy  the  postmaster  in  case  the  pnhlication  shall  have  so  change<l  its  character 
as  to  make  it  no  longer  1\ithin  the  conditions  named  in  section  18.5.  A  duplicate  of 
snch  tcmpoiary  pennit  shall  he  forwarded  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General 
whenever  issued. 

Sec.  197.  Penalty  for  submitting  false  evidence  as  to  a  publication. — Any 
person  who  shall  submit,  or  cause  to  be  submitted  {for  transportation  hi 
tlie  mails)  auy  false  evideuce  to  the  postmaster  relative  to  the  character 
of  his  |)ublicatiou,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  upon 
conviction  thereof  in  any  court  of  competent  jurisdiction,  shall  for  every 
such  offense  be  punished  by  a  ttne  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars 
nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars.  (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  13,  20 
Stat.,  p.  3o0.) 

Sec.  198.  Postmasters  to  report  the  Submission  of  false  Evidence. — When- 
ever a  postmaster  is  of  opinion  that  a  pu1>Usher  has  submitted  to  him  any  false  state- 
ments respecting  the  character  of  his  publication,  either  as  to  its  office  of  publication, 
or  as  to  its  list  of  subscribers,  or  as  to  auy  other  fact  which  the  postmaster  may  have 
deemed  it  his  dut5'  to  ascertain,  in  order  to  determine  whether  the  publication  was 
entitled  to  admission  to  the  second  class,  he  should  report  the  case,  with  all  the  evi- 
dence in  his  possession,  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General  and  await  his  instruc- 
tions. 

Sec.  199.  Entry  of  Second-class  Publications. — After  a  publication  has  been 

determined  to  he  of  the  second  class,  the  publisher  thereof  may,  if  he  desire,  formallj' 
enter  the  same  at  the  i^ost-office  where  mailed,  and  print  upon  each  copy  thereof  the 

words  "'Entered  at  the  post-office  at  as  second-class  matter."    Publications  so 

entered,  and  having  printed  upon  each  copy  the  words  of  entry,  may  he  exchanged  at 
second-class  rates,  with  other  second-class  publications,  and  niaj'  be  regularly  sent  at 
second-class  rates,  as  complimentary,  to  customers,  or  business  agents  of  the  publicatioui 
and  to  other  persons  solely  in  the  interest  of  the  publication  itself  or  of  its  publish" 
ers  or  employds  as  such.  The  formal  entry  will  consist  in  a  written  notification  of  the 
publisher's  desu'e  to  the  postmastei',  who  will  forward  a  copy  of  such  entry  to  the  First 
Assistant  Postmaster-General.  The  unauthorized  printing  by  a  publisher  of  the  words 
of  entry  herein  prescribed,  or  their  equivalent,  will  render  him  liable  to  the  penalty 
prescribed  in  section  197.  Postmasters  should  take  pains  to  call  the  attention  of  imb- 
lishers  to  this  section  and  in\'ite  them  to  enter  their  iiublications  as  herein  set  forth. 
Sec.  200.  News-agents  Appl3ring  for  Second-class  Rates  must  make  and  file 
with  the  postmaster  at  their  ])()st-olhce  of  mailing  a  statement  signed  by  them  showing 
the  names  of  the  periodicals  which  they  thus  mail,  the  post-offices,  respectively,  to  which 
they  are  directed,  and  the  number  of  such  subscribers  to  each,  with  the  dates  to  which 
their  respective  subscriptions  extend.  On  all  packages  of  secoud-clags  matter  mailed 
hy  news-agents  to  news-dealers  the  word  news-dealer  must  form  part  of  the  address. 

Sec.  201.  Evidence  Required  of  News-agents. — In  order  to  enable  news- 
agents to  transmit  matter  of  the  second  class  at  pound  rates,  which  is  not  published 


76  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Tvitliin  tlie  delivery  of  the  j)ost-office  of  mailing,  they  must  furnish  evidence  that  the 
periodical  so  oifered  has  been  inspected  and  admitted  to  the  second  class  by  the  post- 
master at  the  post-office  of  publication.  The  most  satisfactory  evidence  of  such  in- 
spection and  approval  will  be  when,  in  some  conspicuous  portion  of  its  title  page  or 
cover,  the  periodical  bears  the  printed  words  of  entry  prescribed  in  section  199. 

Sec.  202.  News-agents  Defined. — Xo  person  is  a  news-agent  within  the 

contemplation  of  the  law  by  virtue  of  his  acting  simply  as  a  local  or  traveling  agent 
for  a  publication.  He  must  be  engaged  in  business  as  a  news-dealer  or  liookseller  in 
order  to  be  entitled  to  send  newspapers  and  periodicals  at  the  pound  rates. 

Sec.  203.  Sample  Copies  Defined. — Sample  copies  of  publications  of  the 

second  class,  which  are  entitled  to  transmission  through  the  mails  at  two  cents  a 
pound,  are  defined  to  be  copies  sent  to  persons  not  subscribers,  fin-  the  purpose  of  in- 
ducing them  either  to  subscribe  for  or  to  advertise  in  the  publication,  or  to  agents,  or 
to  persons  desiring  to  become  agents,  or  whom  the  publisher  may  wish  to  induce  to 
act  as  agents,  to  be  used  by  them  in  procuring  subscriptions  and  advertising.  Any 
number  of  copies  of  any  number  of  diiferent  editions  of  a  second-class  publication 
may  be  sent  at  any  one  time  as  sample  copies.  The  primary  design  of  a  publisher  in 
sending  out  sample  cojiies  is  to  increase  the  subscription-list  and  advertising  patron- 
age of  his  publication,  and  the  law  permits  him  to  send  such  copies  at  the  most  favored 
rates,  in  the  expectation  that  the  corrospondeuce  resulting  therefrom,  and  the  in- 
creased circulation  of  the  publication  to  regular  subscribers,  will  augment  the  postal 
revenues.     See  section  195. 

Sec.  204.  Extra  Numbers  not  Sample  Copies. — Publishers  will  not  be  per- 
mitted, however,  to  use  the  exceptional  advantages  given  to  them  by  the  law  so  as  to 
defraud  the  Postal  Department  by  mailing  as  sample  copies  extra  numbers  of  their 
publications  ordered  by  advertisers,  or  by  campaign  committees,  or  by  other  persons, 
to  be  sent  to  specified  addresses,  and  iijyparently  intended,  from  the  nature  of  the  con- 
tents or  of  marked  portions  thereof,  to  serve  the  business,  political,  or  personal  inter- 
ests of  the  i)erson  or  persons  ordering  the  same.  Such  copies  are  third-class  matter, 
and  must  be  prepaid  by  stamps  at  the  rate  of  one  cent  for  each  two  ounces  or  frac- 
tional part  thereof. 

Sec.  205.  Sample  Copies  to  be  Mailed  Separately. — Sample  copies  of  sec- 
ond-class publications  should  be  put  up  in  single  wrappers,  and  each  package  addressed 
to  a  i^ersou  or  firm  should  be  plainly  marked,  in  printing  or  writing,  sample  COPY. 

Sec.  206.  Supplements  Admitted  as  Second-class  Matter. — Publishers  of 
matter  of  the  second  class  may,  without  subjecting  it  to  extra  postage, 
fold  within  their  regular  issues  a  supplement;  but  in  all  cases  the 
added  matter  must  be  germane  to  the  publication  which  it  supplements, 
that  is  to  say,  matter  supplied  in  order  to  complete  that  to  which  it  is 
added  or  supplemented,  but  omitted  from  the  regular  issue  for  want  of 
space,  time,  or  greater  convenience,  which  supplement  must  in  every 
case  be  issued  with  the  publication.  (Act  of  March  3,  1S79,  §  IG,  20 
Stat.,  p.  350.) 

Sec.  207.  Definition  of  Supplements. — A  supplement  is  held  to  be  matter 

projier  to  be  inserted  in  the  publication  to  Avhich  it  is  added,  but  not  inserted  for 
want  of  space,  or  want  of  time,  or  because  it  is  more  convenient  regarding  space  or 
time,  or  either,  that  it  should  be  printed  on  a  separate  sheet.  It  is  not  indis])ensable 
or  necessary  that  the  sheet  should  be  printed  at  the  otilice  of  the  i>ublication  to  which 
it  is  intended  to  be  a  supplement ;  but  if  printed  there  or  elsewhere,  to  be  considered 
or  treated  as  a  suiiplement,  it  must  be  printed  with  the  intention  and  ])urpose  only  of 
supplying  an  integral  portion  of  the  i)ublication  to  which  it  professes  to  be  a  supple- 
ment, and  not  for  another  distinct  and  separate  use.  It  should  have  direct  relatiou 
to  the  i)ubUcation  supplemented,  so  tJiat  without  it  the  publication  supplemented 
would  be  incomplete. 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  77 

Sec.  208.  Handbills  and  Posters  not  Supplements. — Tlie  two  ])r('ce(lin<; 

scctidiis  ciiiHiot  hi',  constnu'd  to  atlinit  "  liaiHlbills"  oi-  "  posters "  as  Hiippk'iiR'nts. 
Ifaii(U)ills  and  i)ost(^rs  aro  snlycct  to  tlio  rate  of  postaj^c  of  one  cent  for  each  two 
ounces  or  fraction  thereof;  and  when  sneh  matter  is  inclosed  in  a  newspa]>cr  and  sent 
to  reguhir  subscribers  it  subjects  the  package  to  ])ostago  at  the  higher  rate  of  one 
cent  for  each  two  ounces.  Sh()uhl  the  package  reacli  the  post-olHce  of  (hdivery  with- 
out any  evi<h'nce  of  prepayment,  doubh'  tlie  i)re))aid  rate  must  be  charged. 

Sec.  209.  Examination  of  Second-class  Matter. — Matter  of  the  second  cla.ss 
may  he  cxainincd  at  the  fpo.st-joflice  of  mailing,  ami  if  found  to  contain 
matter  which  is  .subject  to  a  higher  rate  of  postage,  such  matter  shall 
be  charged  witli  postage  at  the  rate  to  which  the  inclosed  matter  is  sub- 
ject: rrorided,  That  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  so  construed  as 
to  prohibit  the  insertion  in  periodicals  of  advertisements  attached  i)er- 
manently  to  the  same.     (Act  of  Marcli  3,  1879,  §  12,  20  Stat.,  p.  3o0.) 

Sec.  210.  Prohibited  Advertisements  in  Second-class  Matter. — Advertise- 
ments in  the  form  of  separate  sheets  iu  the  body  of  periodical  publications  which  are 
inserted  for  convenience  and  are  for  the  purpose  of  ))eing  renu)ved  and  put  to  sepa- 
rate use,  are  not  "  attached  permanently  "  to  such  periodical  within  the  meaning  of 
the  preceding  section,  and  when  so  inserted  will  subject  the  periodicals  in  which  they 
are  found  to  the  rate  of  one  cent  for  each  two  ounces  or  fraction  thereof;  but  this 
must  not  be  held  to  apply  to  bills,  receipts,  and  orders  for  subscription  to  such  period- 
icals, which  are  permitted  by  the  proviso  to  section  233. 

Sec.  211.  Detention  of  Suspected  Second-class  Matter. — ^TVlien  the  postmas- 
ter at  the  post-office  of  mailing  shall  have  reason  to  believe  that  any  puhlislicr  or  news- 
agent has  violated  the  provisions  of  section  209  by  depositing  third-class  matter  in 
any  post-office,  for  transmission  through  the  mails  as  matter  of  the  second  class, 
ho  may.  at  his  discretion,  retain  the  suspected  matter,  notifying  the  i)ublisher  or 
news  agent  at  once  of  his  acticni,  and  report  the  facts  to  the  Postmaster-General. 
If  such  third-class  matter  sh.all  by  inadvertence  reach  its  destination,  the  postmaster 
at  the  post-office  of  destination  must  collect  the  postage  due  thereon  as  prescribed  l)y 
law. 

Sec.  212.  Foreign  Publications  admitted  as  Second-class  Matter. — Foreign 
newspapers  and  other  periodicals  of  the  same  general  character  as  those 
admitted  to  the  second  class  in  the  United  States,  may,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Postmaster-General,  on  application  of  the  publishers  there- 
of or  their  agents,  be  transmitted  through  the  mails  at  the  same  rates 
as  if  published  in  the  United  States.  jSTothing  in  this  act  shall  be  so 
coibstrued  as  to  allow  the  transmission  througlt  the  mails  of  any  pu1)li- 
cation  which  violates  any  copyright  granted  by  the  United  States.  (Act 
of  March  3,  1879,  §1.5,  2t)  Stat.,  p.  359.) 

Sec.  213.  Examination  of  Foreign  Publications. — Agents  of  foreign  publi- 
cations, who  may  desire  to  secure  the  benefits  of  the  second-class  rates  of  i)ostage  for 
the  transmission  of  such  publications  in  the  domestic  mails  should  make  application 
to  the  postmaster  at  the  post-office  where  they  desire  the  same  to  be  mailed,  and  if 
the  postmaster  is  of  opinion,  after  an  examination  of  the  publications  sulmiitted, 
that  they  are  iu  their  essential  features  similar  to  domestic  publications  transmitted 
in  the  mails  at  the  second-class  rates,  he  will,  upon  their  complying  with  the  pro- 
visions of  section  200,  and  filing  an  affidavit  that  the  publications  submitted  come 
■within  the  first  aiul  second  conditions  of  section  185,  and  tliat  they  have  a  legiti- 
mate list  of  subscribers  in  the  country  where  they  are  published,  admit  them  to  the 
mails  on  the  same  terms  as  domestic  publications. 


78  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  214.  Infringement  of  Copyright  by  Foreign  Publications. — T^Tieuever 

the  owner  of  any  copyright  granted  by  the  United  States,  or  his  authorized  repre- 
sentative, author,  or  publisher,  shall  niake  complaint  to  a  postmaster  that  any  for- 
eign publication  admitted  to  the  mails  at  the  second-class  rates  is  or  has  violated  such 
copyright,  such  postmaster  will  cause  such  owner  or  representative  to  submit  to  him 
in  writing  the  name  of  the  publication  thus  offending,  where  the  same  is  published, 
who  are  the  agents  for  the  same,  if  there  be  agents  in  the  United  States,  and  to  ac- 
company such  statement  with  a  certified  copy  of  the  title  or  description  furnished 
such  author  or  publisher  by  the  Librarian  of  Congress.  The  postmaster  will  then  for- 
ward such  statement  and  certified  copy  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General  and 
await  his  instructions. 

Sec.  215.  Third-class  Matter  and  Postage  thereon. — Mail-matter  of  the 
third  class  shall  embrace  books,  transient  newspapers,  and  periodicals, 
circulars,  and  other  matter  wholly  in  print  (not  included  in  section  184), 
proof-sheets,  corrected  proof-sheets,  and  manuscript  copy  accompanjing 
the  same,  and  postage  shall  be  paid  at  the  rate  of  one  cent  for  each  two 
ounces  or  fractional  part  thereof,  and  shall  fully  be  prepaid  by  postage- 
stamps  afiixed  to  said  matter.  (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  17,  20  Stat.,  p. 
359.) 

Sec.  216.  Proof-sheets  Defined. — The  provisions  of  the  preceding  section 

relative  to  "proof-sheets"  should  not  be  construed  so  as  to  limit  the  corrections  to  be 
made  to  those  of  a  typographical  or  merely  verbal  nature,  such  as  the  use  of  wrong 
letters,  nor  to  the  exclusion  of  any  new  matter  which  the  author  may  desire  to  insert 
in  order  to  put  the  intended  publication  iu  the  form  in  which  he  desires  it  to  be  pub- 
lished. Any  correction  or  change  of  words  or  sentences,  or  the  insertion  of  entirely 
new  sentences,  if  made  for  that  purpose,  does  not  affect  its  character  as  a  corrected 
proof-sheet,  nor  subject  it  to  a  higher  rate  of  postage.  All  marginal  notes  necessary 
to  the  execution  of  the  work  are  allowable ;  but  they  should  not  extend  beyond  it  and 
embrace  matter  of  the  nature  of  jiersonal  correspondence. 

Sec.  217.  Circulars  Defined. — The  term  "circular"  is  defined  to  be  a 
printed  letter,  which,  according  to  internal  evidence,  is  being  sent  in 
identical  terms  to  several  i^ersons.  A  cii'cular  shall  not  lose  its  charac- 
ter as  such  wlien  the  date  and  the  name  of  the  addressed  and  of  the 
sender  shall  be  written  therein,  nor  by  the  correction  of  mere  typograph- 
ical errors  in  writing.     (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  18,  20  Stat.,  p.  360.) 

Sec.  218.  Circulars  mailed  in  bulk  for  Postmasters  to  Distribute. — When 

circulars,  handbills,  advertising  sheets,  transient  newspapers,  or  any  other  printed 
matter  of  the  third  class,  is  sent  in  bulk  from  one  post-olfice  to  another,  with  the  in- 
tention of  having  them  distributed  throughout  the  boxes,  or  general  delivery  of  the 
post-office  to  which  they  are  addressed,  or  by  letter-carriers,  the  bulk-package  must 
not  exceed  four  pounds  in  weight,  and  nnist  be  fully  prepaid  at  the  rate  of  one  cent 
for  each  two  ounces  or  fraction  thereof,  and  the  proper  drop  rate  at  the  post-office  of 
destination  must  he  affixed  by  the  sender  to  each  separate  circular  or  package. 

Sec.  219.  Printed  Matter  Defined. — "Printed  matter"  within  the  intend- 
ment of  the  law  is  defined  to  be  the  reproduction  upon  paper,  l)y  any 
process  except  that  of  handwriting,  of  any  words,  letters,  cliaracters, 
figures,  or  images,  or  of  any  combination  thereof,  not  having  the  char- 
acter of  an  actual  and  personal  correspondence.  (Act  of  March  3, 1879, 
§  19,  20  Stat.,  p.  3()0.) 

Sec.  220.  Manifolding  and  Type-writing  not  Printing. — No  description  of 


TITLE   II — POST-OFFICES   AND   POSTMASTERS.  79 

matter  prepared  by  the  "inauifoM  process"  or  the  "type-writer,"  can  lie  re^jarded  as 
a  reproduction,  and  hence  snch  matter  cannot  be  transinitteil  in  the  mailn  at  the  rate 
for  third-(  lass  matter. 

Sec.  221.  Fourth-class  Matter. — Mailable  matter  of  the  fourth  class  shall 
embrace  all  matter  not  embraced  in  the  first,  .second,  or  third  cla.ss, 
■which  is  not  in  its  form  or  nature  liable  to  destroy,  deface,  or  otherwise 
damage  the  contents  of  the  mail-bag",  or  harm  the  person  of  any  one  en- 
gaged in  the  j^ostal  service,  and  is  not  above  the  weight  jtrovided  by 
law,  whi(!h  is  hereby  declared  to  be  not  exceeding  four  ]>onnds  for  each 
package  thereof,  except  in  case  of  single  books  weighing  in  excess  of 
that  amount,  and  for  books  and  documents  pnblished  or  circulated  by 
order  of  Congress,  or  official  matter  emanating  from  any  of  the  Depart- 
ments of  the  Government,  or  from  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  or  which 
is  not  declared  non  mailable  under  the  provision  of  section  [225]  {thirty- 
c'ujlit  hundred  and  ninety-three  of  the  Revised  Statutes',  as  amended  by  the 
aet  of  July  12,  1870),  or  matter  appertaining  to  lotteries,  gift  concerts,  or 
fraudulent  schemes  or  devices.     (Act  March  3, 1879,  §  20, 20  Stat.,  p.  300.) 

Sec.  222.  Unmailable  Matter. — Liquids,  poisons,  explosive  and  inflamma- 
ble artieh's,  fatty  substances  easily  liqneti.able,  live  or  dead  animals  (nut  stutle<l),  live 
insects,  and  reptiles,  fruits  or  vegetable  matter  liable  to  decomposition,  comb  honey, 
pastes  or  confections,  guano,  and  other  substances  exhaling  a  bad  odor,  arc  regarded 
as  in  themselves,  either  from  their  form  or  nature,  within  the  inhibitions  of  the  pre- 
ceding section,  and  under  no  circumstances  must  they  be  admitted  to  the  mails. 

Sec.  223.  Precautions  against  Injury  to  the  Mails. — Other  articles  of  the 
fourth  class  which,  unless  properly  secured,  might  destroy,  deface,  or  otherwise  dam- 
age the  contents  of  the  mail-bag,  or  harm  the  person  of  any  one  engaged  in  the  postal 
service,  may  be  transmitted  in  the  mails  when  they  conform  to  the  following  condi- 
tions: 

1st.  They  must  be  placed  in  a  bag,  box,  or  removable  envelope  made  of  papci",  cloth, 
or  parchment. 

2d.  Such  bag,  box,  or  euA'clope  must  again  be  placed  in  a  box  or  tube  made  of  metal 
or  some  hard  wood,  with  sliding,  clasp,  or  screw  lid. 

3d.  In  case  of  articles  liable  to  break,  the  inside  box,  bag,  or  envelope  must  be  sur- 
rounded by  sawdust,  cotton,  or  spongy  substance. 

4th.  In  case  of  sharp-pointed  instruments,  the  points  must  be  capped  or  encased,  so 
that  they  may  not  by  any  means  be  liable  to  cut  through  their  iuclosnre,  and  where 
they  have  blades,  such  blades  must  be  bound  with  wire,  so  that  they  shall  remain 
firmly  attached  to  each  other. 

5th.  The  whole  must  be  capable  of  easy  inspection.  Seeds,  or  other  articles  not 
prohibited,  which  are  liable,  from  their  form  or  nature,  to  loss  or  damage,  miless  spe- 
cially protected,  may  be  put  up  in  sealed  envelopes,  provided  such  envelopes  are  made 
of  material  sutticieutly  transparent  to  show  the  contents  cleai'ly,  without  opening. 

Sec.  224.  Postmasters  Responsible  for  Admission  of  Improper  Matter. — Post- 
masters will  be  expected  to  exercise  the  greatest  care  respecting  the  adnussion  of  arti- 
cles of  the  fourth  class  to  the  mails.  Whenever  any  article  shall  be  otiered  for  mail- 
ing which  is  not  specially  declared  unmailable  by  the  provisions  of  section  222,  but 
which  postmasters  may  regard  as  liable  to  injure  the  mails  or  harm  the  persons  of 
those  handling  the  same,  even  when  complying  with  the  conditions  of  the  preceding 
section,  they  will  refuse  to  receive  such  article  for  mailing. 

Sec.  225.  Obscene  Matter  Prohibited  in  the  Mails. — Everj'  obscene,  lewd, 
or  lascivious  book,  pamphlet,  picture,  paper,  writing,  print,  or  other 


80  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

publication  of  an  indecent  character,  and  every  article  or  thing  designed 
or  intended  for  the  prevention  of  conception  or  procuring  of  abortion, 
and  every  article  or  thing  intended  or  adapted  for  any  indecent  or  im- 
moral use,  and  every  written  or  printed  card,  circular,  book,  pami)hlet, 
advertisement,  or  notice  of  any  kind  giving  information  directly  or  in- 
directly, where,  or  how,  or  of  whom,  or  by  what  means,  any  of  the  here- 
inbefore mentioned  matters,  articles,  or  things  may  be  obtained  or  made, 
and  eveiy  letter  upon  the  envelope  of  which,  or  postal  card  upon  which, 
indecent,  lewd,  obscene,  or  lascivious  delineations,  epithets,  terms,  or 
language  may  be  written  or  printed,  are  hereby  declared  to  be  uon-mail- 
able  matter,  and  shall  not  be  conveyed  in  the  mails,  nor  delivered  from 
any  post-office  nor  by  any  letter-carrier ;'  and  any  person  who  shall  know- 
ingly deposit,  or  cause  to  be  deposited,  for  mailing  or  delivery,  any- 
thing declared  by  this  section  to  be  non-mailable  matter,  and  any  per- 
son who  shall  knowingly  take  the  same,  or  cause  the  same  to  be  taken, 
from  the  mails  for  the  purpose  of  circulating  or  disposing  of,  or  of  aidiug 
in  the  circulation  or  disposition  of  the  same,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a 
misdemeanor,  and  shall  for  each  and  every  offense  be  fined  not  less  than 
one  hundred  dollars  nor  more  than  five  thousand  dollars,  or  imiirisoned 
at  hard  labor  not  less  than  one  year  nor  more  than  ten  years,  or  both, 
at  the  discretion  of  the  court.  (E.  S.,  §  3893,  as  amended  by  act  of 
July  12,  1876,  19  Stat.,  p.  90.) 

Sec.  226.  Lottery  Circulars  Prohibited  in  the  Mails. — It  shall  not  be  law- 
ful to  convey  by  mail,  nor  to  deposit  in  a  post-of&ce  to  be  sent  by  mail, 
any  letters  or  circulars  concerning  lotteries,  so-called  gift  concerts,  or 
other  similar  enterprises  offering  prizes,  or  concerning  schemes  devised 
and  intended  to  deceive  and  defraud  the  public  for  the  pur^jose  of  ob- 
taining money  under  false  pretenses ;  and  a  penalty  of  not  more  than 
five  hundred  dollars,  nor  less  than  one  hundred  dollars,  with  costs  of 
prosecution,  is  hereby  imposed  upon  conviction,  in  any  Federal  courts, 
of  the  violation  of  this  section.  (11.  S.,  §  3891,  as  amended  by  act  of 
July  12,  1876, 19  Stat.,  p.  90.) 

Sec.  227.  Lottery  Advertisements  in  Second-class  Publications. — When  a  lot- 
tery advcrtiseraeut  is  inserted  in  t-lie  columns  of  .i  regular  issue  of  a  nowspapoi',  and 
sent  from  the  office  of  publication  or  a  news  agency  to  iona-fdc  subscribers,  such 
paper  cannot  be  excluded  from  the  mails  under  the  law  in  regard  to  lotteries;  but  a 
part  of  such  paper,  or  a  supplement  or  extra  thereof,  or  any  other  printed  matter 
evidently  issued  and  offered  for  mailing  for  the  purpose  of  circulating  a  lottery  adver- 
tisement, should  be  excluded  from  the  mails. 

Sec.  228.  Postmasters  Responsible  for  Admitting  Obscene  Matter  to  the 

Mails. — Postmasters  will  be  expected  to  rigidly  exclude  from  the  nuiils  any  and  .all  of 
the  articles  (niuuierated  in  section  225,  and  the  Department  Avill  hold  them  account- 
able for  any  dereliction  of  <luty  respecting  the  plain  ])rovisions  of  that  section.  When- 
ever a  postmaster  is  in  douT)t  as  to  whether  a  publication,  print,  picture,  i)amphlct, 
book,  or  writing  comes  within  the  statute,  he  will  sulunit  the  same  to  the  First  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-dlcncral  and  await  his  instructions. 

Sec.  229.  Postage  on  Fourth-class  Matter. — All  matter  of  the  fourth  class 
shall  be  subject  to  examination  and  to  a  jiostage  charg'e  at  the  rate  of 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES   AND    POSTMASTERS.  81 

owo  cont  an  ounco  or  fraetioii  thereof,  to  be  prepaidby stamps  affixed. — 
(Act  Marcli  .'{,  1S7!),  §  l>1,  l'O  Stat.,  p.  r;(;().) 

Sec.  230.  Treatment  of  Unmailable  Matter  Reaching  its  Destination. — If 
any  matter  exchided  from  the  mails  [hy  the  preceding  section  of  thin  act], 
except  that  d«H'hire(l  iion-mailable  by  section  [ti2~}]  {thirftf  rit/lit  htm- 
flred  (Old  ninrfi/thrce  of  the  Rrrised  Statutes  as  amended)  sliall,  by  inad- 
^•ertence,  reach  the  office  of  destination,  the  same  shall  be  delivered  in 
accordance  with  its  address  :  Prorided^  That  the  party  addressed  shall 
fnrnish  the  name  and  address  of  the  sender  to  the  postmaster  at  the 
office  of  delivery,  who  shall  immediately  report  the  facts  to  the  Post- 
Tuaster-General.  If  the  i^erson  addressed  refuse  to  give  the  required 
information,  the  postmaster  shall  hohl  the  package  subject  to  the  order 
of  the  rostmaster-General.  All  matter  declared  non-mailable  l)y  ^qc- 
Hon  2'2o  [thirty-ei(/ht  hundred  and  ninety-three  of  the  Revised  Statutes  as 
amended],  which  shall  reach  the  office  of  delivery,  shall  be  held  by  the 
postmaster  at  the  said  office  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Postmaster- 
General.     (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §.  21,  20  Stat.,  p.  3G0.) 

See  section  475. 

Sec.  231.  Permissible  Additions  to  other  than  First-class  Matter. — ^failable 
matter  of  the  second  class  shall  contain  no  writing,  print,  mark  or  sign 
thereon  or  therein,  in  addition  to  the  original  print,  except  as  herein 
provided,  to  wit,  the  name  and  address  of  the  person  to  whom  the  mat- 
ter shall  be  sent,  and  index  figures  of  subscription  book,  either  written 
or  printed,  the  printed  title  of  the  publication,  the  printed  name  and 
address  of  the  publisher  or  sender  of  the  same,  and  written  or  printed 
words  or  figures,  or  both,  indicating  the  date  on  which  the  subscription 
to  such  matter  will  end.  Upon  matter  of  the  third  class,  or  upon  the 
wrapper  inclosing  the  same,  the  sender  may  write  his  own  name  or  ad- 
dress thereon,  with  the  word  "from"  above  and  preceding  the  same, 
and  in  either  case  may  make  simple  marks  intended  to  designate  a  word 
or  passage  of  the  text  to  which  it  is  desired  to  call  attention.  There 
may  be  placed  upon  the  cover  or  blank  leaves  of  any  book  or  of  any 
printed  matter  of  the  third  class  a  simple  manuscript  dedication  or  in- 
scription that  does  not  partake  of  the  nature  of  a  personal  correspond- 
ence. Upon  any  package  of  matter  of  the  fourth  class  the  sender  may 
A\Tite  or  print  liis  own  name  and  address,  preceded  by  the  word  "  from," 
and  there  may  also  be  written  or  printed  the  number  and  names  of  the 
articles  inclosed ;  and  the  sender  thereof  may  write  or  print  upon  or  at- 
tach to  any  such  articles  by  tag  or  label,  a  mark,  number,  name,  or  let- 
ter, for  purpose  of  identification.  (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  22,  20  Stat., 
p.  300.) 

Sec.  232.  Personal  Correspondence  Negatively  Defined. — The  character  of 

personal  correspondence  referred  to  in  the  preceding  section  cannot  be  ascribed  to 
tlie  following,  viz:  1st.  To  the  signatnre  of  the  sender  or  to  the  designation  of  his 
name,  of  his  profession,  of  his  rank,  of  the  place  of  origin,  and  of  the  date  of  dispatch. 
2d.  To  a  dedication  or  mark  of  respect  ottered  by  the  sender.  3d.  To  the  figures  or 
signs  merely  intended  to  mark  the  passage  of  a  text,  in  order  to  call  attention  to  them. 

6  r  L 


82  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

4th.  To  the  prices  added  upon  the  qiiotatious  or  prices  cun-eut  of  exchange  or  mar- 
kets, or  in  a  book.  5th.  To  all  printed  commercial  papers  tilled  out  iu  writing,  such 
as  papers  of  legal  procedure,  deeds  of  nil  kinds,  way  bills,  or  bills  of  lading,  invoices, 
and  the  various  documebts  of  insurajice  companies,  circulars,  handbills,  &c.  6th. 
To  instructions  or  requests  to  postmasters  to  notify  the  sender  in  case  of  the  non- 
delivery of  other  than  tirst-class  matter,  so  that  he  may  send  postage  lor  its  return. 
See  section  465. 

Sec.  233.  Letter-postage  and  Penalty  for  Prohibited  "Writing  or  Printing. — 
Matter  of  the  second,  tliLrd,  or  fourth  class,  coutaiuing  anj  writing  or 
printing  other  than  indicated  in  [the  preceding]  section  [231  and  232],  or 
made  in  the  manner  other  than  therein  indicated  shall  not  be  delivered 
except  npon  the  payment  of  postage  for  matter  of  the  first  class,  deduct- 
ing therefrom  any  amount  which  may*  have  been  prepaid  by  stamiis 
affixed  to  such  matter ;  and  any  person  who  shall  conceal  or  inclose  any 
matter  of  a  higher  class  in  that  of  a  lower  class,  and  deposit,  or  cause 
the  same  to  be  deposited,  for  conveyance  by  mail,  at  a  less  rate  than 
would  be  charged  for  both  such  higher  and  lower  class  matter,  shall,  for 
every  such  offense,  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  ten  dollars  :  Provided,  how- 
ever, That  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  prevent 
publishers  of  the  second  class  and  news-agents  from  inclosing,  in  their 
publications,  bills,  receipts,  and  orders  for  subscription  thereto;  but 
such  bills,  receipts,  and  orders  shall  be  in  such  form  as  to  convey  no 
other  inforaiation  than  the  name,  location,  and  subscrii:)tiou  price  of  the 
publication  or  publications  to  which  they  refer.  (Act  of  March  3,  1879 
§  23,  20  Stat.,  p.  361.) 

Sec.  234.  Form  of  Bills  Accompanying  Second-class  Matter. — Bills  printed 
or  written  iu  substantially  the  following  form  are  held  by  the  Department  to  be 

within  the  intendments  of  the  preceding  section : 

New  York, ,  187  . 

Office  of 

The Weekly, 

37  Park  Row.        P.  O.  Box,  4295. 


To  the Weekly,  Dr. 

Subscription,  jiostage  included,  |3.20  in  advance.     Terms  cash. 

Remittances  should  be  made  by  pastal  money  order  or  draft  on  New  York  in  name  of 


Received  payment,  1879,  for  the Weekly. 

No  objection  can  be  urged  to  a  bill  which  includes  the  names  of  more  than  one  pub. 
lication,  and  their  terms  of  subscription,  provided  they  are  all  published  by  the  same 
individual  or  company,  or  sent  by  the  same  news-agent.  The  bill  may  include  any 
period  of  subscription  or  any  number  of  shipments  to  a  news-agent. 

Sec.  235.  Newspapers  to  be  Wrapped  and  Sufficiently  Dried. — Xo  newspa- 
pers sliall  be  received  to  be  conveyed  by  mail  unless  they  arc  sufiiciently 
dried  and  inclosed  in  proper  wrai)pers.     (K.  S.,  §  3S83.) 

Sec.  236.  Manner  of  Presenting  Second-class  Matter  for  Mailing. — In  mail- 
ing publications  of  the  second  class  they  should  in  all  cases  be  projjcrly  dried,  folded, 
and  addressed.  It  is  certainly  no  part  of  the  duty  of  a  postmaster  or  liis  assistants  to 
fold  ni'wsi)apcrs  so  that  they  can  be  placed  in  tlie  boxes,  »fcc.,  for  dc^livery;  and  in 
case  a  publisher  persists  in  sending  tlu!m  without  being  proi)erly  folded,  after  being 
notified  to  jiut  them  up  so  that  they  can  be  promjjtly  assorted  and  delivered,  the  post- 
master would  be  justified  iu  not  distributing  them  with  the  regular  mail. 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES    AND    TOSTMASTERS.  83 

Newspapers  folded  to  the  size  of  9  by  12  inches  are  considered  sndiciently  folded 
so  that  tiiey  could  be  placed  in  the  boxes  of  a  jxist-oflficc!  with  little  or  no  inconven- 
ience. 

Sec.  237.  Manner  of  Presenting  Third-class  Matter  for  Mailing. — Printed 

matti-r  must  be  cither  placed  under  l)an(l,  upnn  -.i  roller,  lietweeu  boards,  in  a  case 
open  at  one  side  t)r  at  both  ends,  or  in  an  unenclosed  envelope,  or  simply  closcid  in  such 
a  manner  as  not  to  conceal  the  nature  of  the  packet,  or,  lastly,  tied  by  a  striii^j  easy 
to  imfastcn. 

Address  cards,  and  all  printed  matter  prescntinj^  the  form  and  consistency  of  an  un- 
folded card.  m;iy  l»e  forwarded  without  band,  cnvelo[tc,  fastening,  or  fold. 

Sec.  238.  What  a  Package  of  Third-class  Matter  May  Contain. — A  package 

of  third-class  matter  may  contain  any  number  of  articles  of  that  class.  All  legitimate 
biudiufij,  mountiiijf,  or  coveiing  of  a  book,  &c.,  or  of  a  portion  thereof,  is  permissible 
whether  such  binding,  etc.,  be  loose  or  attached;  as  also  rollers  in  the  case  of  prints 
or  maps,  nuirkers  (whether  of  paper  or  otherwise),  in  the  case  of  books,  pens,  or  jten- 
cils,  in  the  case  of  poeketbooks,  &c.,  and,  in  short,  whatever  is  necessary  for  the  safe 
transmission  of  such  articles,  or  usually  appertains  thereto;  l)nt  the  binding,  rollers, 
pens,  or  pencils,  &c.,  must  not  be  sent  as  separate  packages  at  third-class  rates. 

Sec.  239.  Free  County  Publications. — Publications  of  the  second  class, 
one  copy  to  each  actual  subscriber  residing  in  the  county  where  the 
same  are  printed,  in  whole  or  in  part,  and  published,  shall  go  free  through 
the  mails ;  but  the  same  shall  not  be  delivered  at  letter-carrier  offices, 
or  distributed  by  carriers,  unless  postage  is  paid  thereon  at  the  rate  pre- 
scribed in  section  [100] :  Provided,  That  the  rate  of  postage  on  newspa- 
pers (excepting  M'eeklies)  and  periodicals  not  exceeding  two  ounces  in 
weight,  when  the  same  are  deposited  in  a  letter-caiTier  office  for  deliv- 
ery by  its  carriers,  shall  be  uniform  at  one  cent  each ;  periodicals  weigh- 
ing more  than  two  ounces  shall  be  subject,  when  delivered  by  such  car- 
riers, to  a  postage  of  two  cents  each,  and  these  rates  shall  be  prepaid  by 
stamps  affixed.     (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  25,  20  Stat.,  p.  «G1.) 

Sec.  240.  Postage  on  Second-class  Matter  at  Free-Delivery  Post-Offices. — 

Mailable  matter  of  the  second  class  deposited  in  a  letter-carrier  post-oflfice  for  local 
delivery  shall  be  delivered  through  boxes  or  the  general  delivery  ou  prepayment  of 
postage  at  the  rate  of  two  cents  jier  pound,  but  when  delivered  by  carriers  the  follow- 
ing rates  must  be  prepaid  by  postage-stamps  affixed :  on  newspapers  (except  weeklies) 
one  cent  each  without  regard  to  weight;  on  periodicals  not  exceeding  two  ounces  in 
weight,  one  cent  each ;  on  periodicals  exceeding  two  ounces  in  weight,  two  cents 
each.  The  rate  on  weekly  newspapers  of  the  second  class  deposited  by  the  publisher 
in  a  letter-carrier  post-office  for  local  delivery  is  two  cents  per  pound,  whether  the 
same  are  delivered  by  carriers  or  through  boxes  or  the  general  delivery. 

Sec.  241.  Second-class  Matter  at  Free-Delivery  Offices,  how  Separated. — Sec- 
ond-class matter  for  city  delivery,  where  the  carrier  system  is  established,  should  be 
sepai"ately  made  up  at  the  office  of  publication — that  for  delivery  by  the  carriers  of  a 
l)Ost-office  being  i)ut  in  one  package  or  bundle — each  article  of  mail-matter  therein 
jtroperly  stamped,  and  that  for  delivery  through  the  boxes  of  the  post-office  by  itself. 
If  the  separation  is  not  made  at  the  office  of  publication,  each  paper  or  periodical  not 
properly  stamped  must  be  placed  in  the  boxes  or  at  the  general  delivery  for  delivery 
therefrom. 

Sec.  242.  Free  County  Publications  must  be  Mailed  by  Themselves. — When 

a  publisher  of  a  newspaper  sends  in  the  mails  a  i)ackage  of  his  papers,  a  portion  in- 
tended for  subscribers  residing  within  the  county  in  which  the  paper  is  printed  (in 
whole  or  in  part)  and  published,  and  the  remainder  intended  for  subscribers  residing 


84  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

ill  another  county,  lie  must  pay  postage  on  the  entire  package  at  the  pound  rates. 
The  iinblisher  should  make  two  jiackages,  one  for  the  subscribers  residing  in  the 
county  and  one  for  those  out  of  the  county,  the  former  to  go  free  under  section  239. 

Sec.  2i3.  Publications  with  Offices  in  two  Counties  Free  in  Neither. — Xo 
publication  of  the  second  class  claiming  more  than  one  office  of  publication  in  diifereut 
counties  is  entitled  to  pass  in  the  mails  free  in  either  county,  unless  the  publisher 
elect  which  office  he  will  regard  as  his  office  of  publication.  In  that  event  the  publi- 
cation shall  go  free  in  that  county  only.  The  postmaster  at  the  post-office  thus  selected 
should  notify  the  postmaster  at  the  other  post-office  of  such  selection.  The  provisions 
of  this  section  are  not  applicable,  however,  to  publications  claiming  or  having  more 
than  one  office  of  publication  which  do  not  claim  free  county  circulation. 

Sec.  244.  Sample  Copies  of  Free  County  Publications  Subject  to  Postage. — 
Nothing  in  the  act  of  March  3,  1879,  can  be  so  construed  as  to  permit  "sample  copies" 
of  any  publication  to  be  mailed  free  in  the  county  where  the  same  is  printed  or  pub- 
lished ;  they  must  be  prepaid  at  the  rate  of  two  cents  for  each  pound. 

Sec.  245.  Congressional  Documents  Free  of  Postage. — Senators,  Eepresent- 
atives,  and  Delegates  in  Congress,  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  and 
Clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  may  send  and  receive  through  the 
mail  free,  all  public  documents  printed  by  order  of  Congress ;  and  the  name 
of  each  Senator,  Eepresentative,  Delegate,  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  and 
Clerk  of  the  House  shall  be  written  thereon  with  the  proper  designation 
of  the  office  he  holds,  and  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  apply  to 
each  of  the  persons  named  herein  until  the  first  Monday  of  December 
following  the  expiration  of  their  resiJective  terms  of  office.  (Act  of  March 
3,  1879,  §  1,  20  Stat.,  p.  356.) 

Sec.  246.  Congressional  Record,  and  Extracts  therefrom,  Free. — The  Con- 
gressional Record,  or  any  part  thereof,  or  speeches  or  reports  therein 
contained,  shall,  under  the  frank  of  a  member  of  Congress,  or  delegate, 
to  be  written  by  himself,  be  carried  in  the  mail  free  of  postage  under 
such  regulations  as  the  Postmaster-General  may  prescribe.  (Act  March 
3,  1875,  §  5, 19  Stat,  p.  343.) 

Sec.  247.  Seeds  and  Reports  from  Agricultural  Department  Free. — Seeds 
transmitted  by  the  Commissioner  of  Agriculture,  or  by  any  member  of 
Congress  or  delegate  receiving  seeds  for  distribution  from  said  Depart- 
ment, together  with  agricultural  reports  emanating  from  that  Depart- 
ment, and  so  transmitted,  shall,  under  such  regulations  as  the  Postmas- 
ter-General shall  prescribe,  pass  through  the  mails  free  of  charge.  And 
the  pro\isions  of  this  section  shall  apply  to  ex-members  of  Congress  and 
ex-delegates  for  the  period  of  nine  months  after  the  expiration  of  their 
terms  as  members  and  delegates.  (Act  of  March  3,  1875,  §  7,  19  Stat., 
p.  313.) 

Sec.  248.  Remailing  of  Congressional  Documents  after  one  Delivery. — It  is 

competent  for  Senators  and  Representatives  and  other  persons  entitled  to  the  franking 
privilege  to  send,  when  properly  franked  niuler  the  provisions  of  the  law,  })ack.ages  of 
unaddressed  free  matter  in  bulk  to  any  person  by  mail,  to  bo  separately  addressed  and 
remailed  from  another  post-office.  But  such  remailing  can  only  be  done  once,  unless 
it  becomes  necessary  to  forward  in  order  to  reach  the  party  addressed,  in  which  case 
the  regulations  relating  to  the  forwarding  of  prepaid  letters  shall  apply  to  the  franked 
package.     Except  in  the  case  of  free  matter  sent  iu  franked  packages  in  bulk  to  a  per- 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  85 

soil  hiinscl  foil  tit  lod  to  tlic  IViUikiii^liiivih^j^t',  oach  book,  docMiinriit  or  iiiicka;^!'  ciititlid 
to  b«  scut  free  in  the  luuils  must  suparatcly  bi-ar  the  frank  of  a  Senator,  Kciticsfiita- 
tive,  or  other  person  vesteil  with  tht^  frankin}^  l>rivih'<ie. 

Sec.  249.  Letters,  etc.,  on  Government  Business  Free. — It  .slialllic  lawful  to 
ti'iiusniit  thioii^li  the  mail,  live  of  po.staj^c,  any  lettcr.s,  packaj^^e.s,  or  other 
matters  relating'  exclusively  to  the  business  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States:  Proridcd,  That  every  such  letter  or  package  to  entitle  it 
to  pa-ss  free  shall  bear  over  the  words  "  Otticial  business"  an  indor.se- 
ment  showing  also  the  name  of  the  Department,  and,  if  from  a  bureau 
or  oflice,  the  names  of  the  Department  and  bureau  or  office,  as  the  case 
may  be,  whence  transmitted.  And  if  any  person  shall  make  use  of  any 
such  official  envelope  to  avoid  the  payment  of  postage  on  his  private 
letter,  package,  or  other  matter  in  the  mail,  the  person  so  offending 
shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  subject  to  a  line  of  three 
hundred  dollars,  to  be  prosecuted  in  any  court  of  competent  jurisdiction. 
(Act  of  March  3,  1877,  §  5,  ll»  Stat.,  ;«.->.) 

Sec.  250.  Penalty  Envelopes  for  Official  Matter. — For  the  purpose  of  carry- 
ing this  act  into  effect,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  of  the  Executive  I)e- 
i:)artments  of  the  United  States  to  i^rovide  for  itself  and  its  subordinate 
offices  the  necessary  envelopes ;  and  in  addition  to  the  indorsement  des- 
ignating the  Department  in  which  they  are  to  be  used,  the  penalty  for 
the  unlawful  use  of  these  envelopes  shall  be  stated  thereon.  (Act  of 
March  3,  1877,  §  G,  19  Stat,  335.) 

Sec.  251.  Extension  of  the  two  Preceding  Sections. — The  provisions  of  the 
[two  preceding]  \jifth  and  sixth]  sections  \of  the  act  entitled  '"An  act  estah- 
lisking  jyost-routes,  and  for  other  pur])oses,^^  approved  March  third,  eighteen 
hundred  and  serenty-seven]  for  the  transmission  of  official  mail-matter,  be, 
and  they  are  hereby,  extended  to  all  officers  of  the  United  States  Gov- 
ernment, and  made  applicable  to  all  official  mail-matter  transmitted  be- 
tween any  of  the  officers  of  the  United  States,  or  between  any  such  officer 
and  either  of  the  executive  departments  or  officers  of  the  government, 
the  envelopes  of  such  matter  in  all  cases  to  bear  appropriate  indorsements 
containing  the  proper  designation  of  the  office  from  which  the  same  is 
transmitted,  with  a  statement  of  the  penalty  for  their  misuse.  And  the 
provisions  of  said  fifth  and  sixth  sections  are  hereb}'  likewise  extended 
and  made  applicable  to  all  official  mail-matter  sent  from  the  Smithso- 
nian Institution :  Provided,  That  this  act  shall  not  extend  or  apply  to 
pensio)i-ageuts  or  other  officers  who  receive  a  fixed  allowance  as  com- 
pensation for  their  services,  including  expenses  for  postage.  (Act  of 
March  3,  1879,  §  29,  20  Stat.,  p.  302.) 

The  jienalty-envelopos  prescribed  under  this  and  the  two  preceding  sections  ninst 
be  furnished  by  the  various  Uepartmeuts  at  WasJiingtou  to  their  subordinate  olticers 
throughout  the  country.  Ofiicial  penalty-labels  to  be  affixed  to  mail  matter  may 
also  be  furnished  in  lieu  of  or  in  addition  to  the  official  penalty-envelopes.  The 
etfect  of  these  three  .sections  is  to  substitute  for  official  postage-stamps  and  official 
stamped-euvelopes  furnished  by  thePost-Office  Department,  official  penalty-eiivelopea 
and  official  penalty-labels  fiu'uished  by  each  Department  to  its  own  subordinates. 


86  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

CHAPTER    FIVE. 

SHIP  AND   STEAMBOAT   LETTERS. 

Sec.  >  Sec. 

252.  Letters  on  res.scls  to  and  from  foreign  ports.      259.  No  fee  on  foreifrn-addressed  letters. 

253.  Letters  on  inland  .steamboats.  |   260.  No  fees  to  passengers  or  sailors. 
'J54.  Payment  for  sbip-letters. 

255.  Double  postage  on  sbip-letters. 

256.  Definition  of  .sbip-letters. 

257.  Manner  of  collecting  sbip-fees. 

258.  Eating  up  postage  on  sliip-letters. 


261.  Letters  on  mail-steamboats,  bow  disposed  of. 

262.  Account  of  shii)  and  steamboat  letters  to  be 
kept. 

263.  No  fees  to  mail-vessels. 

264.  Printed  sbip-matter,  bow  to  be  treated. 


Sec.  252.  Letters  on  Vessels  to  and  from  Foreign  Ports. — The  master  of  any 
vessel  of  the  United  States,  bound  from  any  port  therein  to  any  foreign 
port,  or  from  any  foreign  port  to  any  port  of  the  United  States,  shall, 
before  clearance,  receive  on  board  and  securely  convey  all  such  mails  as 
the  Post-Oftice  Department,  or  any  diplomatic  or  consular  office  of  the 
United  States  abroad,  shall  offer ;  and  he  shall  promptly'  deliver  the 
same,  on  arriving  at  the  port  of  destination,  to  the  proper  officer,  for 
which  he  shall  receive  two  cents  for  every  letter  so  delivered ;  and  upon 
the  entry  of  every  such  vessel  returning  from  any  foreign  jiort,  the  mas- 
ter thereof  shall  make  oath  or  affirmation  that  he  has  promi)tly  deliv- 
ered all  the  mail  iilaced  on  board  said  vessel  before  clearance  from  the 
United  States ;  and  if  he  shall  fail  to  make  such  oath  or  affirmation,  the 
said  vessel  shall  not  be  entitled  to  the  privileges  of  a  vessel  of  the  United 
States.     (R.  S.,  §  397G.) 

Sec.  253.  Letters  on  Inland  Steamboats. — The  master  of  any  steamboat 
passing  between  x)orts  or  i>laces  in  the  United  States,  and  arriving  at 
any  such  port  or  x)lace  where  there  is  a  i^ost-office,  shall  deliver  to  the 
postmaster,  within  three  hours  after  his  arrival,  if  in  the  day-time,  and 
if  at  night,  within  two  hours  after  the  next  sunrise,  all  letters  and  pack- 
ets brought  by  him,  or  within  his  power  or  control  and  not  relating  to 
the  cargo,  addressed  to  or  destined  for  such  port  or  place,  for  which  he 
shall  receive  from  the  postmaster  two  cents  for  each  letter  or  packet  so 
delivered,  unless  the  same  is  carried  under  a  contract  for  carrying  the 
mail ;  and  for  every  failure  to  so  deliver  such  letters  and  packets,  the 
master  or  owner  of  said  steamboat  shall  be  liable  to  a  penaltj'  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars.     (R.  S.  §  3977.) 

Sec.  254.  Payment  for  Ship-Letters. — The  Postmaster-General  may  i)ay 
to  the  master  or  owner  of  any  vessel  not  regularly  employed  in  carrying 
the  mail  two  cents  for  each  letter  carried  by  such  vessel  between  ports 
or  i^laces  in  the  United  States,  or  from  any  foreign  port  to  any  port  in 
the  United  Stat«'S ;  but  all  such  letters  shall  be  deposited  in  the  post- 
office  at  the  port  of  arrival.     ( \i.  S.,  §  3978.) 

Sec.  255.  Double  Postag^e  on  Ship-Letters. — All  letters  conveyed  by  ves- 
sels not  regularly  employed  in  carrying  the  mail  shall,  if  for  delivery 
within  the  United  States,  be  rated  with  double  postage,  to  cover  the  fee 
])aid  to  the  vessel.     (11.  S.,  §  3913.) 

Sec.  256.  Definition  of  Ship-Letters. — The  terms  ship-letters  and  jyackets 


TITLE    II — POST-OFFICES    AND    TOSTMASTERS.  87 

emlirat'f  the  lottcrs  and  ))iuk('fs  lnoiij^ht  into  the  United  States  from  forcif^n  ronntri«r4, 
or  tarrifd  from  (>n<i  ])iirt  in  tlif  (Initcd  States  to  another,  in  any  privatt;  «liip  or  vessel 
not  re^jiilarly  enii)h)yed  in  earryinj;  the  mail,  and  in  the  latter  case  over  a  route  whero 
the  mail  is  not  icniilaily  carrird,  hrforc  sudi  letters  have  hei-n  mailed. 

Sec.  257.  Manner  of  Collecting  Ship-Fees. — Tlie  rate.s  of  jicstage  are  not 

to  be  increased  on  letters  tand  packets  carried  in  a  }irivate  ship  or  vessel,  from  one  port, 
in  the  United  States  to  another,  thonj^h  a  part  of  the  voyaj^e  be  over  a  water  declarcMl 
to  be  a  post-road.  Thus,  the  Mississippi  River,  from  New  Orleans  to  the  mouth,  is  a 
post-road;  yet  letters  carried  by  ship  between  New  Orleans  and  any  other  sea-port  in 
the  United  States  are  subject  to  the  usual  ship-letter  posta^L^e,  But  if  the  whole  of  the 
water  between  any  two  i)orts  be  a  post-road  by  law,  then  inland  jtostajje  will  bo 
eharfjed.  It  is  the  special  duty  of  the  postmaster  at  a  port  where  vessels  may  enter 
to  see  that  this  section  is  strictly  observed  and  enforced.  Every  such  postmaster  will 
obtain  from  the  master  of  the  ship  or  vessel  a  certificate  specifying  the  number  of  let- 
ters, with  the  name  of  the  ship  or  vesstd,  and  place  from  wliich  she  last  sailed;  and 
upon  each  letter  which  has  not  been  before  mailed,  and  which  shall  be  dtdivered  into 
his  post-office  for  mailing  or  delivery,  he  shall  pay  to  the  .said  master  or  owner  two 
cents,  and  take  his  receipt  therefor. 

Sec.  258.  Rating  up  Postage  on  Ship-Letters. — At  the  po.st-office  where 

«leposited  such  letters  will  be  charged  with  double  rates  of  postage,  to  be  collected  at 
the  office  of  delivery ;  that  is  to  say,  six  cents  for  the  single  Aveight  if  mailed,  and  four 
cents  the  single  weight  if  delivered  at  the  post-office ;  but  if  such  letter  has  been  pre- 
jiaid  by  United  States  stamps  at  such  doul)le  rate  of  i)Ostage,  no  additional  charge  will 
be  made,  and  all  United  States  postage  stamps  affixed  thereto  will  be  recognized  to 
the  extent  of  their  value  as  part  payment. 

Sec.  259.  No  Fee  on  Foreign-addressed  Letters. — If  such  letter  is  addressed 

to  any  jioint  iu  a  foreign  country,  no  fee  will  be  allowed  thereon  by  the  postmaster  to 
the  carrier.     Such  letters,  however,  should  all  be  marked  "Ship." 

Sec.  260.  No  Fees  to  Passengers  or  Sailors. — If  the  letters  be  delivered  into 
the  post-office  by  a  passenger  or  sailor,  and  not  In  behalf  of  the  nnister,  nothing  is  to  be 
l>aid  for  them;  they  are,  nevertheless,  to  be  charged  with  double  postage,  and  the 
number  entered  in  the  account  of  ship-letters,  with  the  name  of  the  vessel  in  Avhich 
they  were  brought.  They  will  then  be  forwarded  as  other  ship-letters,  the  postage  to 
be  collected  at  the  post-office  of  delivery. 

Sec.  261.  Letters  on  Mail-steamhoats,  how  Disposed  of. — All  letters  placed 
on  a  mail-steamboat,  on  which  the  mails  are  in  charge  of  a  route-agent,  should  go  into 
the  hands  of  such  agent ;  and  on  these  letters  the  master  of  the  vessel  is  not  entitled  to 
receive  any  compensation.  None  but  letters  on  which  at  least  one  full  rate  of  postage 
has  been  paid  should  be  received  on  such  steamboat,  and  these  shoiald  be  duly  mailed. 
But  should  any  chance  to  be  unpaid,  they  should  be  deposited  by  the  route-agent  in 
the  post-othce  at  the  terminal  point  of  his  route,  where  the  postmaster  will  treat  them 
in  all  res]>ects  as  other  unpaid  letters. 

Sec.  262.   Account  of  Ship   and  Steamboat  Letters  to  be  kept. — Letters 

brought  by  steamboats  should  be  marked  "Steamboat"  at  the  time  of  receiving  them, 
and  postmasters  will  keep  an  account  of  both  ship  and  steamboat  lettere  received, 
stating  the  sums  paid  for  them  and  the  postage  chargeable  thereon. 

Sec.  263.  No  Fees  to  Mail-Vessels. — No  fees  will  be  allowed  to  any  vessel 

or  to  any  person  on  board  any  vessel  which  carries  the  mail,  nor  to  any  mail-carrier  on 
any  mail-route  by  land  or  water. 

Sec.  264.  Printed  Ship-Matter,  how  to  be  Treated. — Printed  matter  deliv- 
ered to  a  postmaster  by  the  master  of  a  vessel  arriving  from  a  foreign  port,  and  not 
regularly  engaged  in  carrying  the  mail,  which  is  wholly  unpaid,  shall  be  forwarded 
by  such  postmaster  to  its  post-office  of  destination  charged  with  double  third-class 
rates  of  dctjjiestic  postage,  to  be  collected  on  delivery.  No  fee,  however,  shall  be  paid 
for  such  matter. 


88 


POSTAL    LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 


CHAPTER    SIX. 

DELIVERY     OF    ORDINARY    MAIL  -  MATTER— WITHDRAWAL     BY 


SENDER    FROM     POST-OFFICE 
PATCH. 

Sec. 

265.  Opening  of  mails ;   placing  matter  on  deliv- 

ery. 

266.  Postmasters  may  remove  wrappers  of  pack- 

ages. 

267.  Double  postage  on  unpaid  matter. 

268.  Matter  cannot  be  delivered  until  postage  due 

is  paid. 

269.  Weight  of  matter  determined  at  post-office  of 

mailing. 

270.  Postage-due    stamps    for    iasufflciently-paid 

matter. 

271.  Penalty    for    failing    to    affix    postage-due 

stamps. 

272.  Time  of  affixing  postage-due  .stamps. 

273.  Treatment  of  undelivered  matter  with  post- 

age-due stamps  thereon. 

274.  Postage-due    stamjjs   on    forwaided  letters, 

how  refunded. 

275.  What  persons  are  entitled  to  receive  mail- 

matter. 

276.  Letters  addressed  to  fictitious  persons. 

277.  Proof  of  identity  required  in  doubtful  cases. 

278.  Letters  opened  through  mistake. 


OF    MATTER    BEFORE    ITS    DIS- 


Sec. 

279. 

280. 
281. 
282. 

283. 

284. 
285. 
286. 

287. 

288. 


290. 
291. 
292. 
293. 
294. 


ilail-matter  addressed  to  other  post-offices  not 
deliverable :  exceiitions. 

Mail-matter  addressed  in. care  of  another. 

Letters  from  the  Pension  Office. 

Under  no  pretext  are  letters  in  the  mail  to  be 
opened. 

Mail-matter  to  be  delivered  according  to  offi- 
cial designation. 

Mail-matter  addressed  to  minors. 

Mail-matter  addressed  to  deceased  persons. 

Mail-matter  to  be  delivered  to  assignees,  etc. 

Mail-matter  addressed  to  a  defunct  firm  or 
corjjoration. 

Postmaster  to  require  appointment  of  a  re- 
ceiver. 

Decision  of  disputed  claims  to  mail-matter. 

Injunctions  of  courts  to  be  respected. 

"Withdrawal  of  letters  from  mailing  post-office. 

Proof  of  identity  of  letter  required. 

When  to  refuse  application  for  withdrawal. 

Mail-matter  beyond  mailLug  post-office  cannot 
be  withdrawn. 


Sec.  265.  Opening  of  Mails ;  Placing  Matter  on  Delivery. — Upon  the  arrival 

of  the  mail  at  auy  po.st-ofiftce,  the  mail  sack.s  and  poiiehes,  oi-  the  package.s  iu  a  mail- 
hag  addressed  to  that  post-office,  and  none  other,  should  be  opened.  Every  postmaster, 
immediately  npon  the  receipt  of  the  mail,  will,  if  possible,  place  the  postmark  of  his 
post-office  upon  every  letter  received  in  the  mail,  showing  the  date  and  the  hour  of 
the  day  when  the  letters  were  received.  He  will  then  look  over  the  letters  or  pack- 
ages thus  received  to  see  if  the  postage  thet'eon  has  been  properly  prepaid,  noting  on 
each  letter  or  parcel  the  amount,  if  auy,  which  is  found  to  be  due  thereon,  after  which 
he  Avill  i)lace  the  mail  on  delivery. 

Sec.  266.  Postmasters  may  Remove  Wrappers  of  Packages. — Postmasters  at 
the  office  of  delivery  may  remove  the  wrappers  and  envelopes  from 
mail-matter  not  charged  Avith  letter-postage,  when  it  can  be  done  witli- 
ont  destroying-  them,  for  the  pnrx)ose  of  ascertaining'  whether  there  is 
upon  or  connected  with  any  such  matter  anything  which  would  author- 
ize or  require  the  charge  of  a  higher  rate  of  postage  thereon.  (II.  S., 
§  3882.) 

Sec.  267.  Double  Postage  on  Unpaid  Matter. — If  any  mail-matter,  on  which 
by  law  the  postage  is  required  to  be  prepaid  at  the  mailing  [post]  office, 
shall  by  inadvertence  reach  its  destination  without  such  prepayment, 
double  the  prepaid  rates  shall  be  charged  and  collected  on  delivery. 
(K.  S.,  §  381>8.) 

Sec.  268.  Matter  Cannot  be  Delivered  until  Postage  Due  is  Paid. — ^N'o  mail- 
matter  shall  be  delivered  until  the  postage  due  thereon  has  been  jjaid. 
(K.  S.,  §  3900.) 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  89 

Sec.  269.  Weight  of  Matter  Determined  at  Post-Office  of  Mailing. —  riiasiinich 

as,  tliroii^ih  cviiporiitioii  or  otlu-r  cause,  inail-iiiiitter  not  iiilrc(|iMMitl,v  Iosch  \v<-i;rlit  in 
tiiinsit,  so  that  ujiou  its  arrival  at  the  post-oflice  of  di'stinatioii  its  \vci;;ht  may  not 
oorri'siiond  with  that  indicatc-d  hy  tht;  itosta>,'c  rattnl  ui>  at  the  iiost-ollicr  of  mailing, 
liostuiasters  am  iustructod  that  the  weight  at  time  of  mailing  (h-ttnnincs  tlio  ratt;  of 
postage,  and  tliey  should  collect  the  postage  marked  due  accordingly. 

Sec.  270.  Postage-due  Stamps  for  Insufficiently-paid  Matter. — All  iiiail-inat- 
terof  the  liist-clas.s  upoinvliicli  one  full  rate  of  ])0.stajL,^e  lias  been  i)repaid 
.shall  be  forwarded  to  its  destinatiou,  charged  with  the  unpaid  rate,  to  be 
collected  on  delivery ;  but  i)o.stniasters,  before  delivering  the  same,  or  any 
article  of  niail-niatter  upon  Mhicli  prepayment  in  full  has  not  been  made, 
shall  affix,  or  cause  to  be  affixed,  and  canceled,  as  ordinary  stamps  are 
canceled,  one  or  more  stamps  equivalent  in  value  to  the  amount  of  post- 
age due  on  such  article  of  mail-matter,  which  stamp  shall  be  of  .such 
special  design  and  denomination  as  the  Postmaster-General  may  pre- 
scribe, and  which  shall  in  no  case  be  sold  by  anj  postmaster  nor  re- 
ceived by  him  in  prepayment  of  postage.  That  in  lieu  of  the  commis- 
sion now  allowed  topo.straastersat  [post]  offices  of  the  fourth  class  upon 
the  amount  of  unpaid  letter-postage  collected,  such  postmaster  shall  re- 
ceive a  commission  upon  the  amount  of  such  special  stamps  so  canceled, 
the  same  as  now  allowed  upon  postage  stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  postal 
cards,  and  newspaper  and  periodical  stamps  canceled  as  postages  on 
matter  actually  mailed  at  their  [post]  offices :  Provided,  The  Postmaster- 
General  may,  in  his  discretion,  prescribe  instead  such  regulation  therefor 
at  the  [post]  offices  where  free  delivery  is  established  as  in  his  judg- 
ment the  good  of  the  service  may  require.  (Act  March  3,  1879,  §  26, 
20  Stat,  p.  301.) 

Sec.  271.  Penalty  for  Failing  to  affix  Postage-due  Stamps. — Any  postmaster 
or  other  person  engaged  in  the  postal  service  who  shall  collect,  and  fail 
to  account  for,  the  postage  due  upon  any  article  of  mail-matter  which  he 
may  deliver,  without  having  previously  affixed  and  canceled  such  special 
stamps,  as  hereinbefore  provided,  or  wiio  shall  fail  to  affix  such  stamp, 
shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and,  on  conviction  thereof, 
shall  be  punished  by  a  fine  of  fifty  doUars.  (Act  March  3,  1879,  §  27, 
20  Stat.,  p.  3(52.) 

Sec.  272.  Time  of  affixing  Postage-due  Stamps. — At  all  post-offices  where 

the  free-delivery  service  lias  not  been  established,  postmasters  will  not  affix  f  he  postage- 
due  .stamps  until  the  delivery  of  the  matter  lias  been  re.quested.  At  all  free-delivery 
post-offices,  matter  which  has  not  been  sufficiently  prepaid  will  be  rated  up,  and 
postage-due  stamps  of  the  necessary  denominations  will  be  affixed  as  soon  as  the  mat- 
ter is  received  at  the  post-office,  unless  an  order  is  on  file  for  a  letter  to  be  forwarded? 
jii  -wliich  case  it  will  l)e  forwarded  without  affixing  the  postage-dtie  stainj). 

Sec.  273.  Treatment  of  Undelivered  Matter  with  Postage-due  Stamps  thereon. 
— After  the  postage-due  stamps  have  been  athxed  at  free-delivery  post-offices,  such  mat- 
ter as  may  be  refused,  unclaimed,  or  cannot  be  delivered  must  be  treated  as  required 
by  the  regulations.  When  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office,  credit  must  be  claimed  on 
the  dead-letter  bill  for  '^postage-due  stamps  canceled  on  undelivered  mail-matter." 
When  returned  to  writer  or  redirected  to  another  post-office  within  the  United  States, 
a  numbered  postage-due  bill,  stating  amount  due  and  name  of  person  fiom  whom  it 
is  to  be  collected,  must  be  attached  to  and  sent  with  each  letter. 


90  POSTAL    LAWS    AXD    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  274.  Postage-due  Stamps  on  Forwarded  Letters,  how  Refanded. — When 
a  returued  or  forwarded  letter,  with  postage-due  stamps  atifixed  and  bill  attached,  is 
received  at  any  post-office  from  a  free-delivery  post-office,  the  receiving  postmaster 
must  detach  the  bill  and  return  it  by  next  mail,  with  required  amount  of  uncanceled 
stamps  inclosed,  to  the  issuing  postmaster.  In  case  of  failure  to  get  a  return  of  a  bill 
or  stamps  after  a  reasonable  delay,  postmasters  at  free-delivery  post-offices  may  obtain 
the  proper  credit  and  expose  the  delinquent  receiving  postmaster  by  making  a  dupli- 
cate bill  (from  the  stub  of  the  original),  which  they  will  attach  to  and  incorporate  in 
their  regular  dead-letter  bill.  This  duplicate  must  be  indorsed,  in  the  blank  space 
at  the  end,  Duplicate,  Okigixal  not  returned,  or  Original  returned  wnTHOUT 
STAMPS.  In  forwarding  to  foreign  countries  mail-matter  on  which  postage-due  stamps 
have  been  canceled,  the  original  bill,  indorsed  Foreign  letter  forwarded,  must  be 
attached  to  and  incorporated  in  the  regular  dead-letter  bill. 

Sec.  275,  "What  Persons  are  entitled  to  receive  Mail-matter. — The  persons 
entitled  to  articles  of  mail-matter  received  by  mail  are  those  w^hose  names  are  in  the 
address,  aud  the  delivery  should  be  either  to  the  person  addressed,  or  according  to  his 
or  her  order.  The  order  is  in  some  cases  implied,  as  where  a  person  is  in  the  habit  of 
receiving  his  mail  through  his  son,  clerk,  or  servant,  and  of  recognizing  the  delivery 
to  him.  Mail- matter  addressed  to  a  firm  may  be  delivered  to  any  member  of  the  firm, 
and,  if  addressed  to  several  persons,  may  be  handed  to  any  one  of  them. 

Sec.  276.  Letters  addressed  to  Fictitious  Persons,  etc. — Letters  and  pack- 
ages addressed  to  fictitious  persons  or  firms,  to  initials,  or  to  no  particular  person  or 
firm,  unless  directed  to  be  delivered  at  a  designated  place,  as  a  post-office  box,  street 
and  number,  or  to  the  care  of  a  certain  person  or  firm,  or  other  certain  place  of  de- 
livery, within  the  delivery  of  the  post-office  to  which  they  are  addressed,  must  be 
returued  at  the  end  of  each  month  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office. 

Sec.  277.  Proof  of  Identity  required  in  Douhtful  Cases. — A  postmaster 

should,  in  all  cases  of  doubt,  require  satisfactory  proof  of  the  identity  of  persons  claim- 
ing mail-matter  addressed  for  delivery  at  the  post-office.  Great  care  must  be  especially 
taken  where  such  matter  appears  to  be  of  value,  and  if  the  person  calling  for  it  be  not 
the  person  addressed,  or  a  member  of  his  immediate  family,  it  is  safest  to  require  a 
written  order  for  its  delivery. 

Sec.  278.  Letters  "Opened  through  Mistake." — If  there  be  two  or  more 
persons  of  the  same  name,  and  a  letter  intended  for  one  is  delivered  to  another,  and 
returued  by  him,  the  postmaster  will  reseal  the  letter  in  the  presence  of  the  person 
w^ho  opened  it,  and  request  him  to  write  upon  it  the  words,  opened  by  me  through 
mistake,  and  sign  his  name  ;  he  will  then  replace  the  letter  in  the  post-office. 

Sec.  279.  Mail-matter  addressed  to  other  Post-Offices  not  Deliverable. — Post- 
masters cauuot  deliver  mail-matter  which  may  be  addressed  to  aud  deliverable  from 
other  post-offices,  except  in  cases  of  matter  addressed  to  a  discontinued  post-office 
nearest  the  post-office  where  such  matter  is  held  for  delivery.  Exception  to  this  rule 
may  be  made  in  special  cases,  as  when  a  letter  arrives  from  a  foreign  country  directed 
to  a  post-office  other  than  tha^  at  the  port  of  arrival,  and  the  person  addressed  is  about 
to  leave  the  country,  or  desires  to  answer  at  once  by  mail  from  that  port.  In  such 
cases  the  postmaster,  on  being  satisfied  of  the  identity  of  the  applicant,  may  deliver 
the  letter.  Exceptions  may  also  ]»o  made  in  the  case  of  ambassadors  .iiul  other  diplo- 
matic representatives  of  foreign  governments  who  may  be  temporarily  residing  else- 
where than  within  the  dcdivery  of  the  post-office  to  which  their  eorresiHUideuce  is 
directed.  In  the  exceptional  cases  above  provided  for,  the  postmaster  who  delivers 
the  letters  shall  report  his  action  to  the  postmaster  of  the  post-office  to  which  thoy  are 
dire(;te<l. 

Sec.  280.  Mail-matter  addressed  in  Care  of  Another. — Wliere  mail-matter 
reaches  a  post-office  addressed  to  a  person  in  care  of  another,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  post- 
master to  deliver  such  matter  to  the  person  addressed,  if  so  requested  by  him,  rather 
than  to  the  person  to  whose  care  it  was  addressed. 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    TOSTMASTERS.  1)1 

Sec.  281.  Letters  from  the  Pension  Office. — It  is  not  proinT  U>  deliver  a 
let  tor  fymn  tlu'  Pension  Oilier  to  any  ono  othor  than  the  person  addressed,  or  to  a  mem- 
ber of  his  or  her  family,  or  to  a  logal  f^uardian  of  the  pensioner,  and  nudor  no  circnm- 
•stances  is  it  jillowaltle  to  deliver  sneh  letters  to  an  attorney,  claim-ujient,  or  broker. 

Sec.  282.  Under  no  Pretext  are  Letters  in  the  Mail  to  he  opened. — A  Icttfr 

onee  pl.aeed  in  tlie  post-olliee  is  in  tlif  custody  of  the  Dejiartnient  for  transmission  and 
delivery  to  the  party  aililressod.  Neither  postmasters  nor  otlieers  of  tiie  law  have  any 
anthority  to  open  it  under  the  pretext  that  there  mij^ht  be  somethinj;  improper  or 
even  criminal  in  it,  or  that  would  aid  in  the  detection,  or  furnish  evidence  for  ti\,e  con- 
viction, of  offenders  a-jjainst  the  law.  '  A.  letter  of  a  criminal  must,  therefore,  be  deliv- 
ered to  him  unless  he  may  otherwise  direct. 

Sec.  283.  Mail-Matter  to  he  delivered  according  to  Official  Designation. — 

Mail-matter  directed  to  a  i)nblic  oflicial  by  his  title,  or  to  an  ofti(;er  of  a  coiiioratioii, 
or  person  holding  a  i)ositii)u  therein  having-  an  oflicial  designation,  should  be  delivered 
to  the  i)erson  actually  holding  the  office  or  other  position  designated  in  the  address,  not- 
withstanding the  name  of  another  i)erson  may  also  appear  therein,  the  ]»resumptive 
intention  of  the  sender  being  that  the  article  of  mail-matter  shall  reach  the  ofticcr,  etc., 
addn^ssed  rather  than  the  individual  named. 

Sec.  284.  Mail-Matter  addressed  to  Minors. — In  the  case  of  minor  children 
residing  with  their  parents,  and  dependent  upon  them  for  maintenance  and  support, 
such  parents  are  entitled  to  control  the  correspondence  of  the  aforesaid  minors  by  di- 
recting the  disposition  to  be  made  of  mail-matter  addressed  to  them,  and  where  such 
minors  reside  temporarily  away  from  their  parents,  the  latter  may  delegate  to  another 
the  right  to  receive  mail-nuitter  aihlressed  to  such  minors,  but  such  person  must  show 
to  the  postmaster  written  authority  to  receive  the  same  before  it  can  be  delivered  to 
him. 

Sec.  285.  Mail-Matter  addressed  to  Deceased  Persons. — Mail-matter  ad- 
dresst?d  to  a  deceased  person  must  in  the  tirst  instance  be  delivered  to  his  legal  repre- 
sentatives. In  case  there  are  no  legal  representatives  the  letters  should  be  delivered 
to  the  widow,  if  there  be  one,  unless  there  are  other  claimants  for  the  same,  in  which 
event  the  postmaster  should  report  the  case  with  all  the  facts  to  the  First  Assistant 
Postmaster-General  and  await  his  instructions. 

Sec.  286.  Mail-Matter  to  he  delivered  to  Assignees,  etc. — Wlien  the  busi- 
ness of  a  tirm  has  been  placed  in  the  hands  of  an  assignee  or  receiver,  its  letters  should 
be  delivered  to  the  latter,  on  his  presentation  of  proof  of  his  api>ointment  by  a  court 
or  other  coinjietcut  authority. 

Sec.  287.  Mail-Matter  addressed  to  a  Defunct  Firm  or  Corporation. — Mail- 
matter  addressed  to  a  tirm  or  corporation  which  has  ceased  to  exist  must  be  delivered 
to  the  legal  representatives. 

Sec.  288.  Postmaster  to  require  Appointment  of  Receiver. — When  a  firm  or 
company  dissolves  partnership,  and  contention  arises  as  to  whom  the  umil-nuitter  ad- 
dressed to  the  former  business  firm  or  company,  or  its  officials,  shall  be  delivered,  a 
postmaster,  l)eing  forbidden  by  one  party  to  deliver  to  another,  should  require  the 
appointment  of  a  receiver,  retaining  all  mail-matter  until  said  receiver  is  appointed ; 
and  if  no  such  receiver  is  appointed,  or  no  agreement  between  the  contending  parties 
is  reached,  before  the  expiration  of  thirty  days  from  the  date  when  delivery  ceased, 
the  letters  in  dispute,  and  all  that  maj"^  arrive  thereafter  (until  an  agreement  is  made 
or  receiver  appointed),  shall  be  sent  to  the  lletnrn-Lotter  Office  marked  ix  dispute. 

Sec.  289.  Decision  of  Disputed  Claims  to  Mail-matter. — A  postmaster  is 

not  re([uired  to  decide  disputes  between  members  of  a  dissolved  or  existing  firm  as  to 
the  delivery  of  its  mail-matter.  If  the  firm  is  not  dissolved,  he  shouhl,  if  its  mail  has 
habitually  been  delivered  by  carrier,  continue  such  delivery,  instructing  the  carrier 
to  hand  the  mail-matter  to  any  of  its  members.  If  the  delivery  is  through  box  or 
general  delivery,  he  will  place  the  mail-matter  therein  to  await  the  call  of  any  author- 


92 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 


ized  person.  If  the  firm  is  dissolved,  lie  will  be  governed  in  his  action  by  the  pro- 
visions of  the  preceding  section. 

Sec.  290.  Injunction  of  Courts  to  be  respected. — Where  mail-matter  may  be 

addressed  to  a  firm  which  has  ceased  to  exist,  and  having  reached  its  destination 
through  the  mails  is  claimed  by  different  parties,  and  some  of  the  claimants  in  order 
to  determine  their  rights  in  the  premises  subsequently  institute  a  suit  against  the 
others  in  the  local  courts,  and  obtain  an  order  from  the  court  enjoining  the  postmaster 
from  delivering  the  mail-matter  to  either  party,  the  postmaster  should  respect  the 
order  of  the  court  by  retaining  the  same  and  delivering  it  to  the  parties  who  shall  be 
finally*determined  by  the  court  to  be  legally  entitled  to  it. 

Sec.  291.  Withdrawal  of  Letters  from  Mailing  Post.oflB.ce. — To  prevent 
fraud  the  postmaster  must  not  permit  any  letter  put  into  his  iiost-oflice  for  transmis- 
sion by  mail  to  be  withdrawn  by  any  person  except  the  writer  thereof,  or,  in  case  of  a 
minor  child,  the  parent  or  guardian  of  the  same  ;  and  the  utmost  care  must  be  taken  to 
ascertain  that  the  i)erson  applying  for  such  letter  is  really  the  writer,  parent,  or 
guardian. 

Sec.  292.  Proof  of  Identity  of  Letter  required. — To  enable  him  to  know 

that  the  person  applying  for  the  withdrawal  of  a  letter  is  the  writer,  the  postmaster 
may  require  him,  or  his  messenger,  to  exhibit  to  him  the  same  superscription  and  seal 
that  are  upon  the  letter.  And  if  the  postmaster  is  satisfied  that  the  handwriting  and 
seal  are  the  same,  he  will  permit  the  letter  to  be  withdrawn,  taking  a  receipt,  and 
preserving  it  with  the  paper  containing  the  superscription,  and  the  order,  if  one  were 
sent.  If  the  person  applying  for  the  letter  is  the  parent  or  guardian  of  the  minor,  the 
postmaster  must  require  him  to  identify  the  particular  letter  by  extrinsic  evidence 
satisfactory  to  the  postmaster. 

Sec.  293.  When  to  refuse  Application  for  Withdrawal. — Postmasters  should 

refuse  all  applications  for  the  withdrawal  of  letters  in  cases  where  the  necessary  search 
would  involve  the  delay  of  a  mail,  or  retard  the  regular  work  of  the  post-oflice. 

Sec.  294.  Mail-matter  beyond  Mailing  Post-office  cannot  be  withdrawn. — 
After  a  letter,  or  any  other  article  of  mail-matter,  has  passed  from  the  mailing  post- 
oflice,  the  delivery  of  it  cannot  be  prevented  or  delayed  by  any  one  except  upon  the 
order  of  the  Postmaster-General,  to  whom  direct  application  must  be  made  by  the 
writer. 


CHAPTER  SEVEN. 

LETTER-BOXES  IN  POST-OFFICES. 


Sec. 

295.  Postmasters  may  erect  boxes  at  their  own  ex- 
pense. 

290.  Lock-boxes,  etc.,  for  box-holders  at  their  ex- 
I>en.se. 

297.  Friends  of  owners  of  box  to  tise  the  same, 

when. 

298.  Postmasters  to  keep  a  list  of  box-holders. 

299.  Failure  of  postmaster  to  make  report  of  box- 

rents. 

300.  Rent  of  boxes  to  be  prepaid. 


Sec. 

301.  Payment  for  boxes  must  bo  ijuartoily. 

302.  Box  to  be  restricted  to  use  of  one  family,  etc  _ 

303.  Postmaster  to   leave  record   of  box-receipts 

with  successor. 

304.  Postmaster  sliould  refuse  to  rent  box  for  im- 

proper purposes. 

305.  Rcut  for  private  boxes. 

306.  I'ostmasters  not  to  disclose  names  of  iiox- 

holders. 


Sec.  295.  Postmasters  may  erect  Boxes  at  their  own  Expense. — Any  post- 
master in  other  than  a  building  owned  by  the  United  States  may  erect  boxes  in  his 
post-office  at  his  own  expen.se.  These  boxes  are  neither  owned  nor  repaired  by  the 
Dei)artment,  but  the  revenues  thereof  must  be  reported  quarterly  to  the  Auditor  of  the 
Treasury  for  the  Post- Office  Department. 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  93 

Sec.  296.  Lock-boxes,  etc.,  for  Box-holders  at  their  Expense. — Po.stmastor.s 
may  allow  box-holders  avIio  desire  to  do  so  to  provide  lock-boxes  or 
diaweis  for  their  own  ii.se,  at  their  own  expen.se,  which  lock-boxes  or 
drawers,  upon  their  erection  in  nuy  post-office,  shall  beconn;  the  prop- 
erty of  the  United  Stiites,  and  be  snbject  to  the  direction  and  control  of 
the  Post-Onioe  Department,  and  shall  pay  a  rental  at  least  eqnal  to  that 
of  other  boxes  in  the  same  [i>ost]  office,  or,  if  there  be  no  other  boxe.s 
in  such  [post]  office,  of  boxes  in  other  [post]  offices  of  the  same  class, 
wliieh  rental  shall  be  aircounted  for  as  other  box-rents.    (R.  S.,  §  40.52.) 

Sec.  297.  Friends  of  Owner  of  Box  to  use  same,  when. — Letters  addres.sed 

to  the  iVionds  of  the  owner  of  a  box  stopping  tiMupor.irily  with  him  may  also  bo  placed 
ill  the  box,  if  directed  to  his  caro  or  to  the  number  of  the  box.  Hat  lettt^rs  adrlresscd 
to  other  ])er.sous  residing  in  the  same  jdace,  and  living  and  doing  busiue.ss  separate 
and  ai)art  from  a  box-holder,  should  not  l)o  ydaced  in  such  box. 

Sec.  298.  Postmasters  to  keep  a  List  of  Box-holders. — Each  postmaster 

must  keep  a  list  of  all  box-holder.s,  with  the  number  of  the  box  assigned  to  each,  and 
the  time  during  which  he  has  used  it.  This  ILst  will  be  examined  by  special  agents, 
and  be  delivered  to  his  successor  in  office.  The  postmaster  must  state  in  his  quarterly 
returns  the  amount  of  box-rents  collected  in  or  on  account  of  each  qu.arter. 

•  Sec.  299.  Failure  of  Postmasters  to  make  Report  of  Box-rents. — The  salaries 

of  postmasters  are  based  ujiou  a  sworn  statement  of  the  operations  of  their  post-offices 
for  the  four  quarters  immediately  preceding  the  adjustment  or  readjustment  furnished 
to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  Wheii  the  postmaster  fails  to  make  any 
report,  or  reports  a  less  amount  of  box-rents  than  that  included  in  his  salary,  he  is 
ehargetl  in  the  adjustment  of  his  quarterly  return,  by  the  Auditor,  with  the  full  amount 
of  box-rents  included  in  his  quarterly  salary. 

Sec.  303.  Rsat  of  Boxes  to  be  prepaid. — Xo  box  at  any  post-office  shall 
be  assij^ned  to  the  use  of  any  person  until  the  rent  thereof  has  been 
p;wd  for  at  least  one  quarter  in  advance,  for  which  the  postmaster  shall 
give  a  receipt.     (R.  S.,  §  3901.) 

Sec.  301.  Payment  for  Boxes  must  be  Quarterly. — Postmasters  must  rent 

the  boxes  and  drawers  ia  their  post-otfices  for  one  quarter  (three  months)  only,  the 
money  to  be  paid  in  advance.  The  Department  will  insist  upon  a  strict  compliance 
with  this  regulation.  Boxes  remaining  unpaid  for  ten  days  from  the  expiration  of  a 
quarter  will  be  declared  vacated. 

Sec.  302.  Box  to  be  restricted  to  Use  of  one  Family,  etc. — A  person  renting 
a  post-office  box  is  entitled  to  have  the  letters  of  his  family  put  into  it.  Each  box 
must  be  restricted  to  the  use  of  one  family,  firm,  or  corporation. 

Sec.  303.  Postmaster  to  leave  Record  of  Box-receipts  with  Successor. — 

When  a  postmaster  retires  from  office  he  must  leave  in  the  hands  of  his  successor  a 
record  of  receipts  given  for  payment  of  box-rents.  In  the  absence  of  this  record,  the 
postmaster  will  require  the  parties  claiming  to  have  i)aid  their  box-rents  to  show  their 
receipts,  or  produce  other  satisfactory  evidence  of  such  payment.  AVhen  an  individual 
h(dds  a  receipt  from  the  late  postmaster  for  box-rent  paid,  it  is  the  <luty  of  the  uew 
postmaster  to  furnish  a  box  for  the  time  specified  in  the  receipt. 
Sec.  304.  Postmaster  should  refuse  to  rent  Box  for  Improper  Purpose. — A 

postmaster  should  refuse  to  rent  a  box  or  drawer  to  any  person  whom  he  has  reason  to 
fjuspeet  would  use  the  same  for  the  promotion  of  any  indecent  or  illegal  purpose. 
Whenever  ho  shall  find  that  any  person  to  whom  he  has  rented  a  box  or  drawer  is 
using  the  same  for  the  promotion  of  any  such  purpose,  he  should  withhold  its  further 


94 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


nse  from  him,  returning  to  him  at  the  same  time  a  proportionate  amount  of  the  rent 
for  the  unexpired  portion  of  the  quarter. 

Sec.  305.  Rent  for  Private  Boxes. — So  long  as  i^ersons  who  own  boxes  in 
post-offices  permit  them  to  remain,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  postmaster  to  collect  rent  for 
those  that  are  used. 

Sec.  306.  Postmasters  not  to  disclose  Names  of  Boxholders. — Postmasters 

are  strictly  prohibited  from  disclosing  to  any  person  the  names  of  the  persons  owning 
or  renting  boxes  in  their  post-otfices. 


CHAPTER  EIGHT. 


CASEIERS,  FREE  DELIVERY  AND  BRANCH  OFFICES,  AND  STREET 

MAILING-BOXES. 


Sec. 

307.  Letter-carrier  post-offices. 

308.  Districting  of  cities. 

309.  Classiflcation  of  carriers. 

310.  Salaries  of  carriers. 

311.  Auxiliary  carriers. 

312.  Appointments  and  promotions. 

313.  Public  liuildings  described. 

314.  Number  of  carriers  limited. 

315.  Letter-carriers'  bonds. 

316.  Applications  for  the  carrier  system. 

317.  How  carriers  are  appointed. 

318.  Qualifications  for  appointment. 

319.  Foi-m  of  application  for  appointment. 

320.  Return  of  oaths  and  bonds. 

321.  Appointment  of  substitutes. 

322.  Postmasters  may  fill  temporary  vacancies. 

323.  Employment  of  additional  carriers. 

324.  Duties  of  caniers  generally. 

325.  Leaves  of  absence  without  pay. 

326.  Penalty  for  absence  without  leave. 

327.  Carriers  to  be  uniformed ;  penalty  for  wearing 

unlawfully. 

328.  The  unifonn  prescribed  for  carriers. 

329.  Carriers  supplj'  their  own  uniforms. 

330.  Behavior  required  of  carrieis. 

331.  Carriers  not  to  contract  debts  on  their  routes. 

332.  Carriers  not  to  solicit  contributions,  etc. 

333.  Establislinient  of  street  mailing-boxes. 

334.  Penalty  for  injuring  street  mailing-boxes. 

335.  Carriers  must  report  iiyuries  to  street  mail- 

ing-boxes. 

336.  Establishment  of  branch  post  -office.s. 

337.  No  carrier's  fee  jiennitted. 

338.  The  general  delivery  to  be  disconrag(?d. 

339.  Accounts  required  at  carrier  post-offices. 

340.  Postmasters'  rei)orts  of  operations. 

341.  Postmasters'  repmfs  of  expenses. 


Sec. 

342.  Rules  for  delivery  of  matter. 

343.  Matter  not  to  be  delivered  at   unoccupied 

premises. 

344.  Mail-matter  not  to  be  delivered  in  the  street. 

345.  Transient    or   to-be-called-for    letters,    hoyg 

treated. 

346.  City  Directory  to  be  used  to  ascertain  ad- 

dresses, when. 

347.  Carriers  to  receive  letters  for  mailing. 

348.  What  carriers  may  not  do. 

349.  Return  of  undelivered  matter. 

350.  Holiday  and  evening  delivery. 

351.  Test  of  carriers' efficiency. 

352.  Pr(!mpt  and  frequent  deliveries  required. 

353.  Limited  sale  of  stamps  by  carriers. 

354.  Branch  post-offices  or  postal  stations. 

355.  Mails  between  stations  and  the  general  post- 

office. 

356.  Advertised  letters. 

357.  Care  of  street  mailing-boxes. 

358.  Postmasters  to  inspect  stations. 

359.  Carriers'  daily  return  of  property  and  mail. 

360.  Carriers  inust  uot  return  deposited  letters. 

361.  Delivery  of  registered  letters  by  carriers. 

362.  Postmasters  to  supervise  carriers'  service. 

363.  Arrest    of  persons   found   tampering   with 

street  m.iiling-boxes.  , 

364.  "  Cave  canciii,"  "  Beware  of  the  dog." 

365.  Supjdies  for  can-ier  jiost-offices. 

366.  Manner  of  keeping  books. 

1^^  For  jirovisions  respecting  postage  on  second- 
class  matter  at  carrier  post-offiicea,  see  Title  II, 
Chapter  Four. 

1^^  For  provisions  for  the  collection  of  unpaid 
postage  at  such  post-offices,  see  Title  II,  Chap- 
ten-  Six. 


Sec.  307.  Letter-carrier  Post-offices. — Letter-carriers  shall  be  employed 
for  the  free  delivery  of  iiuiil-inatter  as  frequently  as  the  public  conve-. 
nience  may  require,  at  every  i)lace  containing  a  population  of  fifty  thou- 
sand witliin  the  delivery  of  its  post-oflice,  and  may  be  so  employed  at 
every  place  containing  a  poi)ulation  of  not  less  than  twenty  thousand 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  05 

witliiu  its  corporate  limits,  and  at  post-oflices  wliicli  produced  a  ^aoss 
revenue  for  the  preceding  fiscal  year  of  not  less  tlian  twenty  thousand 
dollars:  Prodded^  This  act  shall  not  affect  the  free  delivery  in  towns 
and  cities  wlierc  it  is  now  established.  (Act  of  February  LM,  1871>,  §  '>, 
20  Stat.,  1).  ;517.) 

Sec.  308.  Districting  of  Cities. — Cities  must  be  so  districted  as  to  secure 
tin-  full,  o(iual.  iiiul  most  :i(lviintii;j;t'<)us  employment  of  the  carriers,  and  the  earliest 
liracticalilc  di'livt-ry  and  collection  of  the  mails. 

Sec.  309.  Classification  of  Carriers. — For  the  more  equitable  compensa- 
tion of  letter-carriers  there  shall  be  in  all  cities  whicli  contain  a  popula- 
tion of  seventy-five  thousand  or  more  two  classes  of  letter-carriers,  to  be 
fixed  by  the  Postmaster-General.  (Act  February  21, 1879,  §  1,  20  Stat., 
p.  317.) 

Sec.  310.  Salaries  of  Carriers. — The  salaries  of  carriers  of  the  first  class, 
^vho  shall  have  been  in  service  at  least  one  year,  shall  be  one  thousand 
dollars  per  annum,  and  the  salaries  of  the  carriers  of  the  second  class 
shall  be  ei'jht  hundred  dollars  per  annum.  In  all  cities  containing  a 
population  of  less  than  seventy-five  thousand  there  shall  be  one  class  of 
letter-carriers,  who  shall  receive  a  salary  of  eight  hundred  and  fifty  dol- 
lars per  annum.*     (Act  February  21,  1879,  §  2,  20  Stat.,  p.  317.) 

Sec.  311.  Auxiliary  Carriers. — Upon  the  recommendation  of  the  post, 
master  of  any  city,  the  Postmaster-General  may  establish  a  third  grade 
of  letter-carriers  known  as  auxiliaries,  who  shall  be  paid  at  the  rate  of 
four  hundred  dollars  per  annum.  (Act  February  21, 1879,  §  3, 20  Stat., 
p.  317.) 

Sec.  312.  Appointments  and  Promotions. — Appointments  of  letter-carriers 
in  cities  having  two  or  more  classes  shall  be  made  to  the  class  having 
the  minimum  rate  of  pay,  and  i)romotions  from  the  lower  grades  in  said 
cities  shall  be  made  to  the  higher  grades  to  fill  vacancies,  after  one  or 
more  years'  services,  on  certificate  of  the  postmaster  to  the  efliciency 
and  faithfulness  of  the  candidate  during  the  preceding  year:  Provided^ 
however^  That  at  no  time  shall  the  number  of  carriers  in  the  first  class, 
receiving  the  maximum  salary  of  one  thousand  dollars,  be  more  than 
two-thirds  or  less  than  one-half  the  whole  number  of  carriers  actually 
in  service  in  the  city  in  whicli  they  are  employed:  Provided,  further^ 
That  no  boxes  for  the  collection  of  mail-matter  by  carriers  shall  be  placed 
inside  of  any  building  except  a  imblic  building  or  railroad  station.  (Act 
Feb.  21,  1879,  §  4,  20  Stat,  p.  317.) 

Sec.  313.  Public  Buildings  Described. — Xo  street  mailing-box  shall  be 

placed  inside  any  building  whicli  is  not  at  *11  hours  open  to  the  public  and  accessible 
to  the  carriers.     Postmasters  may  (subject  to  the  above  conditions)  in  their  discretion 

*  Until  an  appropriation  shall  be  made,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  section 
310,  the  following  regulation  will  remain  in  force: 

The  salaries  of  letter-carriers  are  lixed  by  the  Postmaster-General  at  the  time  of 
their  appointment.  Increased  pay  is  granted  to  carriers,  from  time  to  time,  when  the 
appropriation  wnll  justify  it,  on  application  of  the  postmaster  to  the  First  Assistant 
Postmaster-CJeneral,  setting  forth  the  diligence,  lidelity,  and  experience  of  the  carrier 
in  whose  behalf  the  application  is  made. 


96  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

place  sncli  boxes  within  the  halls  or  corridors  on  the  gronnd-floor  of  large  hotels,  and 
in  commercial  exchanges,  but  are  forbidden  to  jilace  them  within  club-houses,  private 
residences,  stores,  or  offices  of  business  corporations. 

Sec.  314.  Number  of  Carriers  Limited. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Post- 
master-General to  carefully  inquire  into  the  number  of  carriers  employed 
in  the  several  cities  where  the  free  delivery  of  mail-matter  is  established, 
and  to  reduce  the  number  of  carriers,  and  the  number  of  deliveries  of 
mails  by  such  carriers  for  each  day  to  the  reasonable  requirements  o^ 
the  public  service.     (Act  of  March  3,  1877,  19  Stat.,  p.  384.) 

Sec.  315.  Letter-carriers'  Bonds. — Every  letter-carrier  shall  give  bonds, 
with  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the  Postmaster-General,  for  the  safe 
custody  and  delivery  of  all  mail-matter,  and  the  faithful  account  and 
payment  of  all  money  received  by  him.     (E.  S.,  §  3870.) 

Sec.  316.  Applications  for  the  Carrier  System. — Application  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  carrier  system,  or  for  additional  carriers,  must  be  made  to  the  First 
Assistant  Postmaster-General,  with  the  reasons  therefor. 

Sec.  317.  How  Carriers  are  Appointed. — Letter-carriers  are  appointed  by 

the  Postmaster-General,  on  the  nomination  and  recommendation  of  the  local  post, 
master 

Sec.  318.  Qualifications  for  Appointment. — Persons  nominated  for  appoint- 
ment as  letter-caiTiers  must  be  over  twenty-one  years  of  age  and  under  thirty-tive. 
They  must  be  intelligent,  temperate,  and  physically  titted  for  the  service,  and  must 
be  able  to  read  and  write  and  understand  the  fundamental  rules  of  arithmetic. 

Sec.  319.  Form  of  Application  for  Appointment. — A]>plications  for  the  ap- 
pointment of  carriers  must  state  the  name  in  full  (plainly  written),  age,  previous  occu- 
pation, proposed  time  of  commencing  service,  and  the  qualifications  required  in  the 
preceding  section. 

Sec.  320.  Return  of  Oaths  and  Bonds. — Blank  oaths  and  bonds  sent  with 
the  letter  of  appointment  of  carriers  must  be  promptly  and  correctly  executed,  and 
returned  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  321.  Appointment  of  Substitutes. — Substitute  letter-carriers  are  ap- 
pointed when  postmasters  so  advise,  at  a  nominal  salary  of  one  dollar  a  year,  and 
receive  the  pro-rata  pay  of  the  carrier  Avhose  route  they  may  be  called  upon  to  serve, 
Avithout  regard  to  the  cause  of  the  absence  of  the  regular  can-ier  or  his  salaiy.  Sul)- 
stitutes  appointed  by  the  Department  are  paid  out  of  the  salary  of  the  .ibsent  carrier. 

Sec.  322.  Postmasters  may  Fill  Temporary  Vacancies. — Vacaniies  occur- 
ring bj'  death,  illness,  or  other  unavoidable  causes,  may  be  filled  temporarily  by  post- 
masters, when  the  exigencies  of  the  service  demand  it ;  but  a  full  statement  of  the  facts 
must  be  immediately  forwarded  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  Carriers 
must,  however,  in  every  instance,  take  the  oath  of  office  before  entering  on  duty. 

Sec.  323.  Employment  of  Additional  Carriers. — Additional  letter-carriers 

must  not  be  euiploycd  until  ]tostmasters  are  notified  of  their  appointment,  and  they 
have  qualifitMl  by  executing  the  oath  and  bond  required  by  law. 

Sec.  324.  Duties  of  Carriers  generally. — Carriers  shall  be  employed  in  tliQ 

delivery  and  collection  of  mail-matter,  or,  during  the  intervals  between  their  trips, 
may  be  employi^d  in  thi^  i)ost-olfico  in  siicli  nianucr  as  the  postmaster  may  direct. 

Sec.  325.  Leaves  of  Absence  without  Pay. — Postmasters  may  grant  leave 

of  absence  to  carriers  without  i)ay  in  cases  of  illuess,  disability  niceived  in  the  service, 
or  other  urgent  necessity,  to  continue  only  during  the  urgeiu'y  of  the  case,  provided 
it  shall  in  no  instance  exceed  thirty  days.  For  n  longer  time,  application,  setting 
forth  all  the  circuuwstaucea,  must  be  made  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmater-Gencral. 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    rOSTMASTERS.  97 

Sec.  326.  Penalty  for  Absence  without  Leave. — A  carrier  ab.sentiiiji-  liiiii- 

siilf  witlioiift  Icavo  will  torftiit  Iii.s  pay  (liiriii';  tlie  time  of  hucIi  abHcncp,  aii«I  will  1m; 
rt'juiiiiauiU'd  by  the  imstiiiastcr,  or  ivportcd  to  the  First  Assistant  rostniastir-ficncral 
for  roinoval,  as  tlu^  fircninstaiici's  may  n'(|uirr. 

Sec.  327.  Carriers'  Uniform,  and  Penalty  for  Wearing  it  Unlawfully. — TLe 
Postiiiaster-CTeneral  may  prescribe  a  uiiiforin  dress  to  be  worn  by  letter- 
carriers,  and  any  person  not  connected  Avitli  the  letter-carrier  branch  of 
the  postal  service  who  shall  wear  the  nniform  which  may  be  prescribed 
shall,  for  every  such  ofiense,  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than 
one  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  for  not  more  than  six  months, 
or  both.     (K.  S.,  §  38G7.) 

Sec.  328.  The  Uniform  prescribed  for  Carriers. — The  Postmaster-General, 

imdcr  the  preceding  section,  prescribes  the  following  nniform  dress,  to  be  invariably 
worn  while  on  duty,  viz  : 

FOR  WLNTKR  WEAR. 

First.  A  single-breasted  sack-coat  of  "  cadet-gray,"  or,  technically,  "  blue-mixed 
cadet  cloth,"  terminating  two-thirds  the  distance  from  the  top  of  the  hip-bone  to  the 
knee,  Avith  a  pocket  at  each  side,  and  one  on  left  breast — all  outside — with  tlaps  two 
and  three-fourths  to  three  inches  wide,  with  length  to  suit,  say  six  and  a  half  to  seven 
inches ;  coat  to  be  bound  entirely  around  with  good  plain  black  alpaca  binding  one 
inch  wide,  to  be  put  over  half  edges,  with  tive  brass  bxrttous,  with  the  design  of  the  seal 
of  this  Department  (iiost -rider,  with  mail-bag  across  the  saddle,  Avith  the  letters  P.  O.  D. 
beneath),  down  the  front,  to  button  uj)  to  the  neck,  and  one-half  inch  black  braid, 
round  the  sleeves  two  and  a  half  inches  from  the  bottom. 

Second.  Pants  of  same  material  and  color,  with  fine  black  broadcloth  stripe  one 
inch  wide  down  the  outside  seam. 

Third.  A  single-breasted  vest  of  the  same  material  and  color,  with  seven  oval  brass 
buttons  (vest  size),  with  the  letters  P.  O.  upon  the  face. 

Fourth.  Cap  of  the  same  material  and  color  (Navy  pattern),  bound  round  with  a  fine 
black-cloth  band  one  and  one-half  inches  wide,  Avith  small-size  buttons  at  the  sides, 
of  the  same  material  and  design  as  those  on  the  vest,  and  glazed  coA-er  for  wet 
weather. 

Fifth.  A  reversible  cape  (detached  from  the  coat)  reaching  to  the  cuff  of  the  coat. 
sleeA'e  when  the  ann  is  extended,  of  the  same  material  and  color  on  one  side,  and 
gutta-percha  cloth  on  the  other  side,  Avith  live  buttons,  the  same  as  on  the  coat,  down 
the  front,  and  bound  entirely  round  Avith  plain  black  al^mca  binding  one  inch  wide, 
put  half  OA'er  edges  ;  or  an  OA'ercoat  of  the  same  material  and  color,  trimmed  to  cor- 
respond with  the  coat,  with  five  brass  buttons,  of  the  same  size  and  design  as  the 
coat  button,  down  the  front.  It  shall  not  be  obligatory  on  the  carriers  to  wear  either, 
but  whencA'er  additional  covering  is  needed,  the  postmaster  of  each  city  will  decide, 
in  accordance  Avith  the  wishes  of  a  majority  of  the  carriers,  Avhich  they  shall  wear,  as 
both  must  not  be  avoiti  in  the  same  city. 

FOR   SUMMER  AVEAR. 

First.  Coat,  single-breasted,  skeleton  sack,  of  gray  flannel,  terminating  two-third.s 
the  distance  from  the  toj)  of  the  hip-bone  to  the  knee ;  Avith  lapels  (medium  roll) 
made  to  button  over  the  breast ;  three  pockets,  outside,  Avithout  flaps,  one  on  each 
side,  and  one  on  left  breast.  Coat  to  be  bound  entirely  round  with  plain  black  alpaca 
binding  one  inch  wide,  put  half  over  edges,  and  three  buttons  of  present  regulation 
style  down  front. 

Second.  Pants,  same  material  and  color,  with  stripe  of  black  alpaca  binding  one 
inch  wide  doAvn  the  outside  seam. 
7  P  L 


98  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

t 

Third.  Vest,  same  material  and  color,  houiul  same  as  coat,  with  collar  cut  to  roll 
same  height  as  coat,  and  iive  regulatiou  huttons  down  front. 
Fourth.  Panama  hat. 

Sec.  329.  Carriers  Supply  their  own  Uniforms. — Letter-carriers  must  pro- 
cure the  uniforms  at  their  own  expense,  but  the  postmaster  is  expected  to  give  his 
personal  attention  to  the  matter,  and  aft'ord  the  "trade"  an  ojiportunity  to  furnish 
them  at  the  least  expense  to  tlie  carriers,  consistent  with  a  proper  execution  of  the  re- 
quirements of  tlie  above  section. 

Sec.  330.  Behavior  required  of  Carriers. — Carriers  must  iu variably  appear 

on  duty  in  their  uniforms,  and  nnist  wear  tlicir  satchels  while  on  their  rounds.     TLcy 
must  be  civil,  pi'ompt,  and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties. 

Sec.  331.  Carriers  not  to  Contract  Debts  on  their  Routes. — Carriers  who 
borrow  money  on  their  routes,  or  otherwise  contract  debts,  which  they  are  unable  to 
pay,  will  render  themselves  liable  to  severe  censure  or  dismissal  from  the  service,  ac- 
cording to  the  aggravation  of  the  case. 

Sec.  332.  Carriers  not  to  Solicit  Contributions,  etc. — Letter-carriers  are  for- 
bidden to  solicit  contriltutions  of  money,  gifts,  or  presents,  in  person  or  through 
others  ;  to  issue  addresses,  comi)limentary  cards,  prints,  publications,  or  any  substi- 
tute therefor,  intended  or  calculated  to  induce  the  public  to  make  them  gifts  or  pres- 
ents ;  to  sell  tickets  on  their  routes  to  theaters,  concerts,  balls,  fairs,  picnics,  excur- 
sions, or  places  of  amusement  or  entertainment  of  any  kind,  or  to  deliver  any  matter 
while  on  their  routes,  except  such  as  may  be  intrusted  to  them  in  the  regular  course 
of  business. 

Sec.  333.  Establishment  of  Street  Mailing-boxes. — The  Postmaster-General 
may  establish,  in  places  wliere  letter-carriers  are  employed,  and  in  other 
I)laces  where,  in  his  judgment,  the  public  convenience  requires  it,  re- 
ceiving-boxes for  the  deposit  of  mail-matter,  and  shall  cause  the  matter 
deposited  therein  to  be  collected  as  often  as  public  convenience  may 
require.     (R.  S.,  §38G8.)     See  section  312. 

Sec.  334.  Penalty  for  Injuring  Street  Mailing-boxes. — Every  person  who 
willfully  and  maliciously  injures,  tears  down,  or  destroys  any  letter-box, 
pillar-box,  or  other  recei)tacle  established  by  the  Postmaster  General 
for  the  safe  deposit  of  matter  for  the  mail  or  for  delivery,  or  who  will- 
fully and  maliciously  assaults  any  letter-carrier,  when  in  uniform,  while 
engaged  on  his  route  in  tlie  discharge  of  his  duty  as  a  letter-carrier,  and 
every  x^erson  who  willfully  aids  or  assists  therein,  shall  for  every  such 
offense  be  punishable  by  a  tine  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars, 
and  not  more  than  one  thousand,  or  by  imprisonment  for  not  less  than 
one  year  and  not  more  than  tliree,     (K.  S.,  §3S()0.) 

Sec.  335.  Carriers  must  report  Injuries  to  Street  Mailing-boxes. — Carriers 
will  report  to  the  postmaster  the  commission  of  any  of  the  offenses  ])rovided  against 
in  tlic  preceding  section  which  may  come  to  their  knowledge,  who,  if  ho  deems  it  of 
sufficient  importance,  Avill  confer  with  the  United  States  attorney  and  take  such  steps 
as  he  may  advise. 

Sec.  336.  Establishment  of  Branch  Post-offices. — The  Postmaster-General, 
wheh  the  public  convenience  reciuircs  it,  may  cstabHsli  within  any  post- 
office  delivery  one  or  more  branch  ollices  for  the  receipt  and  (Unlivery  of 
mail-matter  and  the  sale  of  stamps  and  envelopes;  and  he  shall  prescribe 
the  rules  and  regulations  for  the  government  thereof.  IJut  no  letter 
shall  be  sent  for  delivery  to  any  branch  office  contrary  to  the  request  of 
the  party  to  whom  it  is  addressed.     (K.  S.,  3871.) 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES   AND    POSTMASTERS.  f)9 

Sec.  337.  No  Carriers'  Fee  permitted. — Xo  extra  postage  or  carrier-s'  fee 
sliall  be  charged  or  collected  upon  any  mail-matter  collected  or  deliv- 
ered l»y  ciirriers.     (K.  S.,  §  ;{87;i) 

Sec.  338.  The  general  Delivery  to  be  Discouraged. —  i'ersons  calling  at  the 

stations  for  tlii-ir  iiiiiils  iiuist  be  reqiu'stcd  to  leave  tluir  adilress,  and  infornu-d  that 
their  letters  will  he  promptly  sent  to  them  by  carrier,  free  of  charge.  But  as  inst.inces 
may  ocenr  in  which  this  rnle  might  work  great  inconvenience,  the  .snperintendtuit, 
or,  in  his  absence,  the  officer  in  charge,  may  in  .such  cases  deliver  lettere  to  the  party 

calling.  • 

Sec.  339.  Accounts  at  Carrier  Post-offices. — All  exi)eu.ses  of  letter-carriers, 
branch  offices,  and  receiving-boxes,  or  incident  thereto,  shall  be  kept 
and  reported  in  a  separate  acconnt,  and  .shall  be  shown  in  comparison 
with  the  i)roceeds  from  postage  on  local  mail-matter  at  each  office,  and 
the  Postmaster-General  shall  be  guided  in  the  expenditures  for  this 
branch  of  the  service  by  the  income  derived  therefrom.     (K.  S.,  §  3S74.) 

Sec.  340.  Postmasters'  reports  of  Operations. — Postmasters  must  forward 
a  re])ort  of  the  operations  of  the  carrier  system,  as  required  by  the  preceding  section, 
as  early  after  the  close  of  each  month  as  practicable,  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General.     The  blanks  furnished  for  this  purpose  must  be  used. 

Sec.  341.   Postmasters'  Reports  of  Expenses. — Postmasters  \vill  report 

([uartcrly  to  the  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department,  and  nu)nthly 
to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  on  blanks  furnished  by  the  Department, 
the  several  items  of  expense  enumerated  in  section  33^.  The  pay-roll  of  letter-carriers, 
and  the  account  of  incidental  expenses  of  the  system,  must  be  promptly  transmitted  to 
the  Auditor  at  the  close  of  each  quarter,  accompanied  by  a  voucher  for  eaih  bill  paid, 
together  with  an  affidavit  that  the  expenditures  were  necessary,  and  the  prices  ])aid 
reasonable.  The  carriers'  pay-roll  must  state  the  names  of  the  substitute  carriers  (other 
than  those  appointed  by  the  Department),  or  carriers  emjiloyed  temporarily,  for  whom 
and  how  long  they  served,  the  necessity  for  their  employment,  and  the  amount  paid 
them,  with  a  voucher  for  each  payment. 

Sec.  342.  Rules  for  Delivery  of  Matter. — The  mails  must  be  assorted  and 

the  carriers  started  on  their  first  daily  trip  as  early  as  practicable.  Mail-matter 
directed  to  box-numbers  must  be  «lelivered  through  the  boxes.  Mail-matter  directed 
to  street  and  number  must  be  delivered  by  carriers,  unless  otherwise  directed.  Mail- 
matter  directed  neither  to  a  box-holder  nor  to  a  street  and  uuni1)er.  nnist  be  delivered 
by  carrier  if  its  address  is  known  or  can  be  ascertained  from  the  city  directory  ;  other- 
wise, at  the  general  delivery. 

Sec.  343.  Matter  not  to  be  Delivered  at  Unoccupied  Premises. — Carriers 
must  not  deliver  letters  in  boxes  or  other  receptacles  at  premises  not  occupied,  in 
whole  or  in  part,  by  the  persons  to  whom  the  letters  are  addressed,  except  by  the 
special  order  of  the  postmaster. 

Sec.  344.  Matter  not  to  be  Delivered  in  the  Street. — A  mail-carrier  is  for- 

bid(U'n  to  deliver  mail-matter  in  the  streets,  even  to  the  owners,  but  nnist  deliver  all 
matter  at  the  houses  to  wliitdi  it  is  addressed. 

Sec.  345.  Transient  or  ♦'  to-be-called-for  "  letters,  how  treated. — Letters 
having  as  a  part  of  their  address  the  words  "transient,"  "to  be  called  for,"  or  other 
words  indicating  that  they  are  intended  for  transient  pei'sous,  mn.st  be  sent  to  the  gen- 
eral delivery,  to  be  delivered  on  application  after  proper  identification.  Letters  so 
directed  shall  not  be  delivered  by  letter-cariiers  unless  on  an  order  from  the  party 
addressed.  Other  letters  without  street  and  number  or  box  number,  shall  be  consid- 
ered as  transient,  and  sent  to  the  general  delivery,  unless  addressed  to  some  person 
whose  address  is  known  to  the  distributingclerks  or  to  the  carriers.     While  trial  search, 


100  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

by  directory  or  otherwise,  is  being  made,  tbe  letter  shall  be  subject  to  inquiry  and 
delivery  through  the  geueral  delivery,  and  should  not  be  delayed  by  taking  it  froni 
the  post-office. 

Sec.  346.  City  Directory  to  be  Used  to  Ascertain  Addresses,  when. — In  cities 

where  a  directory  is  published  it  must  be  used  when  necessary  to  ascertain  the  address 
of  persons  to  whom  letters  are  directed  (and  it  should  also  be  used  in  the  case  of 
transient  newspapers  and  other  matter  of  the  third  and  fourth  classes,  where  the  error 
in  or  omission  of  street  addi'ess  is  evidently  the  result  of  iuadverteuce  or  ignorance) ; 
but  when  circulars,  j)riuted  postal  cards,  or  other  matter  (except  letters)  shall  arrive 
at  any  post-office  in  large  quantities,  which  have  apparently  all  been  sent  by  the  same 
person  or  firm,  and  from  which  the  street  addresses  have  been  purposely  omitted,  the 
directory  need  not  be  used  to  supply  such  omission,  and  all  of  such  cii'culars,  etc., 
which  cannot  be  readily  delivered  through  boxes  or  by  carriers  shall  be  sent  to  gen- 
eral delivery  to  await  call. 

Sec.  347.  Carriers  to  Receive  Letters  for  Mailing. — Carriers  are  reqiiired, 

while  on  their  rouuds,  to  receive  all  letters  prepaid  by  postage-stamps  that  may  be 
handed  to  them  for  mailing,  but  are  strictly  forbidden  to  delay  their  deliveries  bj^ 
waiting  for  STich  letters,  or  to  receive  money  to  pay  postage  on  letters  handed  them 
for  mailing. 

Sec.  348.  What  Carriers  may  not  do. — Carriers  are  forbiddeu  to  deliver 
auy  mailable  matter  which  has  not  passed  through  the  post-office  or  station  with 
which  they  are  connected,  or  to  exhibit  any  mail-matter  intrusted  to  them  (except  on 
the  order  of  the  postmaster  or  some  one  authorized  to  act  for  him)  to  persons  other 
than  those  addressed,  or  to  deviate  from  their  respective  routes,  or  to  carry  letters  in 
their  pockets,  or  to  engage  in  any  business  not  connected  with  this  service  dui-ing 
their  hours  of  business. 

Sec.  349.  Return  of  Undelivered  Matter. — Every  letter  or  package  that 

cannot  be  delivered  shall  be  returned  to  the  post-office  or  station  by  the  carrier,  who 
shall  write  upon  it  the  reason  for  its  non-delivery,  the  initials  of  his  name,  and  the 
number  of  his  district. 

Sec.  350.  Holiday  and  Evening  Delivery. — The  "windows  in  connection 
with  the  carriers'  department  must  be  opened  for  the  delivery  of  mail-matter  diuiug 
office-hours  on  Sundays,  holidays,  and  in  the  evening  after  the  last  street  delivery. 

Sec.  351.  Tests  of  Carriers'  Efficiency. — The  delivery  and  collection  of 

mail-matter  must  be  tested  at  frequent  and  irregular  intervals,  and  carriers  must  be 
held  to  a  strict  accountability  for  any  omissiou  or  neglect  in  these  particulars. 

Sec.  352.  Prompt  and  Frequent  Deliveries  Required. — The  mtmber  of  daily 
delivery  and  collection  trips  by  carriers  must  not  be  reduced  without  the  authorization 
of  the  Department.  Letters  must  l)e  frequently  and  promptly  delivered  by  the  car- 
riers, so  that  citizens  may  have  no  inducement  to  call  at  the  post-office.  Citizens 
supplied  by  carriers  should  be  induced  to  provide  receiving-boxes  at  their  houses  and 
places  of  business. 

Sec.  353.  Limited  Sale  of  Stamps  by  Carriers. — Postmastere  must  not  re- 
quire nor  permit  carriers  to  sell  postage-stamps  or  stamped-envelopes,  except  in  limited 
quantities  ;  but  under  no  circumstances  must  they  delay  their  deliveries  or  collections 
to  make  change. 

Sec.  354.  Branch  Post-offices  or  Postal  Stations. — Application  for  the  estab- 

lisluneut  of  branch  jiosl -offices  or  postal  stations  must  be  nuide  to  the  First  Assistant 
Postniaster-(;eueral,  setting  fcnih  iu  full  tlu^  necessity  ;uid  expeuse  tliereof. 

Sec.  355.  Mails  between  Stations  and  the  General  Post-Office. — The  mails 
from  the  post-office  to  the  stations,  and  return,  must  be  conveyed  with  the  greatest 
])racticnble  dis])atcli,  and  ))y  the  nutst  expeditious  routes. 

Sec.  356.  Advertised  Letters. — The  advertised  list  of  letters  must  desig- 
nate those  remainiug  at  the  post-office,  and  those  remaining  at  each  station.     Such 


TITLE    II I'().ST-OFFICE«    AND    TOSTMASTEKS.  lOl 

letters  must  bo  iltiliverod  wlioii  ciilloil  for,  and  tlio  iiddressoes  iiiforiucd  tliut,  if  tlicy  will 
leave  their  address,  their  letters  will  iu  future  be  promptly  sent  to  them  by  earners, 
fre(>  of  eluujic. 

Sec.  357.  Care  of  Street  Mailing-Boxes. — Street  mailing-boxes  imist  be 

kept  in  repair,  ami  in  a  neat  condition,  and  (irmly  fastened  to  the  post.  A  list  nuist 
1)0  kept  in  tin*  ]U)st-ortice  of  their  number  aTid  loeation. 

Sec.  358.  Postmasters  to  inspect  Stations. — The  .statioii.s  must  be  fre- 

(piently  visited  by  the  postmasti^r,  or  by  some  one  designated  by  him,  who  shall  .see 
that  these  rogulatious  are  enforced,  and  that  proper  order  and  discipline  are  main- 
tained. 

Sec.  359.  Carriers'  Daily  Return  of  Property  and  Mail. — After  the  last  daily 
delivery,  the  carriers  nnist  return  their  satchels,  keys,  and  all  the  mail-matter  they 
cannot  deliver  to  the  i)ost-olhco  or  station  with  which  they  are  connected.  Carriers 
must  bo  held  to  the  strictest  accountability  for  the  keys  to  the  street  mailing-boxes 
intrusted  to  them,  the  loss  of  Avhich  will  be  regarded  as  a  grave  offense,  and  render 
them  liable  to  removal. 

Sec.  360.  Carriers  must  not  return  Deposited  Letters. — Carriers  are  for- 
bidden, under  any  circumstances,  to  return  to  any  person  whatever  letters  deposited 

in  the  street  mailing-boxes. 

Sec.  361.  Delivery  of  Registered  Letters  by  Carriers. — Postmasters  will 

hand  to  the  letter-cari-iers,  for  delivery,  all  registered  letters  (excepting  those  ad- 
dressed to  box-holders),  requiring  them  first  to  sign  their  names  in  the  last  column  of 
the  record-of-registered-matter-received-and-delivered.  The  carriers  will,  on  the  de- 
livery of  every  such  letter,  require  the  i)orsou  receiving  it  to  sign  the  registry-return 
receipt,  and  also  a  receiiit  for  the  same  in  the  carriers'-registry-delivery-book.  Car- 
riers must  exercise  the  ntmost  caution  in  the  delivery  of  these  letters  to  the  party 
addressed,  or  to  some  responsilile  person  whom  they  know  to  be  authorized  to  receive 
them.     See  also  sections  866-870. 

Sec.  362.  Postmasters  to  supervise  Carrier  Service. — Postmasters  will  see 

that  the  superintendents  of  carriers'  stations,  and  the  carriers  and  clerks  connected 
with  this  service,  are  informed  of  the  highly  responsible  character  of  the  duties  re- 
quired of  them.  They  will  issue,  from  time  to  time,  such  orders  and  instructions  as 
may  he  found  necessary  to  carry  out  these  regulations  and  to  maintain  proper  order. 
The  carrier  ilisobeying  such  orders  will  be  reprimanded  by  the  postmaster,  or  reported 
for  removal  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  as  the  case  may  require. 

Sec.  363.  Arrest  of  Persons  found  Tampering  with  Boxes. — Postmasters 

will  arrange  with  the  police  authorities  of  their  several  cities  for  the  arrest  of  all 
persons  iu  citizens'  dress  found  tampering  with  or  collecting  from  the  street  mailing- 
boxes;  also,  of  all  persons  wearing  the  carriers'  uniform  (including  the  carriers), 
found  tampering  with  or  collecting  from  the  boxes  at  other  than  the  usual  and  regu- 
lar colleetion  rounds,  of  which  the  police  authorities  nnist  be  kept  informed. 

Sec.  364.  "Cave  Canem" — "Beware  of  the  Dog." — Carriers  are  not  re- 
quired to  run  the  risk  of  being  bitten  by  dangerous  dogs  in  delivering  mail-matter. 
Persons  keeping  such  dogs  must  call  at  the  post-otfice  for  their  mail,  or  if  they  wish  it 
delivered  at  their  houses,  must  satisfy  the  postmaster  that  it  is  safe  for  the  carrier  to 
so  deliver  it. 

Sec.  365.  Supplies  for  Carrier  Post-Offices. — Street  mailing-boxes,  blank- 
books,  blank-forms,  and  carriers'  satchels  will  be  furnished  on  application  to  the  First 
Assistant  Postmaster-General ;  and  locks  and  keys  for  street  mailing-boxes  on  applica- 
tion to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  All  other  letters  relating  to  this 
branch  of  the  service  must  be  addressed  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  366.  Manner  of  Keeping  Books. — IJlank  books  furnished  for  this 
branch  of  the  service  must  be  conectly  and  neatly  kept  according  to  their  design, 
and  bo  at  all  times  subject  to  examination  by  the  Special  Agents  of  this  Department, 


102 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


CHAPTER  NINE. 

DISTRIBUTION  AND   DISPATCH   OF   ORDINARY    DOMESTIC   MAIL- 
MATTER. 


Sec. 

367.  Postmasters  to  receive  and.   dispatcli  mail 

matter. 

368.  Time  of  closing  the  mail. 

369.  Piefereuce  given  to  letters  over  other  mail- 

matter,  when. 

370.  Penalty  for  unlawfully  detaining  mail-matter. 

371.  Prepaid  matter  to  be  forwarded,  if  requested. 

372.  Erroneously  delivered  redirected  matter  to  be 

forwarded. 

373.  Letters  mailed  under  cover  to  postmasters, 

how  treated. 

374.  Postmasters  to  receipt  for  copyright  matter. 

375.  Postage-stamps  to  be  canceled. 

376.  Eetum-stamps  on  return-postal-cards  and  let- 

ter-enveloj)es. 

377.  Manner  of  canceling  stamps. 

378.  Treatment  of  matter  bearing  canceled  or  im- 

proper stamps. 

379.  All  mail-matter  other  than  second  class  to  be 

postmarked. 

380.  Impressions  to  be  taken  of  the  dated  stamps. 

381.  How  to  secure  legible  stamping. 

382.  Treatment  of  first-class  matter  received  in 

bad  order. 

383.  Distribution  and  dispatch  of  mails. 

384.  INo  changes  except  in  cases  of  emergency. 
38.5,  Distribution  of  mails  by  schemes. 

386.  What  States  should  be  distributed. 

387.  Mail  to  be  ihade  up  by  States. 

388.  Local  mail  for  raih'oad  and  steamboat  lines. 

389.  Other  than  local  mail  sent  to   railroad  and 

steamboat  lines. 


Sec. 

390.  Making  up  local  mail  for  railway  lines. 

391.  Make  direct  packages  for  horse  routes. 

392.  Making  up  mail  beyond  last   post-office  on 

stage  route. 

393.  Letters  for  delivery  and  distribution  in  sepa- 

rate packages. 

394.  Direct  packages. 

395.  Letters  must  not  be  placed  in  pouch  loose. 

396.  Facing  slips  to  be  used. 

397.  Checking  errors. 

398.  Disposition  of  slips  received. 

399.  Absence  of  slips  on  packages  or  in  sacks. 

400.  Slips  and  schemes  furnished. 

401.  Report  of  uuworked  mail  received. 

402.  Report  of  all  irregularities. 

403.  No  through  pouches  by  mail  trains. 

404.  Changes  in  forwarding  mads. 

405.  Hooks  prohibited  in  handling  mail-bags. 

406.  Letters  with  stamps  canceled  not  to  be  re- 

turned. 

407.  Letters  not  to   be  placed  under    straps    of 

pouches. 

408.  Printed  labels  furnished  to  be  returned. 

409.  Application  for  printed  labels. 

410.  Time  of  closing  mails. 
411   Pouches  to  be  examined. 
412.  Mails  stopping  overnight. 

U^  For  instructions  as  to  the  distribution  and 
dispatch  of  registered  matter,  see  Title  V- 

|!y°  Por  instruction  as  to  the  dispatch  of  foreign 
mails,  see  Title  VII. 


Sec.  367.  Postmasters  to  Receive  and  Dispatch  Mail-matter. — Every  post- 
master shall  keep  an  [post]  office  in  which  one  or  more  i)ersons  shall  be  on 
dnty  during  such  hours  of  each  day  as  the  Postmaster-General  may  di- 
rect, for  the  purpose  of  receiving,  delivering,  making  up,  and  forwarding 
all  mail-matter  received  thereat.     (K,  S.,  §  3839.) 

Sec.  368.  Time  of  Closing  the  Mails, — All  letters  brought  to  any  post- 
oflice  half  an  hour  before  the  time  for  the  departure  of  the  mail  shall  be 
forwarded  therein ;  but  at  [post]  offices  where,  in  tlie  opinion  of  the  Post- 
master-General, iiKU'e  time  for  making  up  the  mail  is  recpiired,  he  may 
prescribe  accordingly,  not  e-\cecding  one  liour,     (li.  S.,  §  3840.) 

Sec.  369.  Preference  given  to  Letters  over  other  Mail-matter., — AVhen  the 
amount  of  mail-matter  to  be  carried  on  any  mail-route  is  so  great  as  to 
seriously  retard  the  progress  or  endanger  the  security  of  the  letter-mail, 
or  materially  increase  tlie  cost  of  carriage  at  the  ordinary  rate  of  speed, 
tlie  Postmaster-General  may  provide  for  the  separate  carriage  of  the 
letter-mail  at  the  usual  rate  of  speed ;  but  the  other  mail-matter  shall 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES    AND    TOSTMASTERS.  103 

uot  bo  delayed  any  more  than  is  absolutely  necessary,  liavin;;-  due  re- 
gard to  the  cost  of  expedition  and  the  means  at  his  disposal  for  [affect- 
in(j\  [elVectiu-J  the  sanu'.     (K.  S.,  §  ;'.!l!»4.) 

Sec.  370.  Penalty  for  Unlawfully  Detaining  Mail-matter. — Any  i)ostmaster 
who  shall  unlawfully  detain  in  his  [post]  office  any  letter  or  other  mail- 
matter,  the  postiufi"  of  which  is  not  prohibited  by  law,  with  intent  to 
prevent  the  arrival  and  delivery  of  the  same  to  the  per.son  to  whom  it 
is  addressed,  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  five  hun- 
dred dollars,  and  by  imprisonment  for  not  more  than  six  mouths,  and 
he  shall  be  forcA  er  thereafter  incapable  of  holding  the  ollice  of  post- 
master.    (K.  S.,  §  ;i89(K) 

Sec.  371.  Prepaid  Matter  to  be  Forwarded  if  Requested. — Prepaid  letters 
shall  be  forwarded  from  one  post-oftice  to  another,  at  the  request  of  the 
l»arty  addressed,  without  additional  charge  for  postage.     (R.  S.,  §  3940.) 

All  letters  upon  which  oue  full  rate  of  postage  has  beeu  prepaid  shall,  and  all  other 
fully  prepaid  matter  may  be  forwarded  at  the  request  of  the  party  addressed,  without 
additional  cliarjie  for  ])ostao;p. 

Sec.  372.  Erroneously  Delivered,  Redirected  Matter  to  be  Forwarded. — When 

auy  article  of  mail-matter  is  taken  from  the  post-otfice,  or  delivered  by  a  carrier,  the 
connection  of  the  ])ost-office  has  presumptively  terminated.  If,  however,  such  matter 
shall  nave  been  erroneously  delivered,  or  being  addressed  to  the  care  of  another  per- 
son shall  be  immediately  returned  by  him  redirected,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  post- 
master to  forward  or  redeliver  such  matter  without  extra  charge. 

Sec.  373  Letters  mailed  under  cover  to  Postmaster — how  treated. — Inas- 
much as  by  law  all  first-class  matter  on  which  one  full  rate  of  postage  is  prepaid  must 
be  forwarded,  it  is  the  duty  of  a  postmaster  to  forward  such  mail-matter  which  may 
reach  him  under  cover  from  any  other  post-office  with  or  without  request  to  mail  the 
same.  Before  forwarding  such  matter  he  should  cancel  the  stamps  and  indorse  iu 
writing  on  the  reverse  side  of  such  matter  the  following :  "  Rkceived  at ,  rxDER 

COVER   FRO.^I   THE    POST-OFFICE    AT  .  TO   BE   FORWARDED   IX   THE   MAIL." 

Sec.  374.  Postmasters  to  Receipt  for  Copyright  Matter. — The  postmaster  to 
whom  any  \such]  copyright  book,  title,  or  other  article  is  delivered,  shall,  if 
requested,  give  a  receipt  therefor ;  and  when  so  delivered  he  shall  mail  it 
to  its  destination.    (R.  S.,  §  4901.) 

Sec.  375.  Postage-stamps  to  be  Canceled. — Postage-stamps  affixed  to  all 
maU-matter  or  the  stamjied  envelopes  iu  which  the  same  is  inclosed 
shall,  Avhen  deposited  for  mailing  or  delivery,  be  defaced  by  the  post- 
master at  the  mailing  [i^ostj  office,  in  such  manner  as  the  Postmaster- 
General  may  direct ;  and  if  any  mail-matter  shall  be  forwarded  without 
the  stamps  or  envelopes  being  so  defaced,  the  postmaster  at  the  office  of 
delivery  shall  deface  them,  and  report  the  deUnquent  postmaster  to  the 
Postmaster-General.     (R.  S.,  §  3921.) 

Sec.  376.  Return  Stamps  on  Postal-cards  and  Letter-envelopes. — Should  re- 
turn postal  cards  and  return  letter  envelopes  be  issued  by  the  Department,  the retitru 
stamps  must  not  be  canceled  until  the  matter  is  deposited  in  some  post-office  for  re- 
turn to  the  sender.     See  section  143. 

Sec.  377.  Manner  of  Canceling  Stamps. — The  cancellation  or  defacing 

required  by  section  375  must  be  ettected  by  the  use  of  black  printing-ink,  wherever  that 
material  can  be  obtained;  and  where  it  cannot,  the  operation  should  be  performed 


104  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

by  making  several  heavy  crosses  or  parallel  lines  upon  each  stamp,  with  a  pen  dippe.i 
in  good  black  writing-ink.  The  use  of  the  office  rating  or  postmarking  stamp  as  a 
canceling  instrument  is  positively  prohibited,  inasmuch  as  the  postmark,  when  im- 
pressed on  the  postage-stamj),  is  usually  indistinct,  and  the  cancellation  effected 
therelty  is  imperfect. 

See.  378.  Treatment  of  Matter  Bearing  Canceled  or  Improper  Stamps. — 
When  matter  bearing  previously-used  stamps  is  deposited  for  mailing,  and  the  post- 
master can  identify  the  mailing  party  without  violating  the  seal  of  such  matter,  it  is 
his  duty  to  bring  the  case  to  the  notice  of  the  United  States  district  attorney,  that 
the  offender  may  be  prosecuted.  If  the  person  mailing  such  matter  cannot  be  identi- 
fied as  above,  then  it  should  be  treated  as  held  for  postage.  Mail-matter  bearing 
stamps  other  than  postage-stamps,  or  stamps  cut  from  stamped  envelopes,  newspaper 
wrappers,  or  from  postal  cards,  should  be  treated  as  held  for  postage.  Mutilated 
stamps  and  fractional  x>arts  of  postage-stamps  and  postage-due  stamps  cannot  be 
recognized  in  prepayment  of  postage.  For  exam^de,  a  letter  or  package  to  which  one 
two-cent  stamp  and  the  half  of  another  two-cent  stamp  are  affixed  cannot  be  consid- 
ered as  having  been  iirepaid  three  cents,  but  only  two  cents ;  and  a  letter  or  package 
on  which  eighteen  cents  postage  is  chargeable  cannot  be  prepaid  in  full  by  affixing  a 
six-cent  stamp  and  the  half  of  a  twenty-four-cent  stamp. 

Sec.  379.  All  Mail-matter  other  than  Second  Class  to  be  Postmarked. — All 
mailable  matter  (except  that  of  tlie  second  class)  deposited  in  any  post-office  for  mail- 
ing or  delivery  must  bear  a  postmark  giving  the  name  of  the  post-office  and  an  abbre- 
viation of  the  name  of  the  State  (and  on  first-class  matter  the  date  of  deposit);  and 
all  letters  received  from  other  offices  or  post-offices  for  delivery  or  for  redistribution  to 
other  offices  or  post-offices  must  be  postmarked  on  the  reverse  side,  ■with  the  date  and, 
when  possible,  the  hour  on  which  they  are  received.  But  in  the  case  of  packages  of 
letters  from  other  offices  or  post-offices,  received  to  be  forwarded  intact  to  the  post- 
offices  of  final  destination,  the  facing-slips  only  will  be  postmarked  at  the  post-offices 
through  which  they  pass.  Missent  matter  of  any  class,  received  at  any  post-office, 
must  be  postmarked  Avith  the  date  of  receipt  before  the  same  is  forwarded  to  its  i^roper 
destination.  First-class  post-offices  may  be  exempted  from  the  operations  of  this  sec- 
tion if  upon  evidence  satisfactory  to  the  Postmaster-General  they  shall  show  it  to  be 
impracticable  to  comply  with  its  provisions. 

Sec.  380.  Impressions  to  be  taken  of  the  Dated  Stamp. — The  figures  of  the 

dated  stamp  must  be  carefully  adjusted  at  the  beginning  of  each  day;  and  as  soon  as 
this  has  been  done,  a  clear  impression  must  be  made  in  a  book  specially  provided  for 
the  purjjose,  so  as  to  afford  evidence  of  the  coiTect  discharge  of  this  duty :  special 
care  must  be  taken  not  to  omit  the  Sunday  impression  of  the  stamp.  If  the  stamp  is 
fitted  with  letters  and  figures  indicating  the  hour  at  which  any  let-ter  amves  or  in  dis- 
patched, care  must  be  taken  to  change  them  punctually  at  the  ai)pointed  periods.  If 
this  is  not  done,  the  postmaster  maj'  often  be  blamed  for  a  delay  which  has  not  occurred 
at  his  post-office.  An  impression  must  be  made  in  the  book  provided  of  every  dated 
stamp  used  T)y  the  jiostmaster  throughout  the  day,  and  each  impression  should  be 
taken  iuunediately  a  change  is  made  either  in  the  date  or  hour. 

Sec.  381.  How  to  secure  Legible  Stamping.     It  is  necessary,  not  only  that 

the  impression  of  every  official  stamp  should  bo  legible,  but  that  it  should  be  perfect 
in  every  particular;  so  that  each  letter  and  figure  of  the  stamp  maybe  quite  clear. 
To  effect  this,  attention  must  be  paid  to  the  following  points:  The  stamp  must  bo  kept 
perfectly  clean,  which  may  be  done  most  effectually  by  brushing  it  with  a  brush  slightly 
wetted  and  dipped  in  powdered  potash  or  soda.  Typo  which  has  been  used  must  be 
cleaned  before  it  is  replaced  in  the  box.  The  stamp  should  bo  held  firndy  in  the  hand 
and  struck  upon  the  letter  with  a  light  sharp  Idow;  care  being  taken  not  to  let  the 
stamp  fall  upon  the  inipression  made  at  another  post-office.  It  is  in  the  power  of  any 
person,  by  attention  and  [)ractice,  to  become  a  good  and  rapid  8tani]>or. 

Sec.  382.  Treatment  of  First-class  Matter  received  in  bad  order — All  mail- 


TITLE    II I'OST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  105 

matter  of  the  first  class  deposited  in  or  received  at  any  i)ost-iit1iie  unsealed  or  in   a 
mutilated  or  otlierwiee  bad  condition  must  be  stamped  or  marked  with  the  name  of 
the  post-office,  date,  and  the  words  •' Received  unsealed"  or  "Received  in  bad  order," 
as  the  (iise  may  be,  and  bo  resoaled  before  beiufj  forwarded  or  delivered. 
Sec.  383.  Distribution  and  Dispatch  of  Mails.— In  the  distribution  and 

<lisiiat(h  of  in.iils.  all  i)()stmasters  will  be  <;()venied  by  orders  from  the  General 
Superintendent  of  Rnilway  Mail  Service,  or  from  the  Division  Superintendent  of  rail- 
way mail  service  acting  under  him,  excepting  foreign  mails  outward  from  exchange 
liost-ollices,  which  are  under  the  control  of  the  Suiierintendent  of  Foreign  Mails.  In 
the  absence  of  other  instructions,  every  postmaster  whose  po.st-oflice  is  situated  upon 
a  railroad,  will  mail  all  matter  direct  to  the  ears,  unless  it  be  addressed  to  post- 
offices  directly  connected  with  his  own  by  star  or  steamboat  routes.  Postmasters  at 
other  post-offices  will  mail  to  the  nearest  post-office  upon  a  railroad  all  matter  which 
cannot  be  sent  direct  to  its  destination  by  star  or  steamboat  route.     See  section  707. 

Sec.  384.  No  Changes  except  in  Emergency. — i^o  change  in  distribution 
or  dispatch  must  be  made  wdthout  lirst  obtaining  such  an  order,  except  in  cases  of 
enun-gency ;  and  in  all  such  cases  an  immediate  report,  giving  the  reasons  for  such 
change,  nuist  T>e  made  to  the  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service  for  the  division 
in  which  the  post-office  may  be  situated. 

Sec.  385.  Distribution  of  Mails  by  Schemes.— Postmasters  will  carefully 

distribute  and  make  up  mails  by  the  official  schemes  which  may  be  furnished  them, 
and  will  conform  to  any  changes  that  may  be  made  in  same  by  the  Suiierintendent  of 
the  Division,  and  will  make  up  and  exchange  only  such  pouches  as  may  be  ordered  by 
him.  But  such  post-offices  may  be  excepted  from  the  requirements  of  this  section  as 
the  General  Su])eri7itendent  may  direct. 

Sec.  386.  What  States  should  be  Distributed.— A  distribution  or  separa- 
tion should  be  made  of  mail  only  for  such  States  or  portions  of  States  as  can  be  ad- 
vanced or  expedited  by  reason  of  such  distribution. 

Sec.  387.  Mail  to  be  made  up  by  States. — All  mail  for  States  of  which  no 

distribution  is  made  must  be  made  up  "by  States"  (and  facing-slips  used,  in  accord- 
ance with  section  896);  that  is,  letter  and  circular  mail  for  each  State  must  be  made 
up  in  packages,  and  newspaper  mail  in  canvas  sacks,  by  itself,  and  the  name  of  the 
State  marked  on  the  slip  covering  the  package  or  tag  attached  to  the  sack. 

Sec.  388.  Local  Mail  for  Railroad  and  Steamboat  Lines. — Mail  to  be  for- 
warded to  local  post-offices  on  railroad  or  steamboat  lines  should  Ite  made  up  in  pack- 
ages, addressed  to  the  proper  railway  or  steamboat  office,  and  containing  only  the  local 
mail  8U])])lied  by  that  line,  as  given  in  the  official  schemes. 

Sec.  389.  Other  than  Local  Mail  Sent  to  Railroad  and  Steamboat  Lines. — All 
other  mail,  not  local,  sent  to  or  via  such  lines,  should  bo  nuide  by  States,  if  sitfflcient 
to  do  so,  and  if  not,  then  put  all  in  one  package,  addressed  with  the  name  of  the  rail- 
way (or  steamboat)  office  in  whose  pouch  it  is  forwarded,  adding  "State  of ,"  to 

indicate  that  it  contains  other  than  local. 

Sec.  390.  Making  up  Local  Mail  for  Railway  Lines. — Post-offices  on  railroad 
lines,  in  making  up  local  mail  for  such  line,  will  make  two  packages,  one  for  the  train 
going  north  or  south,  east  or  Avest,  as  the  case  may  be,  and,  in  addressing  the  pack- 
ages, will  add  the  direction  in  which  it  is  intended  to  be  sent. 

Sec.  391.  Make  Direct  Packages  for  Horse-routes. — In  making  up  mail  to 
be  forwarded  by  a  horse  or  stage  route,  a  direct  package  should  be  tied  out  for  each 
post-office,  including  the  last  one,  on  such  route,  so  as  to  facilitate  the  handling  of  the 
mail  by  the  intermediate  post-otlices. 

Sec.  392.  Making  up  Mail  beyond  last  Post-office  on  Stage-route. — Mail 

from  a  post-office  on  and  to  be  forwarded  by  a  horse  or  stage  route  and  beyond  the 
last  post-office  on  such  route,  should  be  made  up  "  by  States,"  as  far  as  i)ossible,  or  if 


106  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

uot  sufficient  to  do  so,  then  in  one  package,  marking  the  name  of  such  hist  post-office 
on  the  slip  covering  the  same  and  adding  the  abbreviation  "Dis.,"  to  indicate  that 
the  package  is  for  distribution. 

Sec.  393.  Letters  for  Delivery  and  Distribution  in  Separate  Packages. — Let- 
ter and  circular  mail  for  delivery  and  mail  for  distribution  at  a  post-office  must  alwaj^s 
be  made  up  in  separate  packages. 

Sec.  394.  Direct  Packages. — Making  a  direct  package  is  placing  all  let- 
ters for  one  post-office  in  a  package  by  themselves,  with  a  plainly-addressed  letter  for 
such  post-office  faced  out  on  each  side. 

Sec.  395.  Letters  must  not  be  placed  in  Pouch  Loose. — Letter  and  circular 

mail  must  always  be  properly  "  faced  up  "  and  tied  in  packages,  and  never  placed  in 
the  pouch  loose. 

Sec.  396.  Facing-slips  to  be  used. — Facing-slips  must  be  placed  upon  aU 

packages  of  letters  and  circulars,  and  in  each  canvas  sack  of  newspapers,  the  same  to 
be  securely  tied  on  the  package,  or  if  newspapers,  placed  in  the  sack,  and  have  on 
each  the  address  or  destination  of  the  package  or  sack,  the  post-mark,  with  date  and 
time  of  close  or  dispatch,  and  the  name  of  the  person  making  up  the  same. 

Sec.  397.  Checking  Errors. — All  errors  found  in  the  distribution  of  a 
package  of  letters  or  in  a  sack  of  newspapers  must  be  noted  on  the  reverse  side  of  the 
slip  covering  or  inside  of  the  same,  giving  the  name  of  the  post-office  and  State,  and 
the  county,  when  included  in  the  superscription,  adding  thereto  the  name  of  the  per- 
son noting  the  errors,  and  postmark  with  date. 

Sec.  398.  Disposition  of  Slips  received. — All  slips  received  upon  packages 
of  letter  or  circular  mail  or  in  sacks  of  newspaper  mail  must  be  preserved  and  for- 
warded to  the  Division  Superintendent.  First  and  second  class  post-offices  will  for- 
ward such  slips  daily,  and  all  other  post-offices  at  the  end  of  each  week.  SUps  ou 
which  errors  are  checked  should  be  forwarded  in  sealed  official  penalty-envelopes. 

Sec.  399.  Absence  of  Slips  on  Packages  or  in  Sacks. — If  no  slips  are  re- 
ceived on  the  packages  or  in  sacks,  notify  Division  Superintendents,  stating,  if  possible, 
the  office  or  post-office  from  which  the  mail  was  received,  and  if  newspaper  mail, 
forward  the  label  received  on  the  sack. 

Sec.  400.  Slips  and  Schemes  furnished. — Postmasters  can  obtain  facing- 
slips  from  the  Superintendent  Railway  Mail  Service  in  whose  division  their  post-offices 
are  located ;  also,  official  schemes  of  distribution,  or  any  information  relating  to  the 
same. 

Sec.  401.  Report  of  Unworked  Mail  received. — Postmasters  will  report  to 

the  Di\-ision  Superintendent  all  mail  sent  to  their  post-offices  which  should  have  been 
distributed  and  made  up  by  railway  mail  employes,  forwarding  with  report  the  slips 
covering  the  same,  or  if  newspaper  mail,  the  labels  received  on  the  sacks. 

Sec.  402.  Report  of  all  Irregularities. — They  will  also  promptly  report 

to  the  Division  Superintendent  any  and  all  irregularities  in  the  receipt  of  mails  for 
or  at  their  post-offices,  and  any  other  irregularity  aflfecting  the  proper  dispatch  or  for- 
warding of  nuiils  which  may  be  brought  to  their  attention. 

Sec.  403.  No  Through  Pouches  by  Mail-trains Postmasters  will  not  make 

any  through  iioiiclics  to  l)e  forwarded  by  mail-trains  unless  specially  instructed  to  do 
so.     The  mail  sliould  be  jjroperly  made  up  and  placed  in  tlui  pouch  for  the  railway  mail 
employ^. 
Sec.  404.  Changes  in  Forwarding  Mails. — Any  changes  which  i)ostinasters 

thiuk  should  be  made  in  the  for\var<liiig  of  mail  from  their  post-othces  should  bo  re- 
ported to  the  Division  Suix'rinteiident  for  att(>nti()u. 

Sec.  405.  Hooks  prohibited  in  Handling  Mail-bags. — The  use  of  hooks  in 

liandling  jjiail-bags  is  forbidden. 


TITLE    II I'OS'I'-OFFICKS    AND    POSTMASTKKS.  1()7 

Sec.  406.  Letters  with  Stamps  canceled  not  to  be  returned. — After  cancel- 
ing: the  stiinips  a  jiostm.istcr  iiiiisf  not  rctnrii  the;  letter  to  the  jxji-son  ninilin^  it  for 
liini  to  take  to  tlic  train.  It  ninst  he  forwarded  in  the  i)on(li,  as  railway  mail  eni- 
))loyt^s  are  jirohihited  Ironi  reeeivinjf  it;  and  any  person  offering;  Hneh  letter  to  an 
eni])li>y('-  for  iii.iillM,^  is  niiilty  oC  a  iriisili'nir;nior  iindci-  the  law.     See  section  Ti.Vi. 

Sec.  407.  Letters  not  to  be  placed  under  Strap  of  Pouches. — After  ])()uches 

are  closed  and  dispatched  from  a  post-ollieo  lettei's  must  not  Ini  placed  nnder  the  strap 
or  attached  to  the  outside  of  the  ])ouch.  If  this  is  done  at  the  depot  inform  the  mail 
messenj;er,  and  have  the  practice  discontinued. 

Sec.  408.  Printed  Labels  furnished  to  be  Returned. — Printed  wooden  labels 

for  sacks  of  newspaper  mail  and  i)rinted  slide-labels  for  pouches  must  he  taken  oif 
when  the  sacks  or  pouches  are  opened,  and  returned  by  first  mail  to  the  i)()st-o(hce  or 
lino  from  which  they  were  received,  the  wooden  lal>ols  to  be  classed  with  newspaper 
mail  and  the  slide-labels  as  letter  mail.  Under  no  circumstances  are  auy  of  such  labels 
to  be  defaced  or  destroyed. 

Sec.  409.   Application  for  Printed  Labels. — Postmasters   will  send  to 

Division  .Superiuteudeut  lists  of  such  printed  wooden  or  slide  labels  as  may  be  needed 
for  vise  at  their  post-offices. 

Sec.  410.  Time  of  Closing  Mails. — Mails  at  first-class  post-ofiices  are  to 

he  closed  not  more  than  one  hour  aud  at  all  other  offices  not  more  than  half  an  hour 
before  the  schedule  time  of  departure  of  trains,  unless  such  departure  is  betweeu  the 
hours  of  9  p.  m.  and  5  a.  m.,  when  they  can  be  closed  at  9  p.  m.  The  jjost-office  at 
New  York  City  is  excepted  from  the  requirement  of  this  section. 

Sec.  411.  Pouches  to  be  examined. — When  a  pouch  or  canvas  is  opened 

it  should  be  carefully  examined  to  see  that  no  mail  is  left  therein. 

Sec.  412.  Mail  stopping  overnight — When  the  mail  stops  overnight 
where  there  is  a  post-ofilice,  it  must  he  kept  in  the  post-office,  except  at  points  where 
otherwise  ordered  by  the  Departmeut. 


CHAPTER    TEN. 

SUPERINTENDENTS  OF  MAILS  AT  POST-OFFICES  OF  THE  FIRST  AND 

SECOND  CLASS. 

Sec.  Sec. 

413.  Appointmeut  of   Superiutenilents  of  Mails.  |  416.  Examination  of  slips. 

414.  General  duties  of  Superintendents  of  Mails.  ;  417.  Postmasters  to  be  furnished  witli  tho  record. 

415.  Kecord  and  report  of  errors  in  distribution.  | 

Sec.  413.  Appointment  of  Superintendent  of  Mails. — The  General  Super- 
intendent of  the  Railway  Mail  Servict;  of  the  Post-Office  Department  shall  designate 
post-offices  of  the  tirst  and  second  classes  at  which  clerks  shall  be  appointed  to  super- 
inteiul  the  distributicm  of  mails,  and  to  bo  known  by  the  title  of  "  Supeiintendeut  of 
Mails,"  who  shall  be  appointed  upon  the  nomination  of  said  General  Superiuteudeut 
of  Railway  ilail  Service,  approved  by  the  rostnKister-C4eneral. 

Sec.  414.  General  Duties  of  Superintendents  of  Mails. — Where  superin- 

tendeuts  of  mails  are  designated,  they  will  have  entire  charge  of  tho  distribution  and 
dispatch  of  all  mails  at  such  post-offices.  They  will  see  that  tho  distribution  of  the 
post-office  is  done  in  accordance  with  the  latest  official  schemes ;  that  such  schemes 
are  kept  corrected  to  date,  as  per  changes  issued  by  Division  Superintendents ;  that 
case  examiuations  of  distributing  clerks  on  the  official  schemes  of  distribution  are 
kept  up. 


108  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  415.  Record  and  Report  of  Errors  in  Distribution. — Siiperiuteudeiits  of 

mails  will  keep  a  record  of  the  errors  made  by  each  distributing  clerk  in  a  post. office 
and  report  the  same  to  the  postmaster  at  the  end  of  each  month,  or  oftener,  if  he 
desires.     He  Avill  also  report  all  case  examinations  had  in  like  manner. 

Sec.  416.  Examination  of  Slips. — Superintendents  of  mails  will  examine 
the  slips  on  which  errors  in  distribution  hav^e  been  noted,  returned  to  the  post-office 
by  the  Division  Superintendent,  and  will,  after  making  a  record  of  the  same,  retiirn 
them  to  the  clerks  by  whom  the  distril)ution  was  made. 

Sec.  417.  Postmasters  to  be  Furnished  With  the  Record  of  Errors. — The 
superintendent  of  mails  must  work  in  harmony  with  the  other  departments  of  the 
post-office  at  which  he  is  designated,  and  endeavor  by  every  means  to  promote  its  effi- 
ciency as  Avell  as  that  of  the  service.  He  will  also  keep  the  postmaster  advised  of  the 
record  both  of  errors  in  distribution  and  of  the  result  of  case  examinations,  as  well 
as  the  general  efficiency  of  each  clerk  under  his  supervision. 


CHAPTER  ELEVEN. 

CASE  EXAMINATION  OF  POST-OFFICE  CLERKS. 

Sec.  I  Sec. 

418.  Case  ex.aminations  of  distributing  clerks.  423.  Slips  witli  errors  noted  to  be  compared  wiMi 

419.  N.ature  of  case  ex.aminations.  schemes. 

420.  Verbal  examination  of  clerks.  424.  Monthly  reports  of  case  examinations. 

421.  Postmasters'  order-hook.  425.  Incompetent   distributing  clerks   to  he   re- 

422.  Orders  to  be  signed  by  clerks.  I              moved. 

Sec.  418.  Case  Examinations  of  Distributing  Clerks. — With  the  view  of 
having  distributing  clerks  become  familiar  with  schemes  of  distribution,  and  thereby 
increase  their  knowledge  of  the  distribution  as  well  as  the  efficiency  of  the  service,  post- 
masters at  first  and  second  class  post-offices  will  require  distributing  clerks  in  their 
post-offices  to  be  examined  from  time  to  time  on  schemes  of  such  States  as  are  required 
to  be  distributed  at  their  post-offices. 

Sec.  419.  Nature  of  Case  Examinations. — These  examinations  will  consist 
of  the  distribution,  from  memory,  and  into  a  case  for  that  purpose,  of  cards,  representing 
the  counties  or  post-offices  of  any  State  of  which  distribution  is  made,  and  in  accord- 
ance with  the  official  schemes.  After  the  cards  have  been  distributed  they  nuist  bo 
examined  l)y  some  person  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  distribution  of  such  State. 

Sec.  420.  Verbal  Examination  of  Clerks. — Clerks  should  also  be  sharply 

questioned  as  to  the  proper  routes  to  which  mails  are  dispatched  from  their  post-offices 
after  they  are  made  up,  and  also  respecting  such  orders  relating  to  tlio  making  up  and 
dispatch  of  mails  as  may  have,  from  time  to  time,  been  given  them. 

Sec.  421.  Postmasters'  Order-Book. — Postmasters  at  first  and  second  class 

post-offices  will  keep  an  order-book,  in  which  all  orders  relating  to  the  making  up 
and  dispatch  of  mails  at  their  post-offices,  all  official  cluuiges  in  schemes  which  are 
received  from  Division  Supcriutcndont,  are  to  be  inserted  by  record  or  otherwise,  and 
require  distributing  clerks  to  ex.amine  the  s.ame  daily. 

Sec.  422.  Orders  to  be  Signed  by  Clerks. — Each  order  should  be  signed  by 

all  the  distri))nting  chu'lvs  .as  an  indication  that  it  has  been  oxamini'd. 

Sec.  423.  Slips  with  Errors  noted  to  be  Compared  with  Schemes. — All  slips 
on  which  errors  are  noted  which  have  been  returned  to  the  postmaster  by  the  Division 
Superintendent  must  be  carefully  compared  with  the  schemes  and  orders  by  which  the 
distribution  was  made  and  a  record  kept  of  the  same,  the  slips  being  returned  to  the 
clerk  making  such  distribution. 


TITLE    II I'OST-OFFICES    AND    TOSTMASTERS. 


10!) 


Sec.  424.  Monthly  Reports  of  Case  Examinations. — A  report  inu.st  be  made 

at  the  end  of  «.':icli  inontli  to  tlit;  Gt-iienil  SiipiTintciulcut  of  tlio  Kaihvay  Mail  Service 
for  thi>  iiit'orination  of  tlit^  Di'j>artiii('nt,  of  tin-  result  of  all  cii,si»  cxaiiiiiiations  ami  the 
record  of  errors  of  each  dislril>unii;j;-c!crk  in  the  iHi.st-ollice. 

Sec.  425.  Incompetent  Distributing-clerks  to  be  Removed. — \\'lien  tlic  rec- 
ord of  case  examinations  and  errors  made  in  the  distribution  and  forwarding  of  the 
mails  by  any  clerk  iu  the  post-office  is  l)elow  what  is  required  for  the  correct  perform- 
ance of  such  duties,  snch  clerk  must  not  be  continued  in  that  position,  but  a  more 
competeut  jiersou  must  be  assigned  to  the  i)lace. 


CHAPTER    TWELVE. 

RECEIVING  AND  DISPATCHING  MAILS  AT  CATCHER  POST-OFFICES. 


Sec. 

426.  Cranes  aud  catcher-pouches. 

427.  How  to  preiuire  pouches  and  hang  them  on 

the  crane. 

428.  Catcher-pouches  to  he  used  for  no  other  pur- 

Ijose. 


Sec. 

429.  Only  fifty  pounds  of  mail  allowed  in  catcher- 

pouches. 

430.  Special  instructions  to  xwstmasters  served  hy 

catchers. 


Sec.  426.  Cranes  and  Catcher-Pouchers. — For  the  piirijose  of  exchanging 

mails  at  certain  way  aud  flag  .stations  between  the  post-offices  at  these  places  and  the 
railway  offices,  without  an  abatement  or  loss  of  speed  of  the  train,  the  Post-Office 
Department  has  introduced  the  use  of  a  "mail-catcher,"  causing  the  erection  at  each 
of  such  stations  of  a  "  crane"  on  which  the  pouch  to  be  exchanged  by  the  postmasters 
is  to  be  hung,  and  has  furnished  a  supply  of  canvas  pouches  with  rings  attached  to 
both  top  and  bottom,  and  strap  with  buckle  attached  to  the  center;  these  pouches  to 
be  used  only  in  making  such  exchanges. 

Sec.  427.  How  to  Prepare  Pouches  and  Hang  them  on  the  Crane. — 1st.  The 

pouch  or  mail-bag  should  be  prepared  iu  the 
following  manner.  If  only  a  small  mail  is  to 
lie  sent  let  it  remain  in  the  bottom  of  the 
pouch,  but  if  a  large  mail  is  to  be  sent  di- 
vide it,  put  part  in  the  top,  but  most  in  the 
bottom..  Buckle  the  strap  around  the  center 
of  pouch  M.  In  case  the  strap  is  gone,  tie 
the  middle  of  the  pouch,  as  seen  iu  the  dia- 
gram. It  is  worse  than  useless  to  haug  up  a 
bag  crammed  full  like  a  bag  of  grain. 

2d.  Haug  the  bottom  of  the  pouch  on  the 
upper  iron  S  of  the  crane  A,  turn  all  directly 
to  the  track,  then  lift  lower  arm  B  and  place 
the  iron  S  iu  the  ring  of  the  pouch,  slip  the 
socket  down  the  stem  until  there  is  sufficieut 
strain  on  the  jiouch  to  hold  it  from  blowing 
down.  If  a  strong  wind  is  blowing,  tie  the 
pouch  to  the  two  irons  S,  by  the  rings,  with 
one  strand  of  ordinary  post-office  twine. 
Hang  the  pouch  lock  end  down. 

3d.  \Yhen  the  service  occurs  in  the  night,  or  between  suuset  and  snurise,  haug  a 
light  on  or  near  the  crane.     This  is  important. 

Sec.  428.  Catcher-pouches  to  be  Used  for  no  other  Purpose. — These  canvas 


110 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


pouches  were  manufactured  expressly  and  only  for  such  exchanges,  and  must  be  used 
for  no  other  purj^ose.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  that  a  prompt  and  regular  exchange 
of  the  same  pouches  be  always  kept  up,  and  employes  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service  are 
instructed  to  report  to  their  Division  Superintendent  every  case  where  a  postmaster 
fails  to  return  to  the  railway  office  the  pouch  last  given  him. 

Sec.  429.  Only  Fifty  Pounds  of  Mail  allowed  in  Catcher-pouches. — The  catch- 
ers are  especially  designed  to  take  on  the  trains  for  distribution  and  dispatch  letter- 
mail,  but  paper  and  other  mail  may  be  inclosed  to  a  maximum  weight  of  fifty  pounds. 
If  more  than  this  weight  is  to  be  sent,  as  at  post-offices  where  paper's  are  published,  the 
paper  mail  should  be  sacked  and  sent  by  local  train  to  the  nearest  express  stop,  thence 
placed  in  the  mail-cars. 

Sec.  430.  Special  Instructions  to  Postmasters  Served  hy  Catchers. — Post- 
masters at  post-offices  at  which  mail-trains  do  not  stop,  and  which  are  supplied  by 
"  catcher  service,"  will  carefully  comply  with  the  following  instructions : 

1st.  See  that  none  but  "catcher "-pouches  .are used. 

2d.  After  the  mail  is  placed  in  the  pouch  and  locked,  see  that  the  x^ouch  is  seciu-ely 
strapped  or  tied  around  the  middle. 

3d.  See  that  the  pouch  is  secui-ely  suspended  on  the  crane,  with  the  lock  downward, 
not  exceeding  ten  minutes  before  the  schedule  time  of  arrival  of  the  train. 

4th.  If  from  any  cause  the  pouch  should  not  be  caught  by  the  train  and  a  pouch  is 
put  off,  return  the  extra  pouch  to  the  next  mail-train  by  securing  it  to  the  pouch 
in  which  the  mail  is  sent  and  strapping  or  tying  the  two  pouches  jiogether  at  the 
middle  as  one  pouch. 

5th.  Under  no  circumstances  should  "catcher "-pouches  be  sent  out  ui)on  any  stage 
or  horseback  routes,  or  used  for  any  other  purpose  tlian  to  exchange  mails  where  trains 
do  not  stop. 

6th.  Postmasters  must  not  permit  "catcher "-pouches  to  accumulate  at  their  post- 
offices,  but  must  return  them  to  the  mail-trains  at  once. 

7th.  If  the  crane  at  your  st.ation  should  get  out  of  position  or  repair  so  as  to  inter- 
fere witli  the  exchange  of  mails,  report  the  fact  at  once  to  the  Division  Superintend- 
ent, so  that  the  attention  of  the  railroad  company  can  be  called  to  the  matter. 


CHAPTER    THIRTEEN. 

DISPOSAL    OF   UNMAILABLE,    UNDELIVERED,    AND    DEAD    MAIL- 
MATTER. 


Sec. 

431.  Unmailable  matter  to   be   sent  to  the  Dead- 

Letter  Office. 

432.  Defluition   and   cla.ssiflcation  of    uumailable 

matter. 

433.  Definition  and  clasaiflcation  of  dead  matter. 

434.  First-class  matter  not  to  be  held  unmailablo 

on  mere  suspicion. 

435.  Unmailablo  matter  from  r.ailw.ay  offices,  how 

treated. 

436.  Uumailable  matter  inadvertently  forwai'ded, 

how  treated. 

437.  Postmasters  to  return  unmaihible  matter  to 

senders. 

438.  Matter  returned  to  senders  at   other  post- 

offices. 

439.  Held  for  postage  matter  tliat  cannot  bo  re- 

turned to  sender. 


Sec. 
440. 
441. 

442. 

443. 

444. 

445. 
446. 
44T. 
448. 
449. 
450. 
451. 
4.^0 


Disposition  of  destructive  unniailabhi  matter. 
Send  unmailablo  matter  promptly  to  Dead 

Letter  Office. 
How  matter  must  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter 

Office. 
How  to  make  up  and  transmit  returns  of  uu 

mailable  mattei'. 
Advertisement  of  unclaimed  and  luidelivered 

matter. 
Advertising  foreign  letters. 
Disj)layiug  lists  of  advertised  letters. 
Pay  for  advortisbig  letters. 
Chai'go  on  advertised  letters. 
Advertisement  of  un<;laimed  matter. 
Matter  th.at  sho\rtd  not  bo  advertised. 
Form  of  the  advertisement. 
Advertisements  iu  newsiiapors. 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS. 


Ill 


Soc.  I  Sec. 

453.  Ailvortisod  iiiiittcr  to  ho  8<)  mavkoil.  [  470. 

454.  Letters  from  Dead- Letter  Oflico  to  be  adver- 

tised. 471. 

4.')5.  yietitioua  matter  not  to  bo  advertised.  472. 

450.  Keqiie.st  matter.  473. 

4.")7.  Card  matter.  474. 

4."i8.  Postasie  must  be  prepaid  on  card  and  request  475. 

ninKer.  470. 

459.  Unilainied  orticial    matter  to   bo   treated   a.s  477. 

card  matter.  478. 

400.  Postmasters'   letters  to  be  treated  as  card  479. 

letters.  i  480. 

401.  Date  of  arrival  and  return  of  card  matter.  481. 

402.  Collection  of  postage  on  short-i)aid  letumed  482. 

card  matter.  483. 

463.  Local  letters  not  returned  to  another  post-  i  484. 

oflice.  ' 

464.  Disposition  of  hotel  card  matter.  485. 
405.  Return  of  other  than  first-class  caid  and  re- 
quest matter.  486. 

466.  Matter  unclaimed  after  return  to  sender. 

467.  Di.sjjosition  of  mlssent  matter.  487. 

468.  Authority  of  Postmaster-General  to  kill  let- 

ters. 488. 

409.  Final  disposition  of  imclaimed  matter.  489. 


Undelivered  matter  to  show  reason  for  non- 
delivery. 

Disposition  of  refused  sccond-i'lass  matter. 

Disposition  of  otlu-r  refused  matter. 

Ketui-n  of  "no  unclaiiiu'd and  refused  matter.' ' 

Stiiteinents  of  uuelainie<l  matter. 

Disposition  of  rrfiiscd  iiiiuiailable  matter. 

Hotel  matter  without  card  or  n-iiurst. 

All  hotel  matter  to  be  stamiied. 

Disposition  of  dead  printed  matter. 

Dead  foreign  printed  nuitter. 

Dead  domestic  printed  matter. 

Dead  postal  cards. 

Keturn  of  dead  matter. 

Record  of  valuable  dead  letters. 

Retum  of  dead  letters  containing  money  to 
ovraera. 

Return  of  undelivered  dead  money  letters  back 
to  Dead-Letter  Office. 

Returned  dead  money  letters  must  be  regis- 
tered. 

Other  than  money  dead  letters  need  not  be 
registered. 

Valuable  dead  letters  must  not  be  forwarded. 

Dead  letters  not  valuable  mav  be  forwarded. 


Sec.  431.  Umnailable  Matter  to  be  Sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office. — All 
clome.stic  letters,  deposited  in  any  post-office  for  mailiug,  on  whit'li  the 
postage  is  wholly  nupaid  or  paid  less  than  one  full  rate  as  re(iuired 
by  law,  except  letters  lawfully  free,  and  duly  certified  letters  of  soldiers, 
sailors,  and  marines  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  sent 
by  the  postmaster  to  the  Bead-Letter  Office  in  Washington.  But  in 
large  cities  and  adjacent  districts  of  dense  population  having-  two  or 
more  post-offices  within  a  distance  of  three  miles  of  each  other,  any 
letter  mailed  at  one  of  such  [post]  offices  and  addressed  to  a  locality 
Avithin  the  delivery  of  another  of  such  [post]  offices,  which  shall  have 
been  inadvertently  prepaid  at  the  drop  or  local  letter  rate  of  postage 
only,  may  be  forwarded  to  its  destination  through  the  proper  [post] 
office,  charged  with  the  amount  of  the  deficient  postage,  to  be  collected 
on  deUvery.     {II.  S.,  §  3937.) 

Sec.  432.  Definition  and  Classification  of  Unmailable  Matter. — Unraailable 
matter  includes  all  matter  which  is  by  law,  regulation,  or  treaty  stipulation  prohib- 
ited from  being  transmitted  through  the  mails ;  or  which,  by  reason  of  illegible,  in- 
correct, or  insufttcient  adtkess,  it  is  found  impossible  to  forward  to  destination.  For 
convenience  it  is  divided  into  the  following  cla.sses : 

(fl)  Hchl  for  postage ;  or  that  matter  which  is  insntiiciently  prepaid  to  entitle  it  to  be 
forwarded  in  the  mails.  This  includes  all  domestic  matter  of  the  first  class  coming 
under  the  j)rovisions  of  the  preceding  section,  and  all  domestic  matter  of  the  third  and 
fourth  classes  which  is  not  fully  prepaid,  and  all  insufficiently  prepaid  matter  ad- 
dressed to  foreign  countries  not  embraced  in  the  Universal  Postal  Union,  to  which  full 
prepayment  is  obligatory.  (For  rates  of  ijostage  and  conditions  of  payment  on  mat- 
ter addressed  to  foreign  countries,  see  Foreign  Postage  Table  in  any  recent  muuber 
of  United  States  Postal  Guide.     See  also  T^tle  YII.) 

{b)  Mii*iirected ;  or  that  matter  which  is  so  incorrectly,  insufficiently,  or  illegibly 
addressed  that  it  cannot  be  forwarded  to  the  person  for  whom  it  is  intended. 

(c)  Excess  of  iceight  and  size;  or  those  packages  of  domestic  third  and  fourth  class 


112  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

matter  weighing  more  than  four  pounds  each,  except  single  books  exceeding  that 
weight,  aud  of  foreign  matter  which  are  in  excess  of  the  weight  or  size  fixed  by  treaty 
stipulation  as  the  maximum  for  such  matter.  (For  regulations  in  regard  to  weight 
and  size  of  matter  addressed  to  foreign  countries,  see  any  recent  number  United  States 
Postal  Guide.     See  also  Title  VII.) 

(d)  Destructive  matter;  or  that  matter  which,  from  its  harmful  nature,  is  forbidden 
to  be  in  the  mails.  (See  also  section  222  aud  Eulings  pubUshed  quarterly  in  the  United 
States  Postal  Guide. ) 

(e)  Coin  and  jewelry;  or  that  matter,  to  wit,  coins,  jewelry,  or  precious  articles, 
which  is  by  treatj^  stipulation  pi-ohibited  from  being  sent  in  tlie  mails  to  certain  for- 
eign countries.     (See  latest  United  States  Postal  Guide  and  Title  VII.) 

(/)  Obscene;  or  that  matter  which  is  by  section  225  prohibited  from  being  sent  in 
the  mails. 

(</)  Lottery  ;  or  that  matter  which  is  by  section  226  prohibited  from  being  sent  in  the 
mails. 

(h)  Mutilated;  or  that  matter  which  is  recovered  from  wrecke<:l  or  bui-ned  mail  cars 
or  vessels,  or  which  has  been  so  damaged  by  any  means  whatever  that  it  cannot  be 
forwarded  to  its  destination.  This  includes  also  all  matter  recovered  from  depredation 
ou  the  mails. 

Sec.  433.  Definition  and  Classification  of  Dead  Matter. — Dead  matter  is  such 
matter  as,  having  reached  the  post-office  of  destination,  is  either  unclaimed  or  refused 
by  the  i^arty  addressed;  or  which,  from  its  nature,  or  because  of  indefinite  or  fictitious 
address,  cannot  be  delivered.     For  convenience  it  is  divided  into  the  following  classes  : 

(i)  Unclaimed,  or  that  which  is  not  called  for  by  the  j)arties  addressed,  or  cannot  be 
delivered. 

(k)  lief  used,  or  that  which  for  any  reason  the  parties  addressed  decline  to  receive. 

(/)  Obscene,  or  that  which  is  by  section  225  forbidden  to  be  sent  in  the  mails,  and 
which  the  postmaster  at  the  mailing  post-office  has  failed  to  intercept. 

(«t)  Lotiery,  or  that  which  is  by  section  22(5  forbidden  to  be  sent  in  the  mails,  because 
it  relates  to  lotteries,  etc.,  and  which  the  postmaster  at  the  mailing  post-office  has 
tailed  to  intercept. 

(tt)  Fictitious,  or  that  which  is  addressed  to  fictitious  or  assumed  names  or  to  initials ; 
or  in  any  manner  so  that  the  jierson  or  persons  for  whom  it  ia  intended  cannot  be 
identified.     (See  section  276.) 

(o)  Hotel,  or  that  which  has  been  delivered  at  a  hotel  or  public  institution,  or  to  a 
consul,  agent,  or  other  public  officer  or  individual  who  is  in  the  habit  of  receiving 
mail  for  transient  persons,  aud  has  been  returned  to  the  post-office  by  such  consignee 
as  unclaimed. 

{l>)  Fraudulent,  or  that  (registered  nuxtter  only)  which  the  Postmaster-General  has 
specially  ordered  to  be  withheld  from  delivery  and  returned  to  the  writer,  because  the 
parties  addressed  are  engaged  in  obtaining  money  under  false  pretenses  by  the  use  of 
the  mails.  Mail-matter  not  registered  must  never  bo  treated  as  fraudulent.  See 
section  875. 

Sec.  434.  First-class  Matter  not  to  be  Held  Unmailable  on  mere  Suspicion. — 

Postmasters  are  specially  warned  that  they  have  no  right  to  detain  first-class  matter 
upon  the  mere  suspicion  tliat  it  contains  articles  forbidden  to  be  sent  in  the  mails. 
Neither  will  they,  under  any  circumstances,  be  justified  in  breaking  the  seal  of  any 
letter  or  itaclcago  to  ascertain  whether  or  not  unmailable  matter  is  inclosed.  ,  See 
section  5:^U. 

Sec.  435.  Unmailable  Matter  from  Railway  Offices,  how  Treated. — Postmas- 
ters receiving  any  articU*  of  unnuiilable  matter  from  a  railway  oHice  will  ilispose  of  it 
in  the  same  manner  as  if  it  had  been  deposited  in  their  own  i)ost-ofiices  for  mailing. 

Sec.  436.  Unmailable  Matter  Inadvertently  Forwarded,  how  Treated. — If 

any  matter  which  should  have  been  detained  as  "  held  for  postage,"  "  i-xcess  of  weight 
and  size,"  "coin,"  or  as  "lottery"  (see  o,  c,  e,  aud  g,  section  4:52),  shall  have,  through 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  113 

inadvertence,  been  forwrtnled  from  the  post-oHiee  of  mailiii;;,  it  must  notbe  .stop]>ed  in 
transit.  8n«',li  as  bears  a  foreign  .itlilress  will  be  intercepted  by  the  poNtinaster  at  the 
exchange  post-otHee  and  treated  as  hereinafter  provided.  (See  section  443.)  Miadi- 
rected,  destructive,  and  obscene  matter  (see  h,  d,  and  /,  section  4:{2),  and  all  matter 
found  h)08e  in  the  mails,  should,  liowever,  be  detained  by  any  i>ostmaster  into  whose 
hands  it  may  fall. 

Sec.  437.  Postmasters  to  Return  Unmailable  Matter  to  Senders. — It  is  tlie 

duty  of  postmasters  at  whose  post-oflices  any  mail-matter  is  detained  as  unmailable 
under  any  of  the  classes  enumerated  in  section  A'\2  (except  /  and  </),  to  make  all  reason- 
able efforts  to  .ascertain  the  person  mailing  the  s.arae,  and,  if  such  person  can  be  fotnid, 
to  either  require  of  him  full  prepayment  of  postage,  if  the  matter  is  held  for  postage, 
or  else  return  to  him  the  letter  or  package.  But  in  returning  mail  to  the  senders, 
postmastei-s  are  expected  to  use  great  care  to  avoid  the  possibility  of  wrong  delivery, 
and  must  only  return  matter  to  senders  bej^ond  the  delivery  of  their  post-offices,  as 
prescribed  in  the  folloAving  section. 

Sec.  438.  Matter  Returned  to  Senders  at  Other  Post-Offices. — TTuder  no  cir- 
cumstances whatever  is  any  one  except  a  postmaster  permitted  to  return  any  such 
matter  direct  to  the  sender ;  and  postmasters  must  not  do  so  if  the  sender  lives  beyond 
the  delivery  of  their  post-offices,  except  in  case  of  prepaid  first-class  matter  which 
bears  the  card  or  retpiest  of  the  sender,  and  misdirected  second-class  matter  ("nixes"). 
These  two  classes  should  be  appropriately  indorsed,  stamped  on  the  back  with  the 
name  of  the  post-office  and  date,  and  immediately  returned  to  the  sender  without 
postage  charge.     D.^structive  matter  will  be  disposed  of  as  provided  in  section  440. 

Sec.  439.  Held-for-Postage  Matter  that  Cannot  be  Returned  to  Sender. — 

When  held-for-postage  matter  which  cannot  be  returned  to  the  persons  inailing  the 
same,  as  provided  for  in  the  two  preceding  sections,  is  addressed  to  a  person  residing 
within  the  delivery  of  the  post-office  where  mailed,  he  shall  be  notified  of  its  detention, 
by  circular  or  otherwise,  and  upon  the  payment  of  the  amount  of  postage  due,  the  neces- 
sary stamps  will  be  affixed  and  canceled,  ami  the  matter  delivered.  If  such  matter 
is  not  claimed  within  thirty  days  after  notification  as  above,  or  is  refused  l)y  the  party 
addressed,  it  sh.all  be  sent  to  tho  Dead-Letter  Office  in  the  next  regular  return  of  ordi- 
nary dead  matter,  classed  as  unclaimed  or  refused,  as  the  case  may  be.  AVhen  such 
matter  is  addressed  to  persons  living  beyond  the  delivery  of  the  post-office  where  it 
is  detained,  it  must  be  sent  to  the  Dead  Letter  Office. 

Sec.  440.  Disposition  of  Destructive  Unmailable  Matter. — Postmasters  re- 
ceiving any  .article  ()f  destructive  mail-matter  from  the  hands  of  any  railway  mail 
employ^,  or  finding  it  deposited  in  their  own  post-offices,  must  not  send  the  same  ito 
the  Dead-Letter  Office,  but  will  notify  the  person  mailing  such  package,  whether  he 
live  within  the  delivery  of  their  post-offices  or  not,  that  some  other  means  than  the 
mail  must  be  provided  for  its  transportation.  If  tho  mailing  party  is  not  known,  then 
the  postmaster  should  notify  the  party  addressed  of  the  detention  of  the  package, 
that  it  cannot  be  transmitted  in  the  mails,  and  that  he  must  provide  some  other  means 
for  its  being  forwarded  at  his  own  expense  outside  the  mails.  If,  after  this,  such 
packages  are  not  disposed  of  within  thirty  days,  the  postmaster  should  report  the 
facts  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  and  await  instructions  from  him. 

Sec.  441.  Send  Unmailable  Matter  promptly  to  Dead-Letter  Office. — TJu- 

niailable  matter  must  not  be  held  over  to  be  advertised.  Post-offices  of  the  first  class 
must  make  daily,  and  all  other  post-offices  weekly,  returns  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office 
of  all  unmailable  matter  except  destructive  matter.  Each  return  must  include  all 
the  matter  of  this  class  on  hand  at  the  time,  except  that  addressed  to  persons  within 
the  delivery  of  the  post-office,  who  have  been  notified  to  jiay  the  postage  thereon,  as 
reiinired  in  section  VM). 

Sec.  442.  How  Matter  Must  be  Sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office. — Every 

piece  of  mail-matter  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office,  for  whatever  cause,  must  have 
plainly  written  or  stamped  upon  the  address  side  the  reason  of  its  being  sent  there,  as 

Spl 


114  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Unmailable,  stating  also  wlietlier  the  matter  is  lield  for  postage,  misdirected,  in  ex- 
cess of  proper  weight  or  size,  or  containing  coin  or  jewelry;  or  Unclaimed,  giving 
specific  reason  for  failure  to  deliver  the  matter;  or  Refused;  or  Fictitious;  or 
Hotel  ;  and  upon  the  reverse  side  it  must  bear  the  name  of  the  post-office  from  which 
sent,  and  the  date  of  sending.  Unmailahle  matter  must  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter 
Office  in  returns  entirely  separate  from  the  dead  matter.  The  return  must  be  labeled 
as  prescribed  in  section  474,  and  addressed  ^-Dead-Letter  Office,  WashbKjfmi,  D.  C," 
and  must  be  plainly  indorsed  "  Return  of  uxmailable  matter  from"  (here  add  the 
name  of  the  post-office).  Held-for-postage,  misdirected,  and  excess-of-weight  matter  may 
be  sent  in  the  same  return ;  but  when  there  is  any  considerable  amount  of  third  or 
fourth  class  matter  to  be  sent  (say  more  than  live  or  six  pieces)  the  first-class  matter 
should  be  sent  in  one  parcel  or  pouch,  and  the  third  and  fourth  class  in  another. 
Whenever  the  amount  of  matter  of  either  class  is  so  gre:  t  that  it  cannot  be  easily 
and  securely  tied  into  a  parcel,  it  should  be  sent  in  a  suitable  pouch  directed  and  in 
dorsed  as  above  stated. 

Sec.  443.  How  to  Make  Up  and  Transmit  Returns  of  Unmailable  Matter. — 
Each  return  of  unmailable  matter  must  be  accompanied  by  a  list  made  on  Form  1522, 
giving  as  nearly  as  possible  the  full  name  and  address  of  each  article.  Valuable  mat- 
ter of  the  third  and  fourth  class  must  be  entered  on  a  list  separate  from  the  first  class. 
Miscellaneous  printed  matter  of  no  obvious  value  must  be  sent  with  the  return,  but 
need  not  be  entered  on  the  list,  except  a  memorandum  showing  the  number  of  pieces 
included.  The  matter  must  be  further  separated  into  the  classes  as  indicated  in  a,  h, 
and  d,  section  432,  and,  in  addition,  the  Held  for  Postage  (a)  must  be  subdivided  into 
that  of  domestic  and  foreign  address.  Each  class  and  division  must  be  arranged  al- 
phabetically and  entered  on  the  lists  accordingly,  and  every  piece  of  matter  and  its 
entry  on  the  list  must  be  numbered  to  correspon  i.  Coin  matter  must  be  sent  in  special 
returns  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  accompanied  by  a  list  made  upon  the  same  form  and 
in  the  same  manner  as  lists  of  Held  for  Postage  matter.  Returns  of  this  matter  should 
always  be  registered.  Obscene  and  Lottery  matter  must  also  be  sent  in  special  returns 
to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  accompanied  by  lists  the  same  as  coin  matter.  Mutilated  and 
damaged  matter  must  also  be  sent  specially  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office,  and  must  be  ac- 
companied by  a  letter  addressed  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General  detailing 
all  the  facts  in  the  case  and  giving  a  full  list  of  the  articles.  Lists  must  in  every  case 
be  inclosed  with  the  matter  to  which  they  refer.  They  must  not  be  sent  in  a  separate 
envelope  or  package.  Postmasters  must  retain  duplicates  of  all  lists  and  statements 
sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  for  the  purpose  of  reference  in  making  searches  for 
missing  matter. 

Sec.  444.  Advertisement  of  Unclaimed  and  Undelivered  Matter. — The  Post- 
master-General may  direct  the  publication  of  the  list  of  non-delivered 
letters  at  any  post-oflftce  by  a  written  list  posted  in  some  public  place, 
or,  when  he  shall  deem  it  for  the  public  interest,  he  may  direct  the  pub- 
lication of  such  list  in  the  daily  or  weekly  newspaper  regularly  pub- 
lislied  within  the  post-ofiftce  deliver}'  which  has  the  largest  circulation 
within  such  delivery;  and  where  no  daily  paper  is  published  within  the 
post-office  delivery,  such  list  may  be  published  in  the  daily  newspaper 
of  any  adjoining  delivery  having  the  largest  circulation  within  the  de- 
livery of  the  post-oftice  publishing  the  list;  and  in  case  of  dis])ute  as  to 
the  circulation  of  competing  newspapers,  the  postmaster  shall  receive 
evidence  and  decide  upon  the  fact.  Such  list  shall  be  published  as  fre- 
quently as  the  Postmaster-General  may  deem  proper,  but  not  ofteuer 
than  once  a  week.     (11.  S.,  §  39;30.) 

A  postmaster  is  m)t  liable  to  suit  by  the  publisher  of  a  newspaper  for  refusing  to 
give  to  him  the  publication  of  the  list  of  Icttera  uncalled  for,  even  though  he  acted 


I 


TITLE    II rOST  OFFICES   AND    POSTMASTERS.  115 

maliciously.  A  puhlic  «liity  is  not  euforcoablo  1)y  a  jirivato  action,  cxcopt  when  it  has 
l»('on  specifically  yiven  by  statute.  (Foster  vs.  McKibhcii,  14  Penn.  St.  R.,  168;  also 
Strong  r«.  Cainpboll,  11  liarb.,  V.vr>.) 

In  lTnite<l  States  ex  rii  vx.  Smallwood,  Judge  Duiriel  held  that  under  the  acts  of 
1"^4.T  and  If^fJ^  (containing  substantially  these  provisions)  the  pnldicatiou  was  in  the 
discretion  of  the  Postinaster-CIeneral,  but  wheu  the  discretion  is  once  exercised  and 
l)ublication  ordered,  it  must  be  through  the  columns  of  the  paper  liaving  the  largest 
circulation  within  the  delivery  of  the  iiost-office.  (Am.  Law  Times  Reports,  vol.  '2, 
109.:) 

Sec.  445.  Advertising  Foreigji  Letters. — The  list  of  noii -delivered  letters 
addressed  to  foreigu-born  i)ersoiis  may  be  published  in  a  newspaper 
printed  in  the  lan>xiia^e  most  used  by  them,  which  shall  be  selected  in 
the  manner  ])res('ribed  in  the  ])receding  section.     (R.  S.,  §  30.31.) 

Sec.  446.  Displaying  Lists  of  Advertised  Letters. — Every  postmaster  shall 
\2)nsf]  [display]  in  a  conspicuous  place  in  his  office  a  copj"  of  each  list  of 
non-delivered  letters  immediately  after  its  publication.     (K.  S.,  §  3033.) 

Sec.  447.  Pay  for  Advertising  Letters. — The  compensation  for  publishing 
the  list  of  non-delivered  letters  shall  in  no  case  exceed  one  cent  for  each 
letter  so  published.     (K.  S.,  §  3034.) 

Sec.  448.  Charge  on  Advertised  Letters. — All  letters  published  as  non- 
delivered  shall  be  charged  with  one  cent  in  addition  to  the  regular  post- 
age, to  be  accounted  for  as  part  of  the  postal  revenue.     (R.  S.,  §  3935.) 

The  charge  provided  for  by  this  section  is  only  to  be  made  when  compensation  is 
paid  for  advertising  letters  by  virtue  of  an  order  of  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General  in  accordance  with  section  444.     See  also  section  452. 

Sec.  449.  Advertisement  of  Unclaimed  Matter. — At  post-offices  of  the  fourth 
class  unclaimed  matter  of  the  first  class  only,  except  "card"  and  "request"  letters, 
and  all  valuable  matter  of  the  third  and  fourth  classes  shall  be  advertised  monthly, 
and  when  practicable  such  advertising  should  take  place  upon  the  first  day  of  the 
month.  At  all  other  post-offices  such  matter  shall  be  advertised  weekly,  and  where 
practicable  such  advertising  should  take  place  on  Monday. 

Sec.  450.  Matter  that  should  not  be  Advertised. — Each  advertisement 

should  include  all  the  matter  indicated  in  the  preceding  section  on  hand  at  the  time 
of  advertising,  except  such  as  is  intended  for  persons  who  caU  regularly  at  the  post- 
office,  or  where  it  is  indorsed  To  be  held  until  called  for,  Poste  restante,  or 
words  to  that  effect ;  or  where  the  postmaster  has  special  reason  to  believe  that  it  will 
be  called  for,  or  where  he  has  been  requested  by  the  party  addressed  to  retain  it.  In 
such  cases  it  may  be  held  for  a  period  not  exceeding  two  months,  after  which  it  should 
be  advertised.  But  whenever  any  matter  is  so  held  it  must  be  plainly  marked  "  Spe- 
ciuUif  held  for  (leJivcrj/." 

Sec.  451.  Form  of  the  Advertisement. — The  advertising  of  unclaimed 
matter  shall  be  effected  by  placing  conspicuously  in  the  post-office  one  or  more  printed 
or  manuscript  lists  of  the  names  of  the  persons  to  whom  such  matter  is  addressed. 
The  names  on  such  list  or  lists  shall  be  arranged  alphabetically,  and  where  there  is 
any  considerable  number  the  names  of  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  shall  be  in  separate 
lists.  The  third  and  fourth  class  matter  should  always  be  advertised  in  a  list  sepa- 
rate from  the  letters,  with  approjtriate  headings. 

Sec.  452.  Advertisements  in  Newspapers. — If  the  publisher  of  any  news- 
paper desires  to  publish  such  advertised  list  gratuitously,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  post- 
nuisters  to  furnish  a  copy  for  that  purpose,  and  if  more  than  one  publisher  desires  to 
do  so  a  copy  should  be  furnished  to  all  simultaneously.  No  expense  must  be  incurred 
in  the  advertising  of  unclaimed  matter,  nor  any  fee  charged  upon  delivery  of  the 
same  excejit  by  special  permission  from  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-GeneraL 


116  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  453.  Advertised  Matter  to  be  so  Marked. — Every  letter  or  parcel 
advertised  must  have  plainly  written  or  stamped  upon  the  address  side  the  word  Ad- 
vertised together  with  the  date  of  advertising. 

Sec.  454.  Letters  from  Dead-Letter  Office  to  be  Advertised. — Letters  and 
other  matter  returned  from  the  Dead-Letter  Office  direct  to  the  sender,  should  be 
advertised,  and,  if  not  called  for,  be  treated  as  ordinary  unclaimed  matter. 

Sec.  455.  Fictitious  Matter  not  to  be  Advertised. — Fictitious  matter  should 

uf)t  be  advertised,  but  should  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  weekly  from  all  post- 
offices  to  which  it  is  addressed.  Such  matter  must  not  be  detained  at  the  mailing 
post-office.  This  matter  should  be  sent  in  returns  entirely  separate  from  other  classes 
of  matter,  and  the  packet  should  be  plainly  indorsed,  Returx  of  fictitious  matter. 
Each  return  of  this  matter  must  be  accompanied  by  a  list  giving  the  addresses  of  the 
matter  included  in  the  return,  and  the  number  of  pieces  to  each  address.  This  list 
may  be  made  on  Form  1522  by  changing  the  word  "  unm-aUable"  to  "fictitious." 

Sec.  458.  Request  Matter. — When  the  writer  of  any  letter  on  which  the 
postage  is  prepaid  sliall  indorse  upon  the  outside  thereof  his  name  and 
address,  such  letter  shall  not  be  advertised,  but  after  remaining"  un- 
called for  at  the  office  to  which  it  is  directed  thirty  days,  or  the  time  the 
writer  may  direct,  shall  be  returned  to  him  without  additional  charge 
for  postage,  and  if  not  then  delivered  shall  be  treated  as  a  dead  letter. 
(E.  S.,  §3930.) 

Sec.  457.  Card  Matter. — Whenever  any  unclaimed  matter  of  the  first 
class  bejirs  the  name  and  address  of  the  sender  or  some  designated  i>lace  to  which  it 
can  be  returned,  as  post-office  bos,  street  and  number,  etc.,  without  a  request  that 
the  same  be  returned  if  not  delivered,  such  matter  will  not  be  advertised,  but  must  be 
returned  to  the  sender  at  the  expiration  of  thirty  days,  or  such  other  period  as  may 
have  been  specified  on  the  envelope,  from  the  date  of  its  arrival  at  the  post-office  of 
destination.  Under  the  present  postal  arrangements  with  Canada  all  nnclairaed  re- 
quest letters  originating  in  either  country  are  treated  in  the  manner  herein  provided 
fur  domestic  recjuest  letters. 

Sec.  458.  Postage  must  be  Prepaid  on  Card  and  Request  Matter. — Xo  letter 
or  other  article  of  matter  of  the  first  class  shall  be  returned  to  the  sender,  as  provided 
in  the  two  preceding  sections,  unless  at  least  one  full  rate  of  postage  was  originally 
prepaid  thereon. 

Sec.  459.  Unclaimed  Official  Matter  to  be  Treated  as  Card  Matter. — Un- 

claiiiK'd  letters  and  other  matter  originating  in  any  of  the  Executive  Departments  of 
the  Goverunu^nt  or  inclosed  in  official  penalty-envelopfls,  and  matter  mailed  iinder  the 
frank  of  Senators  and  Members  or  officers  of  Congress,  is  to  be  returned  to  the  post- 
office  of  origin  under  the  provisions  of  section  4.57  the  same  as  other  card  and  rcqiie-st 
nuxtter.  If  the  post-office  of  origin  cannot  be  ascertained  it  should  be  returned  to 
post-office,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sec.  460.  Postmasters'  Letters  to  be  Treated  as  Card  Letters. — Letters  writ- 
ten by  ])08tmaster8  upon  official  business  should  be  treated  as  card  letters,  and  if 
unclaimed  should  be  returned  to  the  post-office  of  origin  as  indicated  by  the  envelope. 
If  the  post-office  of  origin  cannot  be  determined,  then  they  should  be  sent  to  the  Dead- 
Letter  Office  in  the  regular  return  of  iiiicltiimrd  mutter. 

Sec.  461.  Date  of  Arrival  and  Return  of  Card  Matter. — Every  unclaimed 

card  or  reqiicit  lett<^r  must  bear  the  stamj)  of  the  i>ost-office  indicating  the  date  of  its 
arrival,  and  a  i)ostm;nk  showing  the  date  of  its  return  to  the  writer. 

Sec.  462.  Collection  of  Postage  on  Short-paid  Returned  Card  Matter. — Uu- 

cliiimed  card  aud  rcqucut  letters  wliicli  are  short-paid,  but  upon  which  one  full  rate 
of  postage  was  prepaid  when  mailed,  are  to  be  returuod  to  the  post-office  of  origin 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES   AND    POSTMASTERS.  117 

fir  delivery  to  the  writer,  wlio  avIII  he  required  to  ]»ny  the  iiiiiount  orij;in:illy  due.  If 
payment  is  refused,  the  mutter  will  be  indorsed  iis  Kkkuskd  and  treated  accordingly. 
See  section  442. 

Sec.  463.  Local  Letters  not  Returned  to  Another  Post-Office. — A  request 

npou  a  local  or  drop-letter  for  its  return  to  the  writer  at  some  otiur  post-otUce,  if  un- 
claimed, cannot  bo  respected  except  in  the  case  of  such  as  may  have  been  prepaid  with 
at  least  one  full  (three-eont)  rate  of  postaj^e. 

Sec.  464.  Disposition  of  Hotel-card  Letters. — Unclaimed  letters  bearing 

the  card  of  a  hiitt'l,  a  school,  or  college,  or  other  public  institution  which  has  evidently 
been  placed  >ipon  the  envelope  to  serve  as  a  mere  advertisement,  should  not  be  returned 
to  the  placj  designated  iu  such  card  unless  there  is  also  a  special  re  lujst  that  they  be 
so  returned. 

Sec.  4S5.  Return  of  other  than  First-Class  Card  and  Request  Matter. — Un- 
registered matter  other  than  that  of  the  tirst  class  cannot  be  returned  free  to  the  sender, 
even  if  a  request  to  that  effect  be  written  or  printed  thereon,  except  lirst-class  rates 
of  postage  be  prepaid  thereon.  AVhen,  therefore,  matter  of  other  than  the  first  class 
is  deposited  in  a  post-ofttce  for  mailing,  bearing  a  request  to  return  to  the  sender  if 
not  delivered,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  postmaster  to  retain  it  and  notify  the  sender 
at  once,  by  return  of  matter  or  otherwise,  and  call  his  attention  to  this  regulation. 
Senders  of  matter  other  than  first  class  are  permitted  and  should  be  encouraged  by 
postmasters  to  write  or  print  upon  parcels  sent  by  them  the  following  notice  or  the 
substance  thereof  to  the  postmaster  at  the  post-oftice  of  delivery,  to  wit:  If  xot  de- 

LIVKRED  WITHIN  DAYS,  THE  POSTMASTER  IS  UEQUESTED  TO  NOTIFY   THE    SENDER, 

SPECIFYING  THE  AMOUNT  OF  POSTAGE  WHICH  MUST  BE  REMITTED  TO  INSURE  THE  RE- 
TURN OF  THE  PARCEL  TO (giving  the  name  and  address  of  the  sender).     It  is  the 

duty  of  postmasters  receiving  matter  with  this  request  written  or  printed  thereon  to 
comply  therewith  as  promptly  as  iu  the  case  of  first-class  matter;  and  such  matter 
should  be  stamped  as  provided  in  section  461. 

Sec.  466.  Matter  Unclaimed  after  Return  to  Sender. — TMien  matter  returned 

to  the  sender  under  the  provisions  of  the  preceding  sections  is  not  claimed,  it  should  be 
treated  in  all  respects  as  other  ordinary  unclaimed  matter. 

Sec.  437.  Disposition  of  Missent  Matter. — Postmasters  at  ^vliose  post- 

o  liees  letters  which  have  evidently  been  misdirected  may  arrive  should  not  forward 
them  to  other  post-ofifices  for  thie  purpose  of  trial,  on  the  supposition  that  they  may 
r  jach  the  parties  named  in  the  address.  If  they  know  the  proper  direction  to  be  given 
the  letters,  they  may  forward  them  without  additional  postage,  but  otherwise  they 
should  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  as  misdirected  matter,  as  directed  in  section 
442.  In  either  case  the  letter  should  be  stamped  Misdirected,  and  bear  the  name  of 
the  post-office  and  the  date  of  disposition. 

Sec.  468.  Authority  of  Postmaster-General  to  Kill  Letters. — The  Postmaster- 
General  may  regulate  the  period  during  which  undelivered  letters  shall 
remain  iu  any  post-oflQce  and  when  they  shall  be  returned  to  the  Dead- 
Letter  Office;  and  he  may  make  regidations  for  their  return  from  the 
Bead-Letter  Office  to  the  writers,  when  they  cannot  be  delivered  to  the 
parties  addressed.     (R.  S.,  3036.) 

Sec.  489.  Final  Disposition  of  Unclaimed  Matter. — Unclaimed  matter  at 

post-otfices  of  the  first,  second,  and  third  classes  must  be  sent  to  the  D. -ad-Letter  Office 
at  the  expiration  of  four  weeks  after  the  date  of  advertisement ;  and  at  post-offiees  of 
the  fourth  class  one  month  after  advertisement.  In  this  way  post-otfices  that  advertise 
weekly  will  make  a  return  of  dead  letters  to  the  D;^partraeut  weekly,  and  at  post-otfices 
Avliere  the  advertisement  is  done  monthly,  the  return  will  bo  made  monthly. 
Sec.  470.  Undelivered  Matter  to  show  Reason  for  Non-delivery. — Upon 

every  undelivered  article  of  mail-nuittcr  must  appear  the  reason  for  non-delivery,  such  as 


118  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

Eemoved,  Dkad,  Refused,  Firm  dissolved,  &c.  The  specific  reasou  slionkl  always 
be  given,  if  possible,  as  the  iuforiuation  is  often  of  great  value  to  the  writer;  but  when 
that  cannot  be  ascertained,  it  will  be  sufficient  to  mark  them  Uxclaimed. 

Sec.  471.  Disposition  of  Refused  Second-class  Matter. — Postmasters  shall 
notify  the  ijublisher  of  any  newspaper,  or  otlier  periodical,  when  any 
subscriber  shall  refuse  to  take  the  same  from  the  office  or  neglect  to  call 
for  it  for  the  period  of  one  month.     (R.  S.,  §  3885.) 

Sec.  472.  Disposition  of  other  Refused  Matter. — Refused  matter  should  be 

seut  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  with  the  unclaimed  matter,  and  should  be  entered  ou 
the  statement  (Form  1523)  under  its  appropriate  head.  A  list  giving  the  address  of 
each  piece  of  matter  should  accomjtany  the  return.  These  lists  should  be  made  iu  two 
parts,  one  for  the  tirst-class  matter  and  another  for  the  third  and  fourth  class.  Re- 
fused matter  should  not  be  lield  in  a  post-office  beyond  the  time  for  making  the  next 
regular  return  of  unclaimed  matter. 

Sec.  473.  Return  of  No  unclaimed  and  refused  matter. — Whenever  ithap- 

jiens  that  there  is  no  unclaimed  or  refused  matter  to  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office 
at  the  regular  time  for  making  the  return  of  such  matter,  a  statement  (Form  1523), 
properly  headed  and  dated,  and  the  words  No  matter  to  send  noted  thereon,  should 
be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office. 

Sec.  474.  Statements  of  Unclaimed  Matter. — Each  return  of  unclaimed 

matter  must  be  accompanied  by  a  statement  made  on  Form  15'23  (suitable  blanks, 
printed  on  white  paper  for  use  at  fourth-class  post-offices,  and  on  yellow  for  all  others, 
will  be  furnished  upon  application  to  the  Superintendent  of  Blank  Agency,  Fost-Office 
Department),  and  also  by  a  copy  of  the  advertised  list.  The  matter  which  has  been 
delivered  or  otherwise  disposed  of  since  advertising  should  be  indicated  by  having  the 
names  marked  off  the  list.  Both  statement  and  advertised  list  must  always  be  in- 
closed with  the  return,  and  not  sent  iu  a  separate  envelope  or  package.  Returns  of 
unclaimed  matter  should  be  addressed  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office,  Washington,  D.  C, 

and  must  be  plainly  indorsed  Return  of  unclaimed  matter  from (here 

insert  the  name  of  the  post-office).  For  this  purpose  an  official  penalty-envelope  will 
be  used  as  a  label,  either  pasted  or  securely  tied  to  the  package.  No  postage  will  bo 
required. 

Sec.  475.  Disposition  of  Unmailahle  Matter  Reaching  Destination. — AATien 

any  matter  classed  as  unmailable  on  account  of  its  harmful  nature  has,  through  inad- 
vertence, reached  its  destiuatiou  and  has  been  refused,  after  being  treated  as  prescribed 
in  section  230,  it  should  not  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office,  but  must  be  detained, 
and  a  statement  giving  a  description  of  contents,  name  of  the  addressee,  etc.,  be  sent 
to  th(?  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  who  will  issue  instructions  as  to  its  final 
disposition  in  each  case.  Obicene  matter  which,  through  inadvertence  of  the  postmaster 
at  the  mailing  place,  reaches  the  post-office  of  destin.ation,  should  be  withheld  from 
delivery  and  at  once  seut  to  the  Dead-Letter  Ofliee,  accompanied  by  a  special  letter  of 
advice  addressed  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  Lottery  matter  which 
has,  through  the  inadvertence  of  the  postmaster  at  the  mailing  post-office,  reached  the 
po.st-olfice  of  destination,  sliould  be  withheld  from  delivery  and  sentto  the  Dead-Letter 
Otfi<'e,  with  a  letter  of  advice  ;iddri'ssed  to  tlie  Tliird  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  476.  Hotel  Matter  without  Card  or  Request. — Hotel  matter  returned 

to  the  ]»ost-office  not  redin^etiMl  and  bearing  no  "card"  or  "request"  will  be  sent  to 
the  Dead-Letter  Office  wtnOcly  from  all  post-offices,  with  a  complete  list,  giving  the 
full  name  and  address  of  each  article.  The  entries  iu  the  list  must  be  .arranged  alpha- 
betically, and  the  aiticles  and  entries  numbered  to  corresjiond.  The  list  may  be 
made  <m  Form  1.V22,  changing  the  word  nnmailnblv  to  hotel.  Returns  of  this  matter 
must:  be  made  s(>paiate  from  otlu^r  classes  of  nuitter,  and  the  words  Return  of  hotel 
matter  iijdm (here  add  the  name  of  the  post-office)  must  be  plainly  indorsed 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  119 

upon  tlio  outside  of  the  packago.  Wlieiuner  hotel  matter  is  returnetl  to  a  ]»08t-office 
redirectod  by  tlm  ]>roprietor  of  a  hotel  or  hy  other  consignee,  and  in  good  order,  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  postuiaster  to  forward  it  accordingly  without  ))ontagi'  charge 
therefor:  Provided,  lie  sliall  have,  at  the  tinus  of  its  return,  no  contrary  instructions 
from  the  addressee:  And  2)rovUh'd  farther,  That  such  new  adilress  is  t<»  any  place  to 
which  such  matter  might  be  forwarded  under  the  i>rovisionH  of  secti(ui  ;{71,  or  is  to  any 
place  iu  a  foreign  country  to  which  prepayment  of  postage*  is  optional.  Hotel  letters 
bearing  a  special  retpu'st  for  their  return,  and  letters  bearing  tlie  name  and  address  «»r 
the  business  card  of  the  writer,  are,  of  course,  excepted  fi'om  the  above  n(iuiremeiits, 
and  will  t)e  ti'catfd  as  provided  iu  sections  4^>Ci  and  457. 

Sec.  477.  All  Hotel  Matter  to  be  Stamped. — Postmasters  sliotild  be  careful 
to  stamp  upon  all  hotel  matter  the  date  of  the  original  delivery  aud  also  the  date  of 
its  return  to  the  ])ost-<>lHce. 

Sec.  478.  Disposition  of  Dead  Printed  Matter. — The  Postma.ster-General 
may  provide,  by  regulations,  for  disposing  of  printed  and  mailable 
matter  wbicli  may  remain  in  any  post-office,  or  in  tlie  Department,  not 
called  for  by  the  party  addressed;  but  if  the  ptiblisher  of  any  refused 
or  uncalled-for  newspaper  or  other  periodical  shall  pay  the  postage  due 
thereon,  such  newspaper  or  other  periodical  shall  be  excepted  from  the 
operation  of  such  regulations.     (R.  S.,  §  4061.) 

Sec.  479.  Dead  Foreign  Printed  Matter. — All    foreign  printed  matter 

■when  unclaimed  the  usual  time  must  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  as  part  of  the 
regular  return,  but  no  entry  thereof  need  be  made  on  the  bill  except  of  that  upon 
"which  postage  may  be  due. 

Sec.  480.  Dead  Domestic  Printed  Matter. — Domestic  miscellaneous  printed 

matter,  without  obvious  value,  including  printed  postal-cards,  is  not  to  be  sent  to  the 
Dead-Letter  Office  when  unclaimed,  except  that  upon  which  postage  may  be  due,  but 
must  be  sold  as  waste-paper  at  the  expiration  of  each  quarter  and  the  proceeds  taken 
np  and  accounted  for  as  other  postal  revenue. 

Sec.  481.  Dead  Postal  Cards. — Unclaimed  postal  cards  wholly  written 
will  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  with  the  regular  return  at  the  expiration  of 
thirty  days.     Foreign  postal  cards  must  be  tied  in  a  package  by  themselves. 

Sec.  482.  Return  of  Dead  Matter. — In  making  up  the  retiu'u  all  matter 

sent  should  be  securely  wrapped  and  tied  together  in  one  package.  At  post-offices  of 
the  tirst,  second,  and  third  classes  the  foreign  matter  shouhl  be  separated  from  the 
domestic.  "When  the  number  of  letters  to  be  sent  in  a  single  return  is  large,  they 
should  be  tied  up  in  packets  of  one  hunderd  each,  and  then  the  whole  return  should 
be  bound  together  in  one  parcel,  or  put  into  a  suitable  pouch  properly  addressed  and 
indorsed.  If  there  be  third  or  fourth  class  matter  to  accompany  the  return  in  sufficient 
quantity  to  make  it  inconvenient  to  tie  the  whole  in  one  parcel,  a  pouch  must  be  used, 
so  that  all  the  matter  will  be  received  together. 

Sec.  483.  Record  of  Valuable  Dead  Letters. — Dead  letters  containing 
valuable  inclosures  shall  be  registered  [recorded]  in  the  Dead-Letter 
Office ;  and  when  they  cannot  be  delivered  to  the  party  addressed  nor 
to  the  writer,  the  contents  thereof  shall  be  disposed  of,  and  a  careful 
account  shall  be  kept  of  the  amount  realized  in  each  case,  which  shall 
be  subject  to  reclamation  by  either  the  party  addresse<l  or  the  sender 
for  four  years  from  the  registry  [recording]  thereof;  and  all  other  letters 
of  value  or  of  importance  to  the  party  addressed  or  to  the  writer,  and 
which  cannot  be  returned  to  either,  shall  be  disposed  of  as  the  Post- 
master-General may  direct.     (R.  S.,  §  3038.] 


120  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIOXS. 

Sec.  484.  Return  of  Dead  Letters  Containing  Money  to  Owners. — AMieii 
(lea .1  letters  coutaiuiQg  money  are  sent  from  the  Department  to  a  postmaster  for  de- 
livery to  the  owners,  every  effort  must  be  made  to  discover  the  proper  party  to  whom 
they  may  be  delivered,  and  to  this  end  these  letters  are  inclosed  to  the  postmaster 
open,  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  identity  the  owner  or  claunant.  The  strictest  se- 
crecy must  be  maintained  as  to  the  contents.  Under  no  circumstances  whatever  can  a 
postmaster,  or  any  other  person  through  whose  hands  such  letters  pass,  be  allowed  to 
make  any  exchange  for  other  funds  of  the  money  originally  contained  therein. 

Sec.  485.  Return   of  Dead  Money  Letters  back  to  Dead-Letter  Office. — 

When  such  letters  cannot  be  delivered  after  holding  them  thirty  days  from  the  date 
on  which  they  were  received,  the  postmaster  will  indorse  the  reason  for  non-delivery 
on  the  circular  which  accompanies  each,  and  return  the  whole  to  the  Department 
with  duplicate  lists  (one  of  which  will  be  verified  and  returned  to  the  post-office) 
giving  the  Department  letter,  number,  and  book.  The  package  will  be  })lainly  in- 
dorsed Dkad  registered  matter  from (here  add  name  of  i^ost-office)  and  be 

addressed  ^'■Dead-Letter  Office,  Washinyton,  D.  C." 

Sec.  486.  Returned  Dead  Money  Letters  must  be  Registered. — If  a  post- 
master neglects  to  register  packages  containing  such  dead  letters  when  returning 
them  to  the  Department,  and  they  are  lost,  he  will  be  held  responsible  for  the  value 
of  the  contents. 

Sec.  487.  Other  than  Money  Dead  Letters  need  not  be  Registered. — Letters 

containing  articles  of  value  other  than  money  are  not  to  be  registered  when  returned 
to  the  Department,  unless  they  were  received  registered ;  but  thej^mnst  be  inclosed  in 
a  sealed  envelope  or  package  and  addressed  to  the  '^Dead-Letter  Office,  Washingtony 
D.  C."    No  other  kind  of  letters  must  be  sent  in  the  same  package. 

Sec.  433.  Valuable  Dead  Letters  must  not  be  Forwarded. — Bead  letters 
containing  money  or  other  inclosnres,  sent  from  the  D3partment  to  a  postmaster  for 
delivery  to  the  owners,  must  never  be  forwarded  to  another  post-office,  but  must  be 
returned  to  the  Department  with  all  the  information  obtainable  as  to  the  present 
whereabouts  of  the  writer  or  owner ;  nor  must  they  be  retained  by  the  postmaster 
longer  than  one  month,  unless  he  has  been  speciallj'  authorized  by  the  Third  Assistant 
Postmaster-General  to  hold  them  for  a  longer  period. 

Sec.  489.    Dead  letters  not  Valuable  may  be  Forwarded. — Dead  letters 

without  valuable  inclosures,  when  returned  direct  to  writers  (i.  e.,  not  under  cover  to 
the  postmaster),  may  be  forwarded  to  another  post-office  for  delivery,  if  necessary. 


CHAPTER  FOURTEEN. 

LOST  LETTERS  AND  MAIL  DEPREDATIONS. 


Sec.  I  Sec. 


490.  Postm.istors  to   rejtort  lo.st   niailiuattcr   to 

Cliiff  Siifciiil  A^ciit. 

491.  What  fact  such  report  must  stato. 

492.  I'ontmaslris  to  iiiiiuediutcly  report  robbery  o 

post-oHicc. 
493    Casi'H  ol'  inailrobbory  to  bo  reported  at  nucc" 


494.  Arre.'st  of  criminals  to  be  reported  to  Cuitod 

States  district  attorney. 
405.  Examiuatiou  of  persoii.s  arrested. 

496.  Robbery  of  mails  iii  viciuity  of  post-otlico. 

497.  Moneys  recovered  from  miiil-robbers. 


Sec.  490.  Postmasters  to  report  Lost  Mail-Matter  to  Chief  Special  Agent. — 

It  is  the  duty  i)t' in>stmast<'rs  to  rcpoi't  pi-omptly  to  the  Cliief  Special  Agent  every  com- 
l)laint  which  is  made  to  them  or  couu's  to  their  knowledge  of  the  loss  in  the  mails  of 
letters  or  articles  of  valui^,  whether  registered  or  not. 


TITLE    11 POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  121 

Sec.  491.  What  Facts  such  Report  must  State. — In  every  case  of  loss  by 

mail  the  Chief  .^^prcial  A;^tMit  ahouUl  be  iiiiiu«Hliatfly  iiifonnfil  of  all  the  ciieiiinstances 
cumiected  with  it,  such  ad  the  name  of  the  po.st-oflice  in  which  the  letter  was  posteil 
ami  the  date  of  mailinj^;  whether  by  the  writer  liiiiiself  or  by  another  jiersou ;  tho 
names  of  the  writer  and  the  person  addressed  ;  the  amount  and  a  description  of  the 
inelosnre;  the  post-office  to  whicli  addressed;  and  whether  registered  or  unregistered, 
and  if  registered  the  registry  number,  with  any  other  particulars  that  may  aid  in 
making  a  thonuigh  investigation. 

Sec.  492.  Postmasters  to  immediately  Report  Robbery  of  Post-Office. — "NMien- 

ever  a  post-otlice  has  been  robbtvl  the  postmaster  will  immediately  report  all  the  facts 
t(»  the  Chief  Special  Agent,  and  to  the  nearest  resident  Special  Agent.  This  report 
must  state  as  fully  Jis  possible  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  robbery,  giv- 
ing the  date  and  extent  of  tho  loss.  He  must  be  careful  to  state  whether  the  loss  con- 
sists of  stamjis,  stamped-envelopes,  postal-cards,  letters  (stolen  or  rifled),  postal  or 
moncy-onh'r  funds,  or  government  property.  If  the  lo.ss  includes  the  mail-key  the 
number  shouhl  be  given ;  and  if  registered  or  ordinary  mail-matter,  he  must  be  par- 
ticular to  state  whether  the  same  was  rifled  or  taken  from  the  post-office.  He  must 
give  all  the  information  in  his  possession  relating  to  each  lost  or  rifled  registered  letter, 
such  as  post-office  where  mailed,  date  of  mailing,  number  of  letter  and  registered- 
package  envelope,  by  whom  written,  to  whom  addressed,  and  contents.  For  the  value 
of  registered  or  ordinarj'  mail  lost  by  robbery  of  post-offices  postmasters  will  be  held 
re,sponsible  if,  upon  investigation,  it  appears  that  due  care  was  not  taken  to  secure  the 
mail-matter  from  depredation. 

Sec.  493.  Cases  of  Mail-Robbery  to  be  Reported  at  once. — Cases  of  mail- 

rt)bbory  should  at  once  be  reported  to  the  Chief  Special  Agent,  and  information  given 
from  time  to  time  of  any  new  facts  which  may  be  developed  in  regard  to  tlitMU. 

Sec.  494.  Report  Arrest  of  Criminals  to  United  States  District  Attorney. — 

When  a  criminal  is  apprehended,  the  United  States  attorney  for  the  district  in  which 
the  oftense  was  committed  must  be  promptly  informed  of  the  facts,  and  his  advice, 
and,  if  possible,  his  personal  attention,  be  obtained.  If  from  any  cause  the  services 
of  the  district  attorney  cannot  be  had,  and  it  shall  become  necessary  to  employ  another 
attorney,  the  compensation  of  such  attorney  must  be  agreed  upon  before  engaging  in 
the  case,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Postmaster-General ;  and  it  will  only  be  paid 
upon  recommendation  of  the  Special  Agent  who  may  have  charge  of  the  case. 

Sec.  495.  Examination  of  Persons  Arrested. — Persons  arrested  for  mail 
depred.ations  should  be  taken  before  a  district  or  circuit  judge,  or  a  United  States 
commissioner,  for  examination  or  commitment. 

Sec.  493.  RDbbery  of  Mail  in  Vicinity  of  Post-Office. — If  a  postmaster  lias 

rv»ason  to  Ijelieve  that  a  mail  has  been  stolen,  in  whole  or  in  part,  in  the  vicinity  of 
his  post-offi-e,  he  shall  at  once  examine  into  the  evidence,  and  if  satisfietl  that  such 
robbery  or  theft  has  actually  occurred,  he  shall  take  immediate  and  energetic  meas- 
ureji  for  recovering  the  mail  and  for  apprehending  and  prosecuting  the  ott'ender,  anrl 
shall  notify  the  Chief  Special  Agent  of  the  facts  and  of  his  action. 

Sec.  497.  Moneys  Recovered  from  Mail  Robbers. — All  moneys  recovered 

from  mail  robbers,  &c.,  will  be  forwarded  at  once  through  the  office  of  the  Chief 
Special  Agent  to  the  Postmaster-General,  who  will,  upon  satisfactory  evidence,  return 
t      same  to  the  owners.     See  section  62. 


122 


POSTAL   LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 


CHAPTER    FIFTEEN. 

PAYMENT   OF   EMPLOYES  OF   THE  RA.ILWAY  MAIL  SERVICE  BY 

POSTMASTERS. 


Soc. 

498.  Eecoril  of  arrivals  and  departures  to  be  ex- 

amined daily. 

499.  Pay  -withheld  for  failure  to  siffn  record. 

500.  Preliminary  notice  to  paying  postmaster. 

501.  Notice  to  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-Gen- 

eral. 

502.  Absences  for  more  than  thirty  days  to  be  re- 

ported. 

503.  Partial  suspension  of  pay  pending  final  in- 

structions. 

504.  The  cause  of  deduction  of  pay,   etc.,   how 

noted. 

505.  "Ko  signature"  and    "advance  signature," 

how  noted. 


Sec. 

506.  Keys  and  records  must  be  tuined  in  before 

final  settlement. 

507.  Record  of  arrival  and  departures  to  be  sent  to 

Division  Superintendent. 

508.  No  discretion  to  be  used  in  reporting  failures. 

509.  Instructions  as   to   paying   employ6s,   from 

whom  received. 

510.  Payments  to  be  made  promptly  at  the  end  of 

month. 

511.  Distinction  between  substitute  and   acting 

employ6. 

512.  Authority  for  paying  acting  employes. 

513.  Manner  of  paying  acting  employes. 


Sec.  493.  Record  of  Arrivals  and  Departures  to  be  Examined  daily. — Post- 

ma.sters  will  examiue  the  record  of  arrivals  and  departures  daily,  wlicu  the  same  is 
kept  at  their  post-offices,  and  report  to  the  Division  Superintendent  at  once  all  failures 
of  employes  to  sign  the  same,  and  also  all  cases  of  advance  signature.  When  the  rec- 
ord of  arrivals  and  departures  are  kept  avray  from  the  post-office,  they  must  be  ex- 
amined daily  by  some  person  designated  by  Division  Snperintendent,  and  all  cases 
of  failures  to  sign  or  of  advance  signature  mnst  be  reported  daily  to  him. 

Sec.  499.  Pay  Withheld  for  Failure  to  Sign  Record. — The  paying  post- 
master shall  withhold  not  exceeding  one  day's  pay  for  each  failure  on  part  of  an  em- 
ploye to  record  his  arrival  or  departure,  or  to  perform  service,  until  the  matter  is 
reported  to  the  Division  Superintendent  and  instructions  received  from  Second  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-General.  Whenever  a  failure  to  record  or  to  perform  service  is  reported 
by  a  paying  postmaster  he  shall  consider  such  report  as  a  preliminary  notice  and  shall 
■withhold  payment,  as  specified  above,  until  specific  instructious  are  received  from  the 
Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  599.  Preliminary  Notice  to  Paying  Postmaster. — In  case  of  death, 
resignation,  removal,  suspension,  or  change  of  paying  post-office  of  an  employ^,  the 
Division  Snperintendent  will  at  once  send  a  preliminary  notice  to  the  paying  post- 
ma^ster. 

Sec.  501.  Notice  to  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General. — On  receipt  of 

each  report  of  failure  by  the  Division  Su])erintendent,  he  will  at  once  report  the  same 
to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  through  the  General  Snperintendent,  and 
at  the  same  time  will  send  a  copy  of  said  report  to  the  paying  postmaster  as  a  prelim- 
inary notice  to  him  ( o  withhold  payment,  as  provided  in  section  499,  until  instructions 
are  received  li(im  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  502.  Absences  more  than  30  Days  to  be  Reported. — When  an  eniploy6 

has  been  absent  from  duty  more  than  thirty  consecutive  days,  on  account  of  sickness 
or  other  cause,  the  Division  Superintendent  will  report  the  .same  to  the  Second  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-General  through  the  General  Superintendent,  and  also  send  a  prelim- 
inary notice  to  the  paying  i)ostmaster. 

Sec.  503.  Partial  Suspension  of  Pay,  pending  final  Instructions. — In  all 

cases  wlicrc  preliminary  UKticc  h:is  Ikmmi  received  from  the  Division  SuiierinleMdcnt, 
the  p  tying  postmaster  will  withhold  from  the  pay  of  thii  employe  a  snilicient  sum  to 
cover  all  stoppages,  linos,  a.ul  forfeitures  of  which  ho  has  been  notified  until  final 


TITLE    II POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  123 

instrncfioiiH  in  each  case  have  boeii  recoivod  IVoiti  tho  Second  Assistant.  Postmaster- 
Gciifral. 

Sec.  504.  The  Cause  of  Deduction  of  Pay,  etc.,  how  Noted. — Tlie  cause  of 
cvciy  (Icductiou  of  pay,  and  tlu-  authority  for  making  tlio  8ainc,  must  always  he  noted 
on  pay-roll. 

Sec.  505.  "No  Signature"  and  "Advance  Signature,"  how  Noted. — Wlien- 

cver  an  employ^  fails  to  sign  thu  record,  the  postmaster  will  write  the  words  No  SIG- 
NATUUK  in  the  line  whore  the  name  should  have  been  signed.  In  case  of  ADVANCE 
SlcJNATl'Ki;,  the  same  will  ho  noted  on  the  sanm  line  with  the  signature. 

Sec.  506.  Keys  and  Records  must  be  Turned  in  before  final  Settlement. — 

On  the  resignation,  transfer,  suspension,  or  removal  of  an  employ^,  final  settlmieut 
•with  such  employ6  will  bis  deferred  until  tho  paying  postmaster  has  received  from  tho 
Division  Superinteuihint  in  whose  division  such  employd  last  performed  service  a  cer- 
tificate That  all  mail-keys,  records,  and  other  property  of  the  Department  have  becu 
turned  over  to  him. 

Sec.  507.  Record  of  Arrivals  and  Departures  sent  Division  Superintendent 

— At  the  end  of  each  month  postmasters  will  promptly  forward  the  record  of  arrivals 
and  departures,  duly  certified,  to  the  Division  Superintendent  for  inspection;  after 
■which  they  Avill  be  returned  to  the  postmaster,  who  -will  see  that  they  are  carefully 
preserved. 

Sec.  508.  No  Discretion  to  be  used  in  Reporting  Failures. — Xo  discretion 

should  be  exercised  by  a  postmaster,  or  by  any  other  person  in  charge  of  a  record  of 
arrivals  and  departures,  in  reporting  any  failures  on  account  of  any  peculiar  circum- 
stauces  attending  the  case.  The  failure  should  be  reported  promjitly  for  reference  to 
the  Department,  for  decision  ui>on  the  merits  of  the  case. 

Sec.  509.  Instructions  as  to  Paying  Employes,  from  whom  Received. — All 

instructions  to  postnmsters  relative  to  paying  employ6s  in  the  railway  mail  service 
must  come  from  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Inspection. 
Any  payments  made  to  employes  contrary  to  the  regulations  and  his  instructions  .will 
be  disallowed  to  the  paying  postmaster. 

Sec.  510.  Payments  to  be  made  promptly  at  end  of  Month. — Postmasters 
will  be  prepared  to  pay  employes  within  three  days  after  the  expiration  of  the  month 
in  which  the  service  was  performed,  but  no  payments  shall  be  made  until  the  month 
has  expired,  and  no  payment  shall  be  made  to  employes  after  entry  into  service  until 
the  paying  postmaster  has  been  advised  that  the  oath  of  ofhce  of  such  employ^  has 
been  received  by  the  General  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service. 

Sec.  511.  Distinction  between  Substitute  and  Acting  Employes. — Post- 
masters will  observe  the  distinctiou  between  a  substitute  and  an  acting  employ^.  A 
substitute  is  a  person  emplojed  for  or  by  a  regular  employe  to  perform  his  duties  for 
him  during  his  temporary  absence  from  duty.  An  acting  employ^  is  a  person  em- 
ployed temporarily  to  fill  a  vacancy  caused  by  the  death,  removal,  resignation,  etc., 
of  a  regular  employ^.  All  sums  paid  to  a  substitute  employ^  must  be  receipted  for 
by  the  principal  for  or  by  whom  the  substitute  was  employed ;  but  sums  paid  to  an 
acting  emi>loye  must  be  receipted  for  by  such  acting  employ^  himself. 

Sec.  512.  Authority  for  Paying  Acting  Employes. — Xo  payment  shall  he. 

made  to  acting  enqdoy^s  without  specific  authority  from  the  Second  Assistant  Post- 
master-General. 

Sec.  513.  Manner  of  Paying  Acting  Employees. — A  receipt  evidencing 
payment  to  an  acting  employ^  must  be  taken  on  a  separate  blank  form  furnished  by 
the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Blank  Agency.  And  those  vouchers  must  be 
forwarded  direct  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Inspection, 
for  necessary  credit.  The  paying  postmaster  will  also  note  on  said  receipts  his  authority 
for  making  the  payment.  Acting  employes  should  never  be  put  upon  the  regular 
pay-roll. 


124 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


CHAPTER   SIXTEEN. 

MISCELLANEOUS    PROVISIONS     RESPECTING     DUTIES     OF     POST- 
MASTERS. 


Sec. 
514. 


516. 
517. 

518. 
519. 

520. 

521. 

522. 

523. 
524. 
525. 
526. 

527. 
528. 


Eecords  at  post-offices  of  property  and  sup- 
plies. 

Inventories  of  public  property  to  be  made  in 
duplicate. 

Duplicate,  how  to  be  disposed  of. 

Postmasters  not  to  receive  moneys  from  pre- 
decessors, unless. 

Assistant  to  be  appointed. 

Oaths  of  ofKce  to  be  sent  to  Department. 

Who  to  have  access  to  mail-matter  in  post- 
offices. 

Mail  not  to  be  opened  in  reach  of  unauthorized 
persons. 

Postmasters  must  collect  and  examine  waste- 
paper,  etc. 

No  post-offlce  to  be  located  in  bar-room. 

Loungers  not  to  be  pennitt*d  in  post-office. 

Business  hours  at  post-offices. 

Transaction  of  other  business  at  fourth-class 
post-offices. 

Changing  site  of  post-office. 

Iteceiving-box  for  mail-matter  at  fourth-class 
post-offices. 


Sec. 

529.  Place  for  mail-matter  awaiting  delivery  and 

for  stamps. 

530.  Sanctity  of  seals  inviolable. 

531.  Postmasters  not  to  give  information  respe<'t- 

ing  mail-matter. 

532.  Postmasters  powerless  to  remit  fines  or  over- 

charges on  mail-matter. 

533.  Official    correspondence ;    return    of    official 

papers. 
.534.  How  po.stma.sters  should  reply  to  official  cor- 
respondence. 

535.  Postal  Guide  supplied  offlLcially  and  to  be  con  - 

suited. 

536.  Postmasters  in  doubt  as  to  law  to  ask  instruc- 

tions. 

537.  Attention  to  be  given  to  official  printed  cir- 

culars. 

538.  How  postmasters  are  to  address  the  Depart- 

ment. 

539.  Public  documents  and  property  to  be  turned 

over  to  successor. 

540.  Credentials  of  special  agenls  to  be  demanded. 

541.  Postmasters  not  to  act  as  lottery  agents. 


Sec.  514.  Records  at  Post-Oifices  of  Property  and  Supplies. — Every  Post- 
master shall  keep  a  record,  in  such  form  as  the  Postinaster-Greneral  shall 
direct,  of  all  postage-stamps,  envelopes,  postal  books,  blanks,  and  prop- 
erty received  from  his  predecessor,  or  from  the  Department  or  any  of  its 
agents ;  of  all  receipts  in  money  for  postages  and  box-rents,  and  of  all 
other  receipts  on  account  of  the  postal  service,  and  of  any  other  transac- 
tions which  may  be  required  by  the  Postmaster-General ;  and  these  rec- 
ords shall  be  i)reserved  and  delivered  to  his  successor,  and  shall  be  at 
all  times  subject  to  examination  by  any  special  agent  of  the  Dei)artnient. 
(R.  S.  §  3842.) 

Sec.  515.  Inventories  of  Public  Property  to  be  Made  in  Duplicate. — On 

taking  cliar<i;o  of  tlie  ito.st-oflice,  each  iiostuiaster  will  make,  iu  duplicate,  iuveutoriea 
of  the  public  property  Ix^longing  to  it,  as  follows: 

1.  Of  all  po.stage-8taiiipa,  stanipod-cuvclopes,  newspaper- wrapper's,  aud  postal-cards, 
and  newspaper  and  periodical-stamps,  and  jtostago-due-stamps. 

2.  Of  all  Postal  Guides,  books  of  Postal  Laws  and  Kegulations,  circulars,  orders, 
rating-stamj)s,  (itc. 

3.  Of  all  desks,  cases,  and  other  furniture  or  fixtures,  books,  maps,  blanks,  and 
stationery  allowed  or  furnished  by  tlie  Department. 

4.  Of  all  locks,  keys,  and  mail-bags. 

Sec.  516.  Duplicates,  how  to  be  Disposed  of. — Tie  will  deliver  one  of  these 

duplicates,  with  his  receipt  thereon,  to  his  predecessor,  and  transnut  the  other  as  fol- 
lows: No.  1,  to  the  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Oltice  DopartuKMit  ;  Nos.  2 
aud  3,  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General ;  and  No.  4,  to  the  Second  Assistant 
Postmaster-General. 


TITLE    II — POST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  125 

893.  517.  Postnaster  not  toRscaive  Money  fronPreiecessor,  nnless. — Eaeli 

postiuKstcr,  oil  tiikiiij;  cliiirjic  of  liis  jxtst-olVKtc,  will  not  rfcoivf  from  his  ])rc.cloc«'.s.sor 
any  money  VMilonjjinj^  to  tlu*  DepartmiMit,  uuless  specially  instnictcd  ho  to  do.  Wht-n 
tho  acconnts  of  tin-  outfioiu;j  jiostmaster  liavc  hoc.n  finally  settled  lie  will  be  notified 
by  the  Auditor,  and  directed  in  what  manner  aud  to  whom  the  balance  dne  the  De- 
j)artiiieiit  shall  be  ])aid. 

Sec.  518.  Assistants  to  be  Appointed. — Precantion  sliould  be  taken  by 

each  i)ostliiaHter  to  aiipoint  an  assistant,  to  prevent  the  ]K>st-otiice  from  beinj?  left 
without  a  duly  qualified  person  to  jierform  its  duties  in  case  of  the  ueci^ssary  absence, 
the  sickness,  resijjnatioii.  or  death  <if  the  postmaster. 

Sec.  519.  Oath  of  Office  to  be  Sent  to  Department. — Eaoh  postmaster  will 

forwanl  the  oaths  of  hi.s  assistant,  and  of  the  clerks  aud  employes  of  his  post-otHce 
to  tlie  First  Assistant  rostniaster-(Tetieral  before  they  ent(M'  upon  their  duties. 

Sec.  520.  Who  to  have  Access  to  Mail-matter  in  Post-office. — A  postmaster 

will  suffer  no  person  whatever,  except  his  duly  sworn  assistant,  clerks,  letter-carriers, 
aud  Special  Agents  of  the  Post-Otfice  Dnpartui'Mit  to  have  access  to  the  letters,  newt- 
papers,  aud  packets  in  his  post-office,  or  to  whatever  constitutes  a  part  of  the  mail,  or 
to  the  mail  locks  or  keys.  This  prohibition  extends  to  all  pereons  who  ma}'  be  employed 
on  other  duties  than  handling  the  mails.  He  should  especially  exclude  mail  contractors 
and  their  drivers. 

Ssc.  521.  Miils  not  to  bs  Opens!  in  Rsioh  of  Unauthorized  Persons. — Mails 
must  not  be  opened  or  ma  le  up  by  the  postmaster  or  his  assistants  within  the  reach 
of  persons  not  authorized  to  handle  them.  The  postmaster  will,  therefore,  while  dis- 
charj^iug  these  duties,  if  a  room  be  appropriated  to  the  use  of  his  jiost-office,  exclude 
from  it  all  persons  except  his  assistants  regularly  employed  and  sworn. 

Sec.  522.  Postmasters  must  Collect  and  Examine  "Waste  Paper,  etc. — The 
postmaster,  or  one  of  his  assistants,  before  the  post-otlice  is  swept  or  cleared,  should 
collect  and  examine  the  wa.st«  paper  which  has  accumulated  therein,  in  order  to 
guard  against  the  possibility  of  loss  of  letters  or  other  mail-matter  wliich  may  have 
fallen  on  the  floor  or  have  been  intermingled  with  eucli  waste  paper  during  the  trans- 
action of  business.  The  observance  of  this  rule  is  strictly  enjoined  upon  all  post- 
masters. Postmasters  should  be  careful  to  use,  in  mailing  letters  or  packets,  all 
wrappiiig-pa]ier  fit  to  be  used  again. 

Sec.  523.  No  Post-office  to  be  Located  in  Bar-room. — Xo  post-oflBce  shall 

be  located  in  a  bar-room,  or  in  any  room  directly  connected  therewith  ;  nor  must  any 
mail  be  opened  or  any  mail-matter  delivered  in  any  room  in  which  liquor  is  sold  at 
retail,  except  such  liquors  are  sold  by  a  druggist  for  medicinal  purposes  only. 

Sec.  524.  Loungers  not  to  be  Permitted  in  Post-office. — A  postma.ster  must 

not  allow  his  post-otfice  to  become  the  resort  for  loungers  or  disorderly  persons,  and 
whenever  necessary  he  should  invoke  the  aid  of  the  civil  authorities  to  enable  him  to 
free  his  post-office  from  the  same.  He  is  also  required  to  keep  his  post-office  in  such 
a  clean  and  orderly  condition  that  it  may  be  visited  by  women  and  children  and  others 
without  impropriety  and  embarrassment. 

Sec.  525.  Business  Hours  at  Post-offices. — Each  postmaster  \nll  keep  his 
post-office  open  for  the  dispatch  of  business  every  day,  except  Sunday,  during  the  us  al 
hours  of  business  in  the  place,  and  attend  at  such  other  hours  as  may  be  necessary  to 
receive  and  dispatch  mails.  When  the  mail  arrives  on  Sunday,  he  will  keep  his  post- 
office  open  for  one  hour  or  more  after  the  arrival  aud  assortment  thereof,  if  the  public 
convenience  reiinires  it,  for  the  delivery  of  the  same  only.  If  it  be  received  during 
the  time  of  public  worship,  the  opening  of  the  post-office  will  be  delayed  until  services 
have  closed. 

Sec.  526.  Transaction  of  other  Business  at  Fourth-class  Post-offices. — Post- 
masters at  post-offices  of  the  fourth-class  will  be  permitted  to  transact  other  business  in 


126  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGLXATIONS. 

the  same  room  in  which  the  post-office  is  located,  provided  such  other  busluess  is  kept 
separate  and  distinct  from  that  of  the  post-office. 

Sec.  527.  Changing  Site  of  Post-offices.— Xo  postmaster  should  cliange 

the  site  or  location  of  his  post-office  without  permission  from  the  Department.  In 
making  apjdication  for  such  chau'^e,  thi  postmaster  should  state  whether  it  involves 
any  additional  expense  for  transportation  of  the  mail  and  is  approved  by  the  patrons 
of  his  post-office.  The  distance  and  direction  of  the  proposed  site  from  the  present  one 
should  be  also  stated. 

Sec.  528.  Receiving  Box  for  Mail  at  Third  and  Fourth  Class  Post-offices. — 

^  „T,T,„„  -„,,^       A  letter-box  must  be  provided  at  third  and  fourth  class  post-offices, 
and  must  be  constructed  in  the  post-office  window  or  in  tlie  wall; 


'AiifitTin-. 


r 


1  foot. 


the  aperture  for  the  posting  of  letters   must  be  horizontal,  as 
f«"'^i'"^»-)  shown  in  the  margin,  and  must  measure  six  inches  by  an  inch 

and  a  half,  and  mast  be  easily  accessible  to  the  public.  The 
words  "Letter-box"  must  be  painted  above  the  aperture.  The 
box  must  be  at  least  two  feet  in  depth  from  the  lower  edge  of  the 
aperture,  and  not  less  than  one  foot  wide  and  one  foot  from  back 
to  front;  and  directly  underneath  the  aperture,  on  the  inside, 
there  shoulil  be  a  ledge,  about  two  inches  in  width,  inclining  up- 
wards, as  shown  in  the  margin,  to  prevent  pereons  from  seeing 
the  contents  of  the  box,  and  also  to  prevent  letters  from  being 
drawn  out  of  the  box.  The  box  should  be  shut  by  means  of  a 
door  forming  the  entire  back  or  side  of  the  box.  The  door  must 
always  be  securely  locked,  and  the  key  kept  in  a  safe  place. 
Sec.  529.  Place  for  Mail-matter  awaiting  Delivery  and  for  Stamps,  etc. — 
At  fourth-class  post-offices  a  pressor  drawer  must  be  provided  to  hold  letters,  &c., 
awaiting  delivery,  and  a  separate  drawer  to  hold  official  papers  (including  instruc- 
tions), which  should  never  be  placed  with  the  letters.  A  drawer  must  be  provided  in 
which  to  keep  postage  stamps,  and  a  box  or  till  with  a  secure  lock  in  which  to  place 
official  cash,  which  must  be  kept  entirely  separate  from  the  postmaster's  private 
moneJ^ 
Sec.  530.  Sanctity  of  Seals  Inviolable. — The  several  enactments  of  law 

defining  crimes  and  oftenses  against  the  post-office  establishment,  to  which  reference 
should  be  frequently  made  by  Special  Agents,  admonish  every  person  in  the  employ 
of  the  Department  that  the  law-making  power  intends  to  throw  around  the  privity 
of  correspondence  the  solemn  sanction  of  its  protection.  One  of  the  highest  obliga- 
tions of  tlie  Department  to  the  people  is  to  preserve,  by  all  the  means  in  its  power,  the 
absolute  sanctity  of  a  seal.  The  enactments  referred  to  are  entirely  explicit.  Special 
Agents  are  reijuired  to  impress  on  postmasters  and  their  subordinates,  at  all  times, 
that  the  Postmaster-General  will  visit  with  punishment  to  the  full  extent  of  the  law 
any  violation  of  the  law  in  this  particular. 

Sec.  531.  Postmasters  not  to  give  Information  respecting  Mail-matter. — 

Postmasters  and  all  others  in  the  service  are  forbidden  to  furnish  information  concern- 
ing mail-matter  received  or  delivered,  except  to  the  persons  to  whom  it  is  addresse*! 
or  to  their  authorized  agents.  The  messages  on  postal  cards  must  not  be  read,  except 
Avhen  necessary  to  facilitate  their  delivery,  or  for  the  purpose  of  determining  whether 
the  same  are  unmaihible  by  reasimof  the  jiresenceof  obscene  words  or  i>ictures  thereon, 
nor  made  known  to  others.  A  disregard  of  tliis  regulation  will  be  consiilered  a  vio- 
lation of  official  trust,  and  will  render  tin;  oil'ender  liable  to  removal.  Postmasters 
may,  however,  when  the  same  can  b(>  done  without  interference  with  the  regular  l)nsi- 
ness  of  the  post-office,  furnish  to  officers  of  the  law,  to  aid  them  in  discovering  a  fugitive 
from  criminal  justice,  information  concerning  tlie  postmarks  and  addi'esses  of  letters, 
but  must  not  delay  or  refuse  their  delivery  to  the  persons  addressed. 

Sec.  532.  Postmasters  Powerless  to  Remit  Overcharges  on  Mail-matter. — 


TITLE    II rOST-OFFICES    AND    POSTMASTERS.  127 

A  poHtniastor  has  no  discretioiuiry  powrr  for  tlio  rpmiKsion  of  ju'iiiiltit^H  or  ov«»rcliiiigf'3 
oil  uuiil-iiiiitter.  Uailcr  siK'ciiil  circuiustiinccH  cases  will  uii(luul>t<Mlly  occur  iu  which 
the  strict  obscrvauco  of  a  jjeueral  nilo  may  inflict  more  or  loss  injustice  upon  indi- 
viduals. In  such  cases  tho  postmaster  should  advise  the  party  to  appeal  directly  to 
the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-Gcnoral,  ho,  himself  keeping,  if  possible,  a  reconl  of 
the  facts,  so  that  ho  may  verify  or  disprove  the  statement  of  the  jiarty  appealinjj. 
The  mail-matter  upon  whieli  the  appeal  may  he  taken  should  remain  in  the  jiossessiou 
of  the  post-ollice  nutil  after  the  decision  of  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster  General, 
thonj^h  circumstances  may  present  themselves  where  the  nnitter  should  ijc  delivered 
pendinj;  a  decision. 

Sec.  533.  Official  Correspondence,  Return  of  Official  Papers. — Applications 

and  imiuiries  addressed  to  an  otHcer  of  the  Departmcmt  become  official  papers,  and 
when  a  paper  is  referred  to  the  postmaster  for  any  purpose,  it  must  on  no  account  bo 
rc'tained  by  him,  but  must  bo  carefully  returned,  as  speiMlily  .as  possible,  to^ijether  with 
the  report  that  m.ay  be  required,  to  the  ofticer  from  whom  it  has  been  received.  Under 
no  circumstances  may  official  papers  bo  allowed  to  pass  into  the  hands  of  the  public 
without  express  instructions  to  that  effect. 

Sec.  534.  How  Postmasters  should  Reply  to  Official  Correspondence. — Xo 

official  paper  of  any  kind,  whether  reqniriug  a  reply  or  not,  shonld  be  returnetl  by  the 
postmaster  without  some  observations  denoting  that  it  has  been  received;  and  such 
observations  should  be  written,  if  jjossible,  directly  following  the  connnunication  to 
which  they  refer,  in  order  that  the  questions  and  answers,  or  observations  or  rejoin- 
ders, may  appear  iu  consecutive  order,  according  to  their  dates,  and  so  that  the  papera 
may  be  read  as  the  pages  of  a  book.  The  postmaster  must  not  fail  to  sign  and  date 
the  papers  containing  every  observation  or  reply  that  he  may  make,  and  the  name  of 
his  post-office  shonld  also  be  added  thereto. 

Sec.  535.  Postal  Guide  Supplied  Officially  and  to  be  Consulted. — A  copy  of 

the  Uiuted  States  Postal  Guide  is  officially  supplied  to  every  postmaster,  and  he  must 
consider  the  Guide  .as  an  instruction,  to  be  carefully  perused  and  attended  to  by  liim- 
eelf  and  by  his  assistants,  as  Avell  as  a  book  of  reference  for  the  public. 

Sec.  536.  Postmasters  in  Doubt  as  to  Law  to  Ask  Instructions. — Whenever 

a  postmaster  is  in  doubt  as  to  any  provision  of  the  law  or  regulations,  he  should,  be- 
fore making  a  decision  or  taking  any  action,  address  the  proper  office  of  the  Depart- 
ment for  instructions;  and  no  expenditure  of  .any  kind  must  be  made  without  the  con- 
sent of  the  Department  has  been  first  obtained. 

Sec.  537.  Attention  to  be  Given  to  Official  Printed  Circulars. — Postmasters 

are  required  to  give  the  same  attention  to  instructions  contained  in  jirinted  circulars 
sent  from  the  different  bureaus  of  the  Department  as  to  official  manuscript  letters. 

Sec.  538.  How  Postmasters  are  to  Address  the  Department. — p]very  po.st- 

master,  iu  addressing  the  Dep.artment,  should  write  the  name  of  his  post-office,  county, 
and  State  at  the  head  of  his  letter,  and  avoid  writing  upon  more  than  one  subject  in 
the  same  letter.  Postmasters  will  be  expected  to  obey  this  instruction  to  the  letter. 
Letters  must  be  plainly  addressed  to  the  proper  office  of  the  Department. 

Sec.  539.  Public  Documents  and  Property  to  be  Turned  over  to  Successor. — 

All  instructions,  circulars,  and  orders  received  by  a  postmaster  from  anyotHcer  of  the 
Department  are  to  be  filed  in  the  post-office  and  turned  over  to  his  successor.  In  like 
manner  he  will  turn  over  to  his  successor,  or,  in  the  event  of  the  discontinuance  of 
the  post-office,  deliver  to  the  postmaster  designated  by  the  First  Assistant  Post- 
master-General, as  public  property,  all  safes,  desks,  cases,  and  other  furniture  and  fix- 
tures, and  all  books,  office  records  (such  as  duplicate  pay-rolls,  records  of  arrivals 
and  departures  of  mails,  and  of  employes  of  the  railway  mail  service),  all  maps, 
blanks,  stationery,  copies  of  this  book,  and  other  articles  which  have  either  been 
furnished  to  him  as  postmaster  or  have  been  charged  and  allowed  at  any  time,  and 
which  may  remain  on  hand  when  the  vacancy  or  discontinuance  occurs. 


128  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    BEGULATIOXS. 

Sec.  540.  Credentials  of  Speoial  Agents  to  be  Demindei — Postma.sters 
slioald  alwavs  insist  upon  the  exhibition  of  the  credentials  of  persons  representing 
themselves  vo  be  Si>eeial  Agents  of  the  Department  unless  personally  known  to  them 
to  be  snch-  A  Special  Agent's  credentials  are  always  signed  by  the  Postmaster-Gleneral 
himself. 

Sec.  541.  Postmasters  not  to  Act  as  Lottery  Agents. — Xo  postma.?ter  shall 
att  as  ageut  for  any  lottery  office,  or  under  any  color  of  purchase,  or 
othervrise  vend  lottery  tickets ;  uor  shall  he  receive  or  send  any  lottery 
scheme,  circular,  or  ticket  free  of  postage.  For  any  \iolation  of  this 
section  the  offender  shall  be  liable  to  a  x>^nalty  of  fifty  dollars.  (R. 
S.,  §  3851.) 


TITLE     III. 

TRANSPORTATION   OF  THE    MAIL. 


CHAPTER    ONE. 

DESIGNATION    OF  P03T-E0ADS    OVER  WHICH   THE  MAIL  MAY  BE 

CARRIED. 

Sec. 

542.  TThat  are  post-roads.  i  i4<^.  Extending  mail  facQities  to  special  offices. 

543.  The  Postmaatt- r-General  maj  establish  serr-      549.  Selectinz  post-roads. 

ic«  on  post-roads.  I  550.  When  ttrrminas  of  post-roads  may  be  changed- 

514.  All  coort-hoases  to  be  snpplied  with  maiL  i  55L  Discontinaing  service  on  po.st-njads. 

545.  Carrying  the  mail  on  canals.  552.  Limit  of  authority  of  Po6tmaster-<ieneral  to 

546.  Carrying  the  mail  on  plank  roails.  estiblish  post-roads. 

517.  Carrying  the  mail  on  wat»-r'<  <i»'  t)ir-  Tnited      553.  Penalty  for  obstructing  the  mails. 
States.  554.  Delaying  mail  at  a  Cerry ;  penalty. 

Sec.  542.  What  are  Post-roads. — The  follo\rmg  are  established  post- 
roads  : 

All  the  waters  of  the  United  States,  during  the  time  the  mail  is  carried 
thereon. 

All  railroads  or  parts  of  railroads  which  are  now  or  hereafter  may  be 
in  operation. 

All  canals,  during  the  time  the  mail  is  carried  thereon. 

All  plank-roads,  during  the  time  the  mail  is  carried  thereon. 

The  road  on  which  the  mail  is  carried  to  supply  any  court-house  which 
may  be  without  a  mail,  and  the  road  on  which  the  mail  is  carried  under 
contract  made  by  the  Postmaster-General  for  extending  the  line  of  i)osts 
to  supply  mails  to  post-offices  not  on  any  established  route,  during  the 
time  such  mail  is  carried  thereon. 

All  letter-carrier  routes  establLshed  in  any  city  or  town  for  the  collec- 
tion and  delivery  of  mail  matters.     (E.  S.,  §  39G4.) 

Sec.  543.  The  Postmaster-Greneral  may  Establish  Service  on  Post-roads. — The 
PostmH.ster-Geueral  shall  provide  for  canyingthe  mail  on  all  i>o.<t-roads 
establishe<l  by  law,  as  often  as  he.  having  due  regard  to  productiveness 
and  other  circumstances,  may  think  proper.     fH.  S..  §  30G.3.) 

Sec.  544  AH  Court-houses  to  be  Supplied  with  Mail — The  Postmaster- 
General  shall  cause  a  mail  to  be  carried  from  the  nearest  post-office  on 
any  established  iX)St-road  to  the  court-house  of  any  county  in  the  United 
States  which  is  without  a  mail.     (R.  S.,  §  3066.) 

Sec.  545.  Carrying  the  Mail  on  Canals. — The  Postmaster-General  may 
contract  for  carrying  the  mail  on  the  navigable  canals  of  the  several 

129 
9  P  L 


130  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIOXS. 

States,  when,  in  his  opinion,  the  public  interest  or  convenience  requires 
it.     (E.  S.,  §  39G7.) 

Sec.  546.  Carrying  the  Mail  on  Plank-roads. — The  Postmaster-General 
may  contract  for  carrying  the  mail  on  any  plank-road  in  the  Fnited 
States,  when  the  public  interest  or  convenience  requires  it.  (R.  S., 
§  39C8.) 

Sec.  547.  Carrying  the  Mail  on  Waters  of  the  United  States.— The  Post- 
master-General may  cause  the  mail  to  be  carried  in  any  steamboat  or 
other  vessel  used  as  a  packet  on  any  of  the  waters  of  the  United  States. 
(R.  S.,  §3909.) 

Ses.  543.  Extending  Mail  Facilities  to  Special  Post-Offices. — The  Post- 
master-General may  enter  into  contracts  for  extending  the  line  of  posts 
to  supply  mails  to  post-offices  not  on  any  established  route,  and,  as  a 
compensation  for  carrying  the  mail  under  such  contracts,  may  allow  not 
exceeding  two-thirds  of  the  salary  i^aid  to  the  postmaster  at  such  special 
[post]  offices.     (R.  S.,  §3971.) 

See  "  Special  instructions  to  postmasters." 

Sec.  549.  Selecting  Post-roads. — When  there  is  more  than  one  road  be- 
tween places  designated  by  law  for  a  post-road,  the  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral may  direct  which  shall  be  considered  the  post-road.    (R.  S.,  §3972.) 

Sec.  550.  When  Terminus  of  Post-roads  may  be  Changed. — The  Postmas- 
ter-General may  change  the  terminus  of  post-roads  connecting  with  or 
intersecting  railways  when  the  service  can  be  thereby  improved.  (R.  S., 
§3973.) 

Sec.  551.  Discontinuing  Service  on  Post-roads. — Whenever,  in  the  ojiin- 
ion  of  the  Postmaster-General,  the  postal  service  cannot  be  safely  con- 
tinued, the  revenues  collected,  or  the  laws  maintained  on  any  post-road, 
he  may  discontinue  the  service  on  such  road  or  any  x)art  thereof  until 
the  same  can  be  safely  restored.     (R.  S.,  §  3974.) 

Sec.  552.  Authority  of  Postmaster-General  to  Establish  Post-roads. — The 
Postmaster-General  may,  when  he  deems  it  advisable,  contract  for  the 
transportation  of  the  mails  to  and  from  any  post-oflfice ;  but  where  such 
service  is  performed  over  a  route  not  established  by  law,  he  shall  report 
the  same  to  Congress  at  its  meeting  next  thereafter,  and  such  service 
shall  cease  at  the  end  of  the  next  session  of  Congress,  unless  such  route 
is  established  a  post-route  by  Congress.     (R,  S.,  §3975.) 

Sec.  553.  Penalty  for  Obstructing  the  Mail. — Any  person  Avho  shall  know- 
ingly and  willfully  obstruct  or  retard  the  passage  of  the  mail,  or  any 
carriage,  horse,  driver,  or  carrier  carrying  the  same,  shall,  for  every  such 
offense,  ha  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  one  hundred  dollars. 
(R.  S.,  §  3995.) 

The  toinporary  detent  ion  of  the  mail,  eiiusod  by  tlie  arrest  of  its  carrier  upon  an  in- 
dictment for  felony,  does  not  come  within  the  provisions  of  this  section,  but  .i  mail- 
carrier  on  his  route  cauiiot  bo  detained  by  civil  process.     (IT.  S.  vs.  Kirby,  7  "Wallace, 

A  city  may  prohibit  l)y  ordinance  tlu>.  passage  of  trains  throu;j;h  its  limits  at  a  rato 


TITLE    III — TRANSPORTATION    OF    THE    MAIL.  131 

of  speed  not  exceeding  six  niilos  pciliunr,  iind  not  coudict  with  tlii.s  section.     (.5  0pins. 
554.) 

Sec.  554.  Dalaying  Mail  at  a  Ferry,  Penalty. — Any  ferryman  wlio  sli;ill 
(lolay  the  i)a.ssiij^e  of  the  ni:iil  by  willful  neglect  or  refusal  to  tran.si)ort 
the  same  across  any  ferry  shall,  for  every  ten  minutes  such  mail  may  be 
so  delayed,  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  tea  dollars.    (R.  S.,  §  3990.) 


CHAPTER  TWO. 

CAKUIAGE  OF  THE  MA.IL  A  GDVERNMETJT  MONOPOLY— UNLAW- 
FUL CARRIAGE  OF  MAIL-MATTER  OUTSIDE  OF  THE  MAILS.— 
SEIZURE  AND  DETENTION  OF  UNLAWFUL  MATTER  IN  THE 
MAILS. 


Sec. 

555.  Prohibition  of  privjitp  exprcssps. 

556.  Private   carriers  forbidden  at  carrier  post- 

offices. 

557.  Penalty  for  carrying  persons  acting  as  express. 

558.  Penalty  for  sending  letters  bj-  private  express. 
.559.  Penalty  for  carrying  letters  out  of  the  mail. 

560.  Penalty  for  carrying  letters  on  board  a  mail 

vessel. 

561.  Foreign  letters  only  to  be  received  from  a 

post-office. 
502.  Yesssls  to  deliver  all  letters  at  post-office. 


Sec. 

563.  Special  agents  to  searcli  vessels  for  letters. 

564.  Seizing  and  detaining  letters. 

565.  Forfeiture  of  seizures  to  the  United  States. 

566.  Letters  seized  may  be  returned  to  senders. 

567.  Letters  conveyed  without  compensation. 

568.  Letters  in  stamped  envelopes. 

569.  Postmasters  must  report  violations  of  law. 

570.  Searches  authorized. 

571.  Newspapers  may  be  caiTied  out  of  the  maiL 

572.  Such  pai)ers  deposited  in  post-offices  must  be 

paid. 


Sec.  555.  Prohibition  of  Private  Expresses. — Xo  person  shall  establish 
any  private  express  for  the  conveyance  of  letters  or  packets,  or  in  any 
manner  cause  or  provide  for  the  conveyance  of  the  same  by  regular 
trips  or  at  stated  periods,  over  any  post-route  which  is  or  may  be  estab- 
lished by  law,  or  from  any  city,  town,  or  place  to  any  other  city,  town, 
or  place  between  which  the  mail  is  regularly  carried  ;  and  every  person, 
so  oflending,  or  aiding  or  assisting  therein,  shall  for  each  offense  be 
liable  to  a  penalty  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  Provided,  Nothing 
herein  contained  shall  be  construed  as  prohibiting  any  person  from 
receiving  and  delivering  to  the  nearest  post-oftice  or  postal  car  mail- 
matter  properly  stamped.  (K.  S.,  §  3983,  as  modified  by  act  of  March  3, 
1879,  §  1,  20  Stat.,  p.  35G.) 

The  term  packet,  as  used  in  this  and  the  following  sections  of  the  law,  is  restricted 
to  mailable  matter  of  the  first  cla.ss.  (Opiu.  So.  14,  Ass't  Att'y-Geu.  P.  O.  Dept. — 
Spence.) 

A  person  who  intends  to  make  the  carrying  of  letters  periodically  for  hire  his  regu- 
lar business,  or  jtart  of  his  business,  in  opposition  to  the  public  carriers,  is  legally 
incapable  of  receiving  authority  to  take  letters  out  of  the  post-office  for  that  purpose, 
however  sneh  authority  may  be  attenijited  to  be  conferred.      (9  Opins.,  101.) 

Sec.  558.  Private  Carriers  Forbidden  at  Carrier  Post-Offices. — Postmasters 

at  letter-carrier  post-offices  will  under  no  circuinstauces  deliver  first-class  mail-matter 
to  a  private  carrier,  no  matter  what  credentials  he  may  present,  whether  it  be  a  joint 
order  from  all  of  his  employers,  or  a  separate  order  from  each  one,  a  permanent  stand- 
ing order,  or  an  order  renewed  eveiy  day. 


132  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIOXS. 

Sec.  557.  Penalty  for  Carrying  Persons  Acting  as  Express. — The  owner  of 
every  stage-coach,  railway-car,  steamboat,  or  other  vehicle  or  vessel, 
which  shall,  with  the  knowledge  of  anj'  owner,  in  whole  or  in  part,  or 
with  the  knowledge  or  connivance  of  the  driver,  conductor,  master,  or 
other  person  having  charge  of  the  same,  convey  any  person  acting  or 
employed  as  a  i)rivate  exi^ress  for  the  conveyance  of  letters  or  packets, 
and  actually  in  possession  of  the  same  for  the  purpose  of  conveying 
them,  contrary  to  the  spirit,  true  intent,  and  meaning  of  this  title,  shall, 
for  every  such  offense,  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars.     (E.  S.,  §  3983.) 

Sec.  558.  Penalty  for  Sending  Letters  by  Private  Express. — ^o  i)ersou 
shall  transmit  by  private  express  or  other  unlawful  means,  or  deliver  to 
any  agent  of  such  unlawful  express,  or  deposit,  or  cause  to  be  deposited, 
at  any  appointed  jilace,  for  the  purpose  of  being  transmitted,  any  letter 
or  i)acket ;  and  for  every  such  offense  the  party  offending  shall  be  liable 
to  a  penalty  of  lifty  dollars.     (K.  S.,  §  3984.) 

Sec.  559.  Penalty  for  Carrying  Letters  out  of  the  Mails. — Any  person 
concerned  in  carrying  the  mail,  who  shall  collect,  receive,  or  carry 
any  letter  or  packet,  or  cause  or  i)rocure  the  same  to  be  done,  con- 
trary to  law,  shall,  for  every  such  offense,  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not 
more  than  fifty  dollars.  (R.  S.,  §  3981.)  No  stage-coach,  railway-car, 
steamboat,  or  other  vehicle  or  vessel  which  regularly  jierforms  trii^s  at 
stated  periods  on  any  post-route,  or  from  any  city,  town,  or  place  to  any 
other  city,  town,  or  place,  between  which  the  mail  is  regularly  carried, 
shall  carry,  otherwise  than  in  the  mail,  any  letters  or  packets,  except 
such  as  relate  to  some  part  of  the  cargo  of  such  steamboat  or  other  ves- 
sel, or  to  some  article  carried  at  the  same  time  by  the  same  stage-coach, 
railway-car,  or  other  vehicle,  except  as  i^rovided  in  section  [558]  [thnc 
thousand  nine  hundred  and  ninety-three] ;  and  for  every  such  offense  the 
owner  of  the  stage-coach,  railway-car,  steamboat,  or  other  vehicle  or 
vessel  shall  be  liable  to  a  i^enalty  of  one  hundred  dollars;  and  the 
driver,  conductor,  master,  or  other  person  having  charge  thereof,  and 
not  at  the  time  owner  of  the  whole  or  any  part  thereof,  shall  for  every 
such  offense  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  fifty  dollars.     (R.  S.,  §  3985.) 

Sec.  560.  Penalty  for  Carrying  Letters  on  Board  a  Mail-Vessel. — Xo  per- 
son shall  carry  any  letter  or  packet  on  board  any  vessel  which  carries 
the  mail  otherwise  than  in  such  mail,  except  as  provided  in  section  [oG8J 
[three  thousand  nine  hundred  and  ninety -three],  and  for  every  such  offense 
the  party  offending  shall  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  fifty  dollars.  (K.  S., 
§3980.) 

Sec.  561.  Foreign  Letters  only  to  be  Received  from  a  Post-Office. — Xo  vessel 
departing  from  the  United  states  for  any  foreign  port  shall  receive  on 
board  or  convey  any  letter  or  ])acket  originating  in  the  United  States 
which  has  not  been  regularly  received  from  the  post-oftice  at  the  port  of 
departure,  and  which  does  not  relate  to  the  cargo  of  such  vessel,  except 
as  pro\'ided  in  section  [508]  [three  thousand  nine  hund  red  and  ninety 
three];  and  every  collector,  or  other  oflicer  of  the  port  empowered  tj 


TITLE    III — TRANSPORTATION    OF    THH    MAII>.  IJ.J 

grant  doarances,  shall  iciiiiirc  IVoiii  llic  master  of  such  vessel,  as  a. 
eonditioii  of  clearaneo,  au  oath  that  he  lias  not  received  on  board,  has 
not  nnder  his  care  or  control,  and  will  not  receive  or  convey  uny  letter 
or  packet  contrary  to  the  provisions  of  this  section.     (II.  S.,  §  .'W-ST.) 

Sec.  562.  Vessels  to  Deliver  all  Letters  at  Post-Office. — No  vessel  aniving 
Avithin  any  jjort  or  collection-district  of  the  I'nited  States  shall  be  allowed 
to  make  entry  or  break  bulk  until  all  letters  on  board  are  delivered  at 
the  nearest  ])ost-o(lice,  and  the  master  tliercof  has  sif^ned  and  sworn  to 
the  following  declaration,  before  the  collector  or  other  x)roper  customs 
officer : 

"I,  A.  B.,  master  of  the ,  arriving  from ,  and  now  lying 

in  the  i)ort  of ,  do  solemnly  swear  (or  affirm)  that  I  have,  to  the 

best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief,  delivered,  at  the  post-office  at , 

every  letter,  and  every  bag,  packet,  or  parcel  of  letter.s,  which  were  on 
board  the  said  vessel  during  her  last  voyage,  or  which  were  in  my  pos- 
session or  under  my  power  or  control." 

And  any  master  who  shall  break  bulk  before  he  has  delivered  such 
letters  shall  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  not  more  than  one  hundred  dollars, 
recoverable,  one-half  to  the  officer  making  the  seizure,  ami  the  other  to 
the  use  of  the  United  States.     (R.  S.,  §  3088.) 

Sec.  563.  Special  Agents  to  Search  Vessels  for  Letters. — Any  special  agent 
of  the  Post-Office  Department,  when  instructed  by  the  Postmaster  Gen- 
eral to  make  examinations  and  seizures,  and  the  collector  or  other  customs 
officer  of  any  port,  without  special  instructions,  shall  carefully  search  all 
vessels  for  letters  which  may  be  on  board  or  which  have  been  conveyed 
contrary  to  law.     (R.  S.,  §  3989.) 

Sec.  564.  Seizing  and  Detaining  Letters. — Any  special  agent  of  the  Post- 
Office  Department,  collector,  or  other  customs  officer,  or  United  States 
marshal  or  his  deputy,  may  at  all  times  seize  all  letters  and  bags,  packets 
or  parcels,  containing  letters  which  are  being  carried  contrary  to  law  on 
board  any  vessel  or  on  any  post-route,  and  convey  the  same  to  the  nearest 
post-office,  or  may,  by  the  direction  of  the  Postmaster-General  or  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury,  detain  them  until  two  months  after  the  final  deter- 
mination of  all  suits  and  proceedings  which  may,  at  any  time  within  six 
mouths  after  such  seizure,  be  brought  against  any  person  for  sending 
or  carrying  such  letters.     (R.  S.,  3990.) 

Sec.  565.  Forfeiture  of  Seizures  to  the  United  States. — Every  package  or 
parcel  seized  by  any  special  agent  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  col- 
lector, or  other  customs  officer,  or  United  States  marshal  or  his  deputies, 
in  which  any  letter  is  unlawfully  concealed,  shall  be  forfeited  to  the 
United  States,  and  the  same  proceedings  may  be  had  to  enforce  the  for- 
feiture as  are  authorized  in  respect  to  goods,  wares,  and  merchandise 
forfeited  for  violation  of  the  revenue  laws ;  and  all  laws  for  the  benefit 
and  protection  of  customs  oihcers  making  seizures  for  violating  revenue 
laws  shall  apply  to  officers  making  seizures  for  violating  the  j)ostal  laws. 
(R.  S.,  §  3991.) 

See  Title  xxxiv,  chap.  10,  Rev.  Stat. 


134  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  568.  Letters  Seized  may  be  Returned  to  Senders. — All  letters,  packets, 
or  other  matter  which  may  be  seized  or  detained  for  violation  of  law 
shall  be  returned  to  the  owner  or  sender  of  the  same,  or  otherwise  dis- 
jiosed  of  as  the  Postmaster-General  may  direct.     (E.  S.,  §  3805.) 

See.  567.  Letters  Conveyed  Without  Compensation. — Nothing  herein  con- 
tained shall  be  construed  to  prohibit  the  conveyance  or  transmission  ot 
letters  or  packets  by  private  hands  without  compensation,  or  by  special 
messenger  employed  for  the  particular  occasion  only.     (E.  S.,  §  3992.) 

Sec.  568.  Letters  in  Stamped  Envelopes. — All  letters  inclosed  in  stamped 
envelopes,  if  the  postage-stamp  is  of  a  denomiuation  sufficient  to  cover 
the  i)Ostage  that  would  be  chargeable  thereon  if  the  same  were  sent  by 
mail,  may  be  sent,  conveyed,  and  delivered  otherwise  than  by  mail, 
provided  such  envelope  shall  be  duly  directed  and  properly  sealed,  so 
that  the  letter  cannot  be  taken  therefrom  without  defaciug  the  envelope, 
and  the  date  of  the  letter  or  of  the  transmission  or  receipt  thereof  shall 
be  written  or  stamped  upon  the  envelope.  But  the  Postmaster-General 
may  suspend  the  operation  of  this  section  upon  any  mail-route  where 
the  public  interest  may  require  such  suspension.     (E.  S.,  §  3993.) 

Sec.  569.  Postmasters  must  Report  Violations  of  Postal  Monopoly. — When- 
ever a.  postmaster  receives  iuformatiou  or  lias  good  reason  to  believe  that  letters  are 
illegally  brought  to  or  seut  from  auy  city,  town,  lauding,  station,  or  place,  near  his 
l>ost-office,  whether  by  steamboat,  railroad,  private  carrier  for  hire,  or  auy  other  mode 
of  couveyauce,  or  in  any  way  in  violation  of  the  i)recediug  section,  he  will  give  imme- 
diate notice  of  such  violation  of  law  to  the  Postmaster-Geueral,  with  all  the  facts 
concerning  it  in  his  possession. 

Sec.  570.  SaiTclies  Authorized. — The  Postmaster-General  may,  by  a  let- 
ter of  authorization  under  his  liauil,  to  bs  filed  among  the  records  of  his 
Department,  empower  any  special  agent  or  other  officer  of  the  Post- 
Office  Establishment  to  make  searches  for  mailable  matter  transported 
in  violation  of  law;  and  the  agent  or  officer  so  authorized  may  open  and 
search  any  car  or  vehicle  passing,  or  having  lately  before  passed,  from 
any  place  at  which  there  is  a  post-offiee  of  the  United  States  to  any 
other  such  place,  or  any  box,  package,  or  packet,  being,  or  having  lately 
before  been,  in  such  car  or  vehicle,  or  any  store  or  house,  other  than  a 
dwelling-house,  used  or  occupied  by  any  common  carrier  or  trans])orta- 
tlon  company,  in  which  such  box,  package,  or  packet  may  be  contained, 
whenever  such  agent  or  officer  has  reason  to  believe  that  mailable  matter, 
transported  contrary  to  law,  may  therein  be  found.     (E.  S.,  §  402(3.) 

Sec.  571.  Newspapers  may  be  Carried  out  of  the  Mail. — Contractors  or 
mail-carriers  may  convey  out  of  the  mail  newspapers  for  sale  or  distri- 
bution to  subs(;rihers.    (li.  S..  §  .'ISSS.) 

Sec.  572.  On  such  Papers  Deposited  in  Post-Office  Postage  must  be  Paid. — 

If  newHi>apers  which  have  been  carried  outside  of  the  mail  are  placed  in  a.  post-oHico 
for  delivery,  postage  must  bo  charged  and  collected.  Contractors  and  otlicr  persons 
may  also  convey  books,  pamphlets,  magazines,  aiul  newspapers  (not  intended  for  im- 
mediate distril)ution),  done  up  in  packages  as  mfrchaudise,  and  addressed  to  somo 
hona-Jldc  news-agent  or  booksidler. 


TITLE    III TKANSPOKTATION    OF    THE    MAIL. 


135 


CHAPTER  THREE. 

ADVERTISEMENTS,  PROPOSALS,  AND   CONTRACTS   FOR  CARRYING 

THE  MAIL. 


S«c.  '   Soc. 

573.  Advertispment  of  };«'"i'i:'l  niaillittinKs.  603. 

574.  Divisiim  of  the  United  States  into  eontiact  I 

sections.  '  ^O^- 

575.  Adveitisoment  of  routes  omitted  in  general  | 

let  tins?.  _  !   605. 

576.  Xotiie  of  intention  to  change  terms  of  conj  | 

tract.  1  606. 

577.  iliscellaneous  mail-lettinga  defined.  607. 

578.  Advertisement  of  miscellauioiis  mail-lettings.      608. 

579.  Rates  to  be  paid  for  advertisements. 

580.  Proposals  for  carrying  the  mail;  how  deliv-      609. 

ered  and  opened.  610. 

581.  Proposals  to  be  accompanied  by  bonds  ap-      611. 

proved  by  postmasters.     •  I  612. 

582.  Sureties  on  bidders'  bonds  must  qualify.  ■   613. 

583.  Amount  of  bond  stated  iu  advertisement.  [  614. 

584.  Qualification  of  sureties  ou  more  than  one  j 

bond.  615. 

585.  Bids  to  be  accompanied  by  a  certified  check  I 

or  draft.  616. 

588.  Time  of  returning  drafts  to  unsuccessful  bid-  ' 

ders.  '   G17. 

587.  Penalty  f.)r  illegal  approval  of  bonds  by  post- 

masters. 618. 

588.  All  proposals  to  be  recorded  and  filed.  ' 

589.  Combinations  to  prevent  bids,  penalty.  619. 

590.  Caution  to  postmasters  signing  bidders' bonds.   ! 
.591.  What  are  legal  bids.  '  !  620. 

592.  Bidders  must  infonn  themselves  as  to  the 

character  of  the  service.  |  621. 

593.  Special  instructions  to  bidders.  I 

594.  Alterations  and  modifications  of  bids  destroy   |  622. 

their  validity.  | 

595.  Biiblers  must  be  of  legal  age.  623. 

596.  Bids  which  cannot  be  received.  G24. 

597.  Bids  which  may  be  rejected. 

598.  Bidders  not  released  from  bonds  until  service      625. 

is  commenced. 

599.  Persons  who  may  not  bo  interested  in  mail      626. 

contracts. 

600.  Bidders  may  not  assign  or  transfer  their  bids.      627. 

601.  Contracts    in    name   of   United    States  and      628. 

awarded  to  lowest  bidder. 

602.  New  sureties  ou  contracts  may  be  required  or 

accepted. 


In  case  of  bidder  failing  contract  with  other 
persons  autliorized. 

In  case  of  failing  contractor  contracts  with 
other  persons  authorized. 

Temporary  cimtracts  authorized,  not  to  exceed 
last  contract  price. 

Penalty  for  making  straw  bids. 

Contracts  made  without  advertisement. 

Mail  apartments  to  be  furnished  on  mail 
steamboats. 

Contracts  to  be  executed  in  duplicate. 

Tenn  of  contracts. 

Time  of  executing  contracts. 

Payment  on  contract-s. 

Causes  for  which  contracts  may  be  annulled. 

Contractors  to  carry  all  mails  and  care  for 
mail-bags. 

Special  agents  and  postal  supplies  to  be  car- 
ried free. 

When  postmasters  may  employ  temporary 
service. 

After  contracts  have  expired  postmasters  may 
not  pay  for  service. 

Increase  of  compensation  for  increased  serv- 
ice. 

Increase  of  compensation  for  increased  ce- 
lerity. 

Determination  of  compensation  for  increased 
celerity. 

Decreased  compens.atioii  for  decreased  serv- 
ice. 

Changes  of  schedule;  time  of  arrival  and 
departure. 

Contracts  cannot  be  assigned  or  transferred. 

Contracts  not  to  be  sublet  without  consent  of 
the  Postmaster-Creneral. 

Subcontracts  permissible  with  consent  of  the 
Postmaster-General. 

Eegulatious  under  which  subcontracts  m-iy 
be  made. 

Miil-messenger  service. 

ilail-carriers  to  receive  mail  for  delivery  at 
next  post-oflice. 


Sec.  573.  Advertisemsat  of  General  Mail-Lettings.  — The  Tostmaster- 
Geueral  shall  cause  iiLlvci-tisemeiit.s  of  all  general  mail-lettiugs  of  each 
State  and  Territory  to  be  conspicuously  posted  up  in  eachpost-ofiice  in  the 
State  and  Territory  embraced  iu  said  advertisements  for  at  least  si.Kty 
days  before  the  time  of  such  general  letting ;  and  no  other  advertisement 
of  such  letting  shall  be  required;  but  this  provision  shall  not  apply  to 


136  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

any  other  than  general  mail-lettings.     (Act  March  3,  1879,  §  1,  20  Stat., 
p.  356.)     See  R.  S.,  §  3941;  see  19  Stat.,  78,  383.) 

See  also  section  578. 

Sec.  574.  Division  of  the  Unite i  States  into  Contract  Sections. — The  United 

V  states  is  dividocl  iuto  four  coatract  sections.  A  general  letting  for  one  of  these  sections 
occurs  every  year,  and  contracts  are  made  at  snch  general  lettings  for  four  consecu- 
tive years,  commencing  on  the  first  day  of  July.  The  sections  and  their  current  con- 
tract terms  are — 

1.  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Vermont,  Massschusetts  Ehode  Island.  Connecticut.  New- 
York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  District  of  Columbia,  Virginia, 

and  West  Virginia ;  current  term,  July  1, 1877,  to  Juno  30,  1381. 

2.  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Tennes- 
sse,  Kentucky,  Ohio,  and  Indiana;  curi-ent  term,  July  1,  1876,  to  June  30,  1830. 

3.  Illinois,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  Iowa,  and  Missouri ;  cun-eut  term,  July 
1,  1879,  to  June  30,  1883. 

4.  Arkansas,  Louisiana,  Texas,  Indian  Territory,  Kansas,  Nebraska,  Dakota, 
Montana,  Wyoming,  Colorado,  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  Utah,  Idaho,  AVashington,  Ore- 
gon, Nevadi,  and  California;  current  term,  July  1,  1878,  to  June  30,  1882. 

Sec.  575.  Advertisement  of  Routes  Omitted  in  General  Letting. — ^Mien- 
ever  by  reason  of  any  error,  omission,  or  other  canse  any  route  which 
shonld  properly  be  advertised  for  the  regular  letting^  is  omitted,  it  .shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Postmaster-General  to  advertise  the  same  as  soon  as 
the  error  or  omission  shall  be  discovered,  and  the  proposals  for  such 
route  shall  be  opened  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  other  proposals  in 
the  same  contract  section ;  and  the  contract  made  under  such  supple- 
mentary advertisement  shall  run,  as  nearly  as  possible,  from  the  begin- 
ning to  the  end  of  the  regular  contract  term,  and  during  the  time 
necessarily  lost  by  reason  of  such  error,  omission,  or  other  cause,  the 
Postmaster-General  shall  provide  for  the  carrying  of  the  mail  on  such 
route  at  as  low  rate  as  possible,  without  advertising.  (R.  S.,  §  39G7.) 
^/  Sec.  576.  Notice  of  Intention  to  Change  Terms  of  Contract. — Wlienever  it 
becomes  necessary  to  change  the  terms  of  an  existing  contract  for  carry- 
ing tlie  mail  otherwise  than  as  provided  in  (the  preceding)  section  [018 
and  G19],  notice  thereof  shall  be  given  and  proceedings  had  thereon  the 
same  as  at  the  letting  of  original  contracts.     (E.  S.,  §  3958.) 

Sec.  577.  Miscellaneous  Mail-Lettings  Defined. — The  lettings  for  service 

upon  new  mail-routes  established  by  Congress  in  any  contract  division  of  the  l''nited 
^States  during  a  contract  term,  and  upon  routes  where  the  contractor,  has  failed  or 
abandoned  his  contract,  are  denominated  miscellaneous  mail-lettings.  >.  Such  letting.s 
are  made  under  advertisement  to  cover  the  mail  service  on  such  routes  until  the 
expiration  of  the  contract  terra,  when  the  service,  if  continued,  is  embraced  in  the 
general  mail-letting. 

Sec.  578.  Advertisement  of  Miscellaneous  Mail-Lettings. — Before  maldng 
any  contract  for  iiihind  mail  traiisportutioii,  other  than  by  railroads  and 
steamboats,  except  for  temporary  service,  as  provided  for  in  [sections 
G83-005]  [an  act  approirrl  Auf/mt  eleventh,  eif/htcen  hundred  and  screuty- 
six,  ameniator}/  of  sub-sections  tiro  hundred  and  fortii-six  and  two  hundred 
and  fifty-one  of  section  twelve  of  an  act  approved  Jane  twenty-third,  eight- 
y  can  hundred  and  seventy-four]  the  Postmaster-General  shall  cause  to  be 
published,  in  not  exceeding  ten  newspapers  published  in  the  State  or 


TITLE    III TRANSPORTATION    OF    THE    MAIL.  lol 

Territory  in  whidi  such  service  is  to  be  let,  one  of  ^vliicli  slmll  lie  piil)- 
lislied  at  tlie  seat  of  fi'overmiicnt  of  such  State  or  Territory,  once  a  week, 
for  si.K  consecutive  weeks,  luccediii;;-  the  time  of  h!tti^;,^  a  notice  in  <tis- 
playecl  typo,  not  to  exceed  six  inches  of  space  in  ojie  cijliiiiin  of  a  news- 
paper of  tlic  followinj;'  purport: 

MAIL  LETTIXGS. 

notice  to  contractors. 

Post-Office  Departjient, 

Washington,  T).  C,  ,  — ,  18 — . 

Proposals  will  be  received  at  the  Contract  Ofiftce  of  this  Department 

until  —  a.  m.,  of , ,  18 — ,  for  carrying  the  mails  of  the  United 

States  upon  the  routes,  and  according  to  the  schedule  of  arrival  and 
departure,  specified  by  the  Department,  in  the  State  (or  Territory)  of 

,  from ,  18 — ,  to ,  18 — .     Lists  of  routes,  with  schedules  of 

arrivals  and  departures,  instructions  to  bidders,  with  forms  for  con- 
tracts and  bonds,  and  all  other  necessary  information,  will  be  furnished 
upon  application  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 


Postmaster-General. 

and  no  other  advertisement  of  niisccllaneous  lettings  shall  be  required : 
l*rovi(Ie;J,  That  said  contracts  for  mail  letting  shall  not  take  place  in  less 
than  sixty  days  after  the  first  publication.  (Act  May  17,  1878,  §  1,  20 
Stat.,  p.  Gl.) 

Sec.  579.  Rates  to  be  Paid  for  Advertisements. — Hereafter  all  advertise- 
ments, notices,  proposals  for  contracts,  and  all  other  forms  of  advertising 
required  by  law  for  the  Post-Office  Department  may  be  paid  for  at  a 
price  not  to  exceed  the  commercial  rates  charged  to  private  individuals 
with  the  usual  discounts,  such  rates  to  be  ascertained  from  sworn  state- 
ments to  be  furnished  to  the  Postmaster-General  by  the  proprietors  of 
the  newspapers  proposing  to  so  advertise.  But  the  Postmaster-General 
maj"  secure  lower  terms  at  special  rates,  whenever  the  public  interest 
requires  it.     (Act  May  17,  1878,  §  4,  20  Stat.,  p.  01.) 

Sec.  533.  Proposals  for  CaTryin3^  the  Mail,  how  Delivered  and  Opened. — 
Proposals  for  carrying  the  mail  shall  be  delivered  sealed,  and  so  kept 
until  the  bidding  is  closed,  and  shall  then  be  opened  ami  marked  in  the 
presence  of  the  Postmaster-General,  and  one  of  the  Assistant  Post- 
masters-General, or  of  two  of  the  Assistant  Postmasters-General,  or  ot 
any  other  two  officers  of  the  Department,  to  be  designated  by  the  Post- 
master-General ;  and  any  bidder  may  withdraw  his  bid  at  uny  time 
before  twenty  four  hours  previous  to  the  time  fixed  for  the  opening  of 
proposals,  by  serving  upon  the  Postmaster-General,  or  the  Seconil  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-General,  notice  in  writing  of  such  withdrawal.  (H.  S., 
§  3944.) 

Sec.  681.  Proposals  Accompanied  by  Bonds  Approved  by  Postmasters. — 


loo  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

Every  proposal  for  carrying  the  mail  shall  be  aceonipanied  by  the 
boud  of  the  bidder,  with  sureties  approved  by  a  postmaster,  aad  iu 
causes  where  the  amount  of  the  bond  exceeds  five  thousand  dollars,  by  a 
postmaster  of  the  first,  second,  or  third  class,  in  a  sum  to  be  designated 
by  the  Postmaster-General  in  the  advertisement  of  each  route;  to  which 
bond  a  condition  shall  be  annexed,  that  if  the  said  bidder  shall,  within 
such  time  after  his  bid  is  accepted  as  the  Postmaster-General  shall  jjre- 
scribe,  enter  into  a  contract  with  the  United  States  of  America,  with 
good  and  sufficient  sureties,  to  be  approved  by  the  Postmaster-General, 
to  perform  the  service  proposed  in  his  said  bid,  and,  further,  that  he 
shall  perform  the  said  service  according  to  his  contract,  then  the  said 
obligation  to  be  void,  otherwise  to  be  in  full  force  and  obligation  in  law; 
and  in  case  of  failm^e  of  any  bidder  to  enter  into  such  contract  to  per- 
form the  service,  or,  having  executed  a  contract,  in  case  of  failure  to 
perform  the  service,  according  to  his  contract,  he  and  his  sureties  shall 
be  liable  for  the  amount  of  said  bond  as  liquidated  damages,  to  be  re- 
covered in  an  action  of  debt  on  the  said  bond.  [No  proposal  shall  be 
considered  unless  it  shall  be  accompanied  by  such  bond,  and  there  shall 
have  been  affixed  to  said  proposal  the  oath  of  the  bidder,  taken  before 
an  officer  qualified  to  administer  oaths,  that  he  has  the  ability,  pecuni- 
arily, to  fulfill  his  obligations,  and  that  the  bid  is  made  in  good  faith, 
and  with  the  intention  to  enter  into  contract,  and  perform  the  service  in 
case  his  bid  is  accepted,  i  (R.  S,,  §  3945,  as  amended  by  act  June  23, 
1874,  §  12,  18  Stat.,  p.  235.) 

Sec.  582.  Sureties  on  Bidders'  Binds  mnst  ^la-lify. — Before  the  bond 
of  a  bidder  provided  for  in  the  aforesaid  section  is  approved,  there  shall 
be  indorsed  thereon  the  oaths  of  the  sureties  therein,  taken  before 
an  officer  qualified  to  administer  oaths,  that  they  are  owners  of  real 
estate,  wortli,  in  the  aggregate,  a  sum  double  the  amount  of  the  said 
bond,  over  and  above  all  debts  due  and  owing  by  them,  and  all  judg- 
ments, mortgages,  and  executions  against  them,  after  allowing  all  ex- 
emptions of  every  character  whatever.  4-Ccompauying  said  bond,  and 
as  a  part  thereof,  there  shall  be  a  series  of  interrogatories  in  print  or 
writing,  to  be  i)rescribed  by  the  Postmaster-General,  and  answered  by 
the  sureties  under  oath,  showing  the  amount  of  real  estate  owned  by 
them;  a  brief  description  thereof,  and  its  probable  value;  where  it  is 
situated;  in  what  county  and  State  the  record  evidence  of  their  title 
exists.  And  if  any  surety  shall  knowingly  and  willfully  swear  falsely 
to  any  statement  made  under  the  provisions  of  this  section,  he  shall  be 
deemed  guilty  of  perjury,  and,  on  conviction  thereof,  be  punished  as  is 
provided  by  law  for  co:ninission  of  the.  crime  of  perjury.  (R.  S.,  §  3J40, 
as  amended  by  act  August  11,  1S7(>,  19  Stat.,  p.  12!).) 

See.  533.  Amount  of  Bond  Ra^nired  Stated  in  Advertisement. — ^The  amount 

of  hoiid  rciiiiirud  wiUi  Ijiils,  a-iul  tliu  pre.suut  pay  wlieix  it  cxceotLs  (!jj,0l)j)  live  tliou- 
siuid  ilidlars,  aro  statml  in  tlii)  a;lvortisoiu?.ufc  undor  tha  approin-iato  route. 

Sec.  534.  Qnalification  of  Sureties  on  More  than  One  Band. — When  the 

Hami-  iK-rsous  arc  suictics  on  more  tliaii  ouo  bond  siudi  real  estate  uiu.st  o(j[iial  in  value 


TITLE    III — TRANSPORTATION    OF    TIIE    MAIL.  139 

not  less  than  oin'-fouith  tlic  iijjjjrog.ato  of  all  flic  lioiidsoii  which  thoy aro sureties.  A 
inarritMl  woman  will  not  be  accosted  as  surety,  either  on  the  IxmkI  <if  a  bidder  or  con- 
tractor. 

Sec.  585.  Bids  to  be  Accompanied  by  a  Certified  Check  or  Draft. — TrcrcnftiT 
all  bidders  upon  every  mail  route  lor  the  transportation  of  the  mails  upon 
tUe  same,  where  the  annual  compensation  for  the  service  on  such  route  at 
the  time  exceeds  the  sum  of  five  thousand  <lollars,  shall  aeconipany  their 
bids  with  acertitied  cheek  or  draft,  i)ayal)le  to  theorderof  the  Tostmaster- 
General,  upon  some  solvent  national  bank,  which  check  or  draft  shall  not 
be  less  than  live  per  centum  on  the  amount  of  the  annual  pay  on  said  route 
at  the  time  such  bid  is  made,  and,  in  case  of  new  or  modified  service,  not 
less  than  five  per  centum  of  the  amount  of  the  bond  of  the  bidder  re- 
quired to  accompany  his  bid,  if  the  amount  of  the  said  bond  exceeds  five 
thousand  dollars,  fin  case  any  bidder,  on  being-  awarded  any  such  contract, 
shall  fail  to  execute  the  same  with  j^ood  and  siitiiicient  sureties,  according;' 
to  the  terms  on  which  such  bid  was  made  and  accepted,  and  enter  upon 
the  performance  of  the  service  to  the  satisfaction  of  thePostmaster-Gen- 
eral,  such  bidder  shall,  in  addition  to  his  liability  on  his  bond  accompany- 
ing his  bid,  forfeit  the  amount  so  deposited  to  the  United  States,  and  the 
same  shall  forthwith  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  for  the  use  of  the  Post-Office 
Department ;  but  if  such  contract  shall  be  didy  executed  and  the  service 
entered  upon  as  aforesaid,  said  draft  or  check  so  deposited,  and  the 
checks  or  drafts  deposited  by  all  other  bidders,  on  the  same  route,  shall 
be  returned  to  the  respective  bidde:s  nuiking'such  deposits?^  No  pro- 
posals for  the  transportation  of  the  mails  where  the  amount  of  the  bond 
required  to  accompany  the  same  shall  exceed  five  thousand  dollars  shall 
be  considered,  unless  accompanied  with  the  check  or  draft  herein  re- 
quired, together  with  the  boiul  required  by  a  preceding  section:  Pro- 
vided, That  nothing  in  this  act  shall  be  construed  or  intended  to  affect 
any  penalties  or  fgi'feitures  which  may  have  heretofore  accrued  under 
the  jirovisions  of  the  sections  hereby  amended.  {11.  S.,  §  3953,  as  amended 
by  act  June  23,  1874,  §  1L»,  IS  Stat.,  p.  230.) 

Sec.  588.  Time  of  Returning  Drafts  to  Unsuccessful  Bidders. — The  checks 
or  drafts  reqnired  to  be  deposited  by  the  preceding  section  will  be  retained  nntil  after 
the  contract  has  been  duly  executed  and  the  service  commenced  by  the  accepted  bid- 
der. Checks  and  drafts  of  unsuccessful  bidders  Avill  be  returned  to  tliem  by  mail  on 
the  written  recj^uest  of  the  bidders,  or  delivered  to  any  one  ou  their  order.  See  sec- 
tion 593. 

Sec.  587.  Penalty  for  Illegally  Approving  Bonds. — Anj'  postmaster  who 
shall  atiix  his  signature  to  the  api)roval  of  any  bond  of  a  bidder,  or 
to  the  certificate  of  sufficiency  of  sureties  in  any  contract  before  the 
said  bond  or  contract  is  signed  by  the  bidder  or  contractor  and  his 
sureties,  or  shall  knowingly,  or  without  the  exercise  of  due  diligence, 
approve  any  bond  of  the  biilder  with  insufficient  sureties,  or  shall 
knowingly  make  any  false  or  fraudulent  certificate,  shall  be  forthwith 
dismissed  from  office,  and  be  thereafter  disqualified  from  hohling  the 
office  of  postmaster,  and  shall  also  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor, 
and,  on  conviction  thereof,  be  punished  by  a  fine  not  exceeding  five 


M 


140  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

tliousanil  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  not  exceeding  one  year,  or  both 
(E.  S.,  §  3947,  as  amended  by  act  June  23,  1874,  §  12,  18  Stat.,  p.  235.) 

Sec.  533.  All  Proposals  to  be  Rsoordsi  and  Filed. — The  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral shall  Lave  recorded,  in  a  boolc  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose,  a  true 
and  faitliM  abstract  of  all  proposals  made  to  him  for  carrying-  the  mail, 
giving-  the  name  of  the  party  offering,  the  terms  of  the  offer,  the  sum  to 
be  paid,  and  the  time  the  contract  is  to  continue ;  and  he  shall  put  on 
file  and  ])reserve  the  originals  of  all  such  proposals.     (R.  S.,  §  394:8.) 

Sec.  589.  Combinations  to  Prevent  Bids,  Penalty. — Xo  contract  for  carry- 
ing the  mail  shall  be  made  with  any  person  who  has  entered,  or  pro- 
posed to  enter,  into  any  combination  to  prevent  the  making  of  any  bid 
for  carrying  the  mail,  or  wlio  has  made  any  agreement,  or  given  or  per- 
formed, or  promised  to  give  or  perform,  any  consideration  whatever  to 
induce  any  other  person  not  to  bid  for  auy  such  contract;  and  if  any 
person  so  offending  is  a  contractor  for  carrying  the  mail,  his  contract 
may  be  annulled ;  and  for  the  first  offense  the  i)erson  so  offending  shall 
be  disqualified  to  contract  for  carrying  the  mail  for  five  years,  and  for 
the  second  offense  shall  be  forever  disqualified.     (E.  S.,  §  39o0.) 

See  section  001. 

Sec.  590.  Caution  to  Postmasters  Signing  Bidders'  Bonds. — Postmasters 
are  cautioned,  under  penalty  of  removal,  not  to  sign  the  approval  of  the  bond  of  any 
hidder  before  the  proposal  is  completed  and  the  bond  is  signed  by  the  bidder  and  his 
sureties,  and  not  until  entirely  satisfied  of  the  sufficiency  of  the  sureties.  They  are 
also  cautioned  not  to  divulge  to  any  one  the  amount  of  any  proposal  certified  by  them. 
Doing  so  will  be  sufficicut  cause  for  their  removal. 

Sec.  591.  What  are  Legal  Bids. — Bids  that  propose  to  transport  the  mails 

with ''celerity,  certainty,  and  security,"  having  been  decided  to  be  the  only  legal 
bids,  are  construed  as  providing  for  the  entire  mail,  however  large,  .ind  whatever 
may  be  the  mode  of  conveyance  necessary  to  insure  its  "celerity,  certainty,  and  se- 
curity," and  have  the  preference  over  all  others,  and  no  others  are  considered,  except- 
for  steamboat  routes. 

Sec.  592.  Bidders  Must  Inform  Themselves  as  to  Character  of  Service. — 

The  distances  stated  in  the  advertisements  for  mail  proposals  are  given  according  to 
the  best  information;  but  no  increased  pay  will  be  allowed  should  they  be  greater 
than  advertised,  if  the  points  to  be  supplied  are  correctly  stated.  JJidders  nuist 
inform  themselves  on  this  point,  and  also  in  reference  to  the  w^eight  of  the  mail, 
the  condition  of  roads,  hills,  streams,  etc.,  and  all  toll-bridges,  ferries,  or  obstruc- 
tions of  any  kind  by  which  expense  may  be  incurred.  No  claim  for  additional  pay, 
based  on  snch  gronnds,  can  be  considered;  nor  lor  alleged  mistakes  or  nusai)i)re- 
hension  as  to  the  degree  of  service;  nor  for  bridges  destroyed,  ferries  discontinued,  or 
other  obstructions  increasing  distance,  occurring  during  the  contract  term.  Post- 
offices  established  during  a  contract  term  are  to  be  visited  without  extra  p.ny,  if  the 
distance  be  not  increased,  and  at  pro  rata  pay  for  any  increase  of  distance. 

Sec.  593.  Special  Instructions  to  Bidders. — Bidders  should  first  projiose 

for  service  strictly  according  to  tlu^  advertisement,  and  then,  if  they  desire,  sepa- 
rately for  different  serviee;  and  if  tiie  regular  bid  be  the  lowest  otJVred  for  the  adver- 
tised service,  the  other  proj)ositions  may  be  considered. 

Tliere  shonlil  lie  but  one  route  bid  for  in  a  ]>ro])osal.  Consolidated  or  combination 
bids  (''))roi)osing  mw  sum  for  two  or  more  routes")  cannot  be  considered. 

The  route,  the  service,  the  yearly  pay,  the  name  and  residence  of  the  bidder  (that 


TITLE    III — TIIANSPORTATION    OF    THE    MAIL.  141 

is,  his  iisiiiil  i)i>.st-offico  address),  and  tlw  nami'  of  cuIi  iiu'iuhcr  of  a  firm  where  a  coiii- 
pany  olVt-rs,  Hhoiihl  b(>  dlHtiiictly  stated. 

Jiid(h'rs  aro  re(HK'^^ted  to  iimo,  as  far  as  practicable,  the  jJiinted  |iri»ito-<als  furnished 
l)y  the  D<'i)artiiUMit,  to  write  out  in  lull  the  sum  of  tlieir  l>iils,  and  lo  retain  (;oi)ies  of 
them. 

Sec.  594.  Alterations  and  Modifications  of  Bids  Prohibited. — Bids  altcrod 

in  the  route,  the  si-rviee,  tlie  yearly  pay,  the  natm-  of  tlie  hidiler,  or  auy  mitcrial  part 
of  the  bond,  by  erasures  or  interlineations,  shouhlnot  be  submitted  ;  and  if  so  submit- 
ted will  not  be  considered  in  awardinj;  the  contracts. 

A  niodilieation  of  a  bid  in  any  of  its  es.seutial  terms  is  tantamoujit  to  a  new  bid, 
and  cannot  be  received  so  as  to  interfere  with  regular  competition.  Making  a  new 
bid  in  proper  form  is  the  only  way  to  modify  a  previous  one,  and  such  jjrevious  bid 
must  be  withdrawn  if  it  is  desired  that  it  shall  not  be  considered. 

No  withdrawal  of  a  bid  will  be  allowed  nnless  the  witlidrawal  is  received  twenty- 
four  hours  |)revious  to  the  tinu'  lixed  for  opeuini;  the  ])ro])Osals. 

Sec.  595.  Bidders  Must  be  of  Le^al  Age. — Xo  bidder  will  be  accepted 

■who  is  nnder  twenty-one  years  of  a.oe^  or  who  is  a  married  woman. 

Sec.  596.  Bids  which  Cannot  be  Received. — Bids  received  after  the  time 

named  in  an  advertisement  will  not  bo  considered.  Neither  can  bids  be  considered 
which  are  without  the  bond,  oath,  and  certilicate  required  by  section  581  and  sec- 
tion 5e2. 

Sec.  597.  Bids  which  may  be  Rejected. — The  Postmaster-General  re- 
serves the  ri,i;ht  to  reject  all  bids  on  any  route  whenever  in  his  judgment  the  interests 
of  the  service  refjuire  it.     See  sections  .')S9  aiul  601. 

Sec.  598.  Bidders  not  Released  from  Bonds  until  Service  is  Commenced. — 
Xo  bidder  for  carrying;-  the  mails  shall  be  released  from  his  obligation 
under  his  bid  or  proposal,  notwithstanding  an  award  made  to  a  lower 
bidder,  until  a  contract  for  tlie  designated  service  shall  have  been  duly 
executed  by  such  lower  bidder  and  his  sureties,  and  accepted,  and  the 
service  entered  upon  by  the  contractor  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Post- 
master-General.    (K.  S.,  §  3952.) 

Sec.  599.  Persons  who  may  not  be  Interested  in  Mail  Contracts. — Xo  post- 
master, assistant  postmaster,  or  clerk  employed  in  any  post-oflice  shall 
be  a  contractor  or  concerned  in  a  contract  for  carrying  the  mail.  (R.  S., 
§  3850.) 

See  section  43. 

Postmasters  are  also  liable  to  dismissal  from  office  for  acting  as  agents  of  contract- 
ors or  bidders,  with  or  without  compensation,  in  any  business,  matter,  or  thing  re- 
lating to  the  mail  service.  They  are  the  trusted  agents  of  the  Department,  and  can- 
not consistently  act  in  both  capacities. 

Sec.  600.  Bidders  may  not  Assign  or  Transfer  their  Bids. — Bids  or  inter- 
ests in  bids  cannot  be  transferred  or  assigned  to  o  her  parties.  Bidders  will,  there- 
fore, take  notice  that  they  will  be  expected  to  perform  the  service  awarded  to  them 
through  the  whole  contract  term. 

Sec.  601.  Contracts  in  Name  of  United  States,  and  Awarded  to  Lowest  Bidder. — 
All  contracts  for  carrying  the  uudl  shaU  be  in  the  name  of  the  United 
States,  and  shall  be  awarded  to  the  lowest  biilder  tendering  suffi- 
cient guarantees  for  faithfid  performance,  without  other  reference  to 
the  mode  of  transportation  than  may  be  necessary  to  provide  for  the  due 
celerity,  certainty,  and  security  thereof;  but   the  l*ostnmster-General 


142  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

shall  not  be  bound  to  consider  the  bid  of  any  person  who  has  willfully 
or  negligently  tailed  to  perform  a  former  contract.     (R.  S.,  §  3049.) 

Sec.  602.  New  Sureties  on  Contracts  may  be  B,ec[uired  or  Accepted. — The 
Postmaster-Greneral,  whenever  he  may  deem  it  consistent  with  the  pub- 
lic interest,  may  accept  or  require  new  surety  upon  any  contract  existing 
or  hereafter  made  for  carrying  the  mails,  in  substitution  for  and  release 
of  any  existing  surety.  (R.  S.,  §  3955,  as  amended  by  act  of  March  3, 
1879,  §  30,  20  Stat.,  p.  362.) 

See.  603.  Bidder  Failing,  Contract  with  other  Persons  Authorized. — 
After  any  regular  bidder  whose  bid  has  been  accepted  shall  fail  to 
enter  into  contract  for  the  transportation  of  the  mails  according  to 
his  proposal,  or,  having  entered  into  contract,  shall  fail  to  commence 
the  performance  of  the  service  stipulated  in  his  or  their  contract,  as 
therein  provided,  the  Postmaster-General  shall  proceed  to  contract 
with  the  next  lowest  bidder  or  bidders  in  the  oixler  of  their  bids,  for 
the  same  service,  who  will  enter  into  a  contract  for  the  performance 
thereof,  unless  the  Postmaster-G-eneral  shall  consider  such  bid  or  bids 
too  high,  and  in  case  each  of  said  bids  shall  be  considered  too  high,  then 
the  Postmaster-General  shall  be  authorized  to  enter  into  contract,  at  a 
price  less  than  that  named  in  said  bids,  with  any  person,  whether  a  bidder 
or  not,  who  will  enter  into  contract  to  i>erform  the  service  in  accordance 
with  the  terms  and  provisions  prescribed  for  the  execution  of  other  con- 
tracts for  similar  service;  and  in  case  no  satisfactory  contract  can  be  thus 
obtained,  he  shall  readvertise  such  route.  (R.  S.,  §  3951,  as  amended  by 
act  August  11,  1876,  19  Stat.,  p.  129.) 

Sec.  601.  Contractor  failing,  Contracts  with  Other  Persons  Authorized. — 
And  if  auy  bidder  whose  bid  has  been  accei)ted,  and  who  has  entered 
into  a  contract  to  perform  the  service  according  to  his  proposal,  aud  in 
pursuance  of  his  contract  has  entered  upon  the  performance  of  the 
service,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Postmaster-General,  shall  subsequent- 
ly fail  or  refuse  to  perform  the  service  according  to  liis  contract,  the 
Postmaster-General  shall  proceed  to  contract  with  the  next  lowest 
bidder  for  such  service,  under  the  advertisement  thereof,  (unless  the 
Postmaster-General  shall  consider  such  bid  too  high)  who  will  enter 
into  contract  and  give  bond,  with  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the  Post- 
master-General, for  the  faithful  performance  thereof,  in  the  same  pen- 
alty and  with  the  same  terms  and  conditions  thereto  annexed  as  were 
stated  and  contained  in  the  bond  which  accompanied  his  bid :  and  in  case 
said  next  lowest  bidder  shall  decline  to  enter  into  contract  for  the  per- 
formance of  sueli  service,  then  the  Postmaster-General  may  award  the 
service  to,  ami  enter  into  contract  witli,  any  person,  whether  a  bidder  on 
said  route  or  not,  who  will  enter  into  contract  to  perform  the  service  and 
execute  a  bond  of  like  tenor  and  effect  as  that  required  of  bidders,  in  a 
penalty  to  be  prescribed,  and  with  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the  Post- 
master-Generid,  for  the  i)erforman('o  of  the  service  contracted  to  be  per- 
formed at  a  price  not  exceeding  that  named  in  the  bid  of  the  said  next 


TITLE    III TRANSPORTATION    OF    THE    MAIL.  143 

lowest  bidder;  and  if  no  contract  can  be  secured  at  the  price  naiiiod  in 
said  next  lowest  bid,  then  the  Postmaster-Creneral  shall  jn-od'cd  to  secure 
a  contract,  at  a  price  not  considered  too  hv^h,  with  any  i>crson  who  will 
execute  such  contract  in  accordance  with  the  law  ai)])licable  thereto, 
jiivin-x,  in  all  cases,  the  in-cfcrence  to  the  regular  biddiu's  on  the  list 
whose  bids  do  not  exceed  the  price  at  which  others  will  contract  there- 
for; and  if  no  satisfactory  contract  can  be  thus  secured  the  route  shall 
be  readvortised.     (Ibid.) 

Sec.  605.  Temporary  Contracts  Authorized  at  last  Contract  Price. — AVlien- 
ever  an  accepted  bidder  shall  fail  to  enter  into  contract,  or  a  contractor 
on  any  mail -route  shall  fail  or  refuse  to  perform  the  service  on  said 
route  accordinj;-  to  his  contract,  or  when  a  new  route  shall  be  estab- 
lished or  new  service  required,  or  when,  from  any  other  cause,  there 
shall  not  be  a  contractor  legally  bound  or  required  to  perform  such  serv- 
ice, the  Postmaster-General  may  make  a  temporary  contract  for  carry- 
ing- the  mail  on  such  route,  Avithout  advertisement,  for  such  period  as 
may  be  necessary,  not  in  any  case  exceeding  six  months,*  until  the  serv- 
ice shall  have  commenced  under  a  contract  made  according  to  law: 
Proridal,  Jtoiccvcr,  That  the  Postmaster-General  shall  not  employ  tem- 
porary service  on  any  route  at  a  higher  price  than  that  jiaid  to  the  con- 
tractor Avho  shall  have  performed  the  service  during  the  last  preceding 
contract  term.  "And  in  all  cases  of  regular  contracts  hereafter  made, 
the  contract  may,  in  the  discretion  of  the  Postmaster-General,  be  con- 
tinued in  force  beyond  its  express  terms  for  a  period  not  exceeding  six 
months,  until  a  new  contract  with  the  same  or  other  contractors  shall 
be  made  by  the  Postmaster-General."     {Ibid.) 

Sec.  693.  Penalty  for  Making  Straw  Bids. — Any  i^erson  or  i)ersons  bid- 
ding for  the  transportation  of  the  mails  upon  any  route  which  may  be 
advertised  to  be  let,  and  receiving  an  aAvard  of  the  contract  for  such 
service,  who  shall  wrongfully  refuse  or  fail  to  enter  into  contract  with 
the  Postmaster-General  in  due  form  to  perform  the  service  described  in 
his  or  their  bid  or  proposal,  or  having  entered  into  such  contract  shall 
wrongfully  refuse  or  fail  to  perform  such  service,  shall,  for  any  such  fail- 
ure or  refusal,  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  be  punished  by 
a  fine  of  not  more  than  five  thousand  dollars,  and  by  imi)risonment  for 
not  more  than  twelve  months.  And  the  failure  or  refusal  of  any  such 
l^erson  or  persons  to  enter  into  such  contract  in  due  form,  or  having  en- 
tered into  such  contract,  the  failure  or  refusal  to  perform  such  service 
shall  be  j>>'N»rt  facie  evidence  in  all  actions  or  prosecutions  arising  under 
this  section  that  such  failure  or  refusal  was  wrongful.  (K.  !S.,  §  ."JlK'ji,  as 
amended  by  act  August  11,  ISTO,  19  Stat.,  p.  129.)     See  13  Opin.,  473. 

Sec.  607.  Contracts  made  without  Advertisement. — The  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral may  enter  into  contracts  for  carrying  the  mail,  with  railroad  com- 
panies, without  advertising  for  bids  therefor.  (R.  S.,  §  3942.)  AVhen 
from  any  cause  it  may  become  necessary  to  make  a  new  contract  for 

*A  biU  is  pendins  (May,  1879)  in  Congress  to  make  the  time  one  year. 


144  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

carrying  the  mails  upon  any  water  route  between  ports  of  tlie  United 
States,  upon  which  mail  service  has  previously  been  performed,  the 
Postmaster-General  may  contract  with  the  owner  or  master  of  any  steam- 
ship, steamboat  or  other  vessel  plying  upon  the  waters  or  between  ports 
of  the  United  States,  for  carrying  the  mail  upon  said  route  for  any  length 
of  time  not  exceeding  four  years  and  without  advertising  for  proposals 
therefor  whenever  the  public  interest  and  convenience  will  thereby  be 
promoted ;  but  tlie  price  paid  for  such  service  shall  in  no  case  be  greater 
than  the  average  price  paid  under  the  last  preceding  or  then  existing 
regular  contract  upon  the  same  route.  And  the  Postmaster-General 
may  contract  with  the  owners  or  masters  of  steamships,  steamboats  or 
other  vessels  plying  upon  the  waters  or  between  ports  of  the  United 
States  for  carrying  the  mail^  upon  such  routes  where  no  mail  service 
has  previously  been  performed,  without  advertising  for  proposals  there- 
for; but  no  contract  for  such  new  service  shall  be  for  a  longer  time  than 
one"  year.  No  contract  for  carrying  the  mails  between  the  United  States 
and  any  foreign  port  shall  be  for  a  longer  time  than  two  years,  unless 
otherwise  directed  by  Congress.  (E.  S.,  §§  3943,  3956,  3970,  as  amended 
by  act  May  17,  1878,  §  5,  20  Stat.,  p.  Gl.) 

Sec.  608.  Mail  Apartments  to  be  Furnished  on  Mail  Steamboats. — On  routes 
where  steamboat  service  is  required,  the  contractor  will  be  required  to  furnisb  steam- 
boats wliicli  are  safe,  suitable,  and  satisfactory  to  the  Postmaster-General. 

As  route-agents  will  be  placed  on  each  boat  who  will  take  entire  charge  of  the 
malls  and  all  mail  matter,  the  contractor  will  be  required  to  fit  up,  on  each  boat  em- 
ployed in  the  service,  a  room  suitable  for  an  office,  with  a  sleeping  apartment  attached, 
for  the  exclusive  use  of  the  route-ageut,  and  to  furnish  first-class  board  to  such  agent 
Avithout  charge. 

Sec.  609.  Contracts  to  be  Executed  in  Duplicate. — Each  contractor  is  re- 
quired to  execute,  with  his  sureties,  contracts  in  dnplicate,  both  to  be  returned  to  the 
Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  A  copy  will  be  furnished  to  the  contractor  if 
requested. 

Sec.  610.  Term  of  Contracts. — No  contract  for  carrying  the  mails  shall 
be  made  for  a  longer  term  than  four  years.     (R.  S.,  §3950.) 
See  section  G07. 
Sec.  611.  Time  of  Executing  Contracts. — Contracts  are  to  be  executed 

and  filed  in  the  Department  by  or  before  the  day  specified  in  the  advertisement  for 
proposals,  otherwise  the  accepted  bidder  will  be  considered  as  having  failed,  and  the 
Postmaster-General  may  proceed  to  contract  for  the  service  with  other  parties  accord- 
ing to  law. 

Sec.  612.  Payment  on  Contracts, — No  person  whose  bid  for  carrying  the 
mail  is  accepted  shall  receive  any  pay  until  he  has  executed  his  contract 
according  to  law  and  the  regidations  of  the  Department.    (R.  S.,  §  3959.) 

Payments  will  be  made  by  collections  from,  or  drafts  on,  postmasters  or  otherwise, 
after  the  expiration  of  each  ([uarter — say  in  November,  February,  May,  and  August, 
provided  that  rciiuinMl  evi(lcnci>  of  service  lias  b.'t^u  received. 

Sec.  613.  Causes  for  which  Contracts  may  be  Annulled. — Tlie  Postmaster- 
General  may  annul  a  contract  for  repeated  failures  to  run  .agreeably  to  contract ;  for 
assigning  the  contract ;  for  violating  the  iiost-office  laws,  or  disobeying  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  Department;  for  refusing  to  discharge  a  carrier  when  required  by  the  De- 

jiartmcnt  to  do  so;  or  for  transporting  persons  or  jiackagos  conveying  mailable  matter 

out  of  the  mail. 


TITLE    III — TRANSPORTATION    OF    THE    ^rAI^.  145 

Sec.  614.  Contractors  to  Carry  all  Mails  and  Care  for  Mail-Bags. — (■mi- 

trac-tors  aif  ifqiiind,  in  all  <asi\s,  to  tarry  tlio  i-iitiru  mail,  iiiid  arc  not  poriiiittfil  to 
l«"iiV(i  b.ajjs  ofiiowspaiuM's  and  paiiiphlots  on  tliBir  routes.  They  inn.st  fi'wn  due  atten- 
tion to  tiic  preservation  of  niail-bafjs,  and  must  not  allow  them  to  ho  dra)^;;od  about 
or  otlu'rwiso  injured. 

Sec.  615.    Special  Agents  and  Postal  Supplies  to  be  Carried  Free. — On 

routes  wliere  tln^  mode  of  eoMVeyance  admits  of  it,  tlie,  si>efial  aj^ents  of  the  I'ost- 
OlHco  Dei)artnu'nt,  al.so  itost-ollicc  blanks,  mail-bag!4,  locks  and  keys,  are  to  l>c  con- 
veyed without  extra  char}j;e. 

Sec.  616.  When  Postmasters  may  Employ  Temporary  Service. — When  any 

contractor  fails  to  coninienco  the  .service  .stipulated  in  his  contract,  or  jibandon.s  the 
same,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  postmaster  at  the  head  of  the  route  (»'.  e.,  the  post-office 
first  named  in  the  advertisement  and  contract)  to  employ  temporary  .service  at  the 
lowest  rate  possible,  but  in  no  ease  at  a  higher  rate  than  that  paid  under  tlie  last  pre- 
ceding regular  contract,  and  to  report  the  facts  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General  innnediiitely. 

Sec.  617.  After  Contracts  Expire  Postmasters  may  not  Pay  for  Service. — 

After  the  ex]iiration  of  a  contract,  ;ind  until  the  Postmaster-General  has  decided  upon 
a  new  contract,  or  upon  the  expediency  of  discontinuing  the  post-ofHce,  postmasters 
cannot  make  any  contract  or  ]iayment  for  service  unless  expressly  .authorized  to  do 
so  by  the  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  618.  Increase  of  Compensation  for  Increased  Service. — Comi^ensation 
for  additional  service  in  carrying"  the  mail  sliall  not  be  in  excess  of  the 
exact  proportion  which  the  original  couii)ensation  bears  to  the  original 
service,  and  when  any  such  additional  service  is  ordered  the  snni  to 
be  allowed  therefor  shall  be  expressed  in  the  order,  and  entered  npon 
the  books  of  the  Department ;  and  no  compensation  shall  be  paid  for 
additional  rcgnlar  service  rendered  before  the  issuing  of  such  or<ler.  (E. 
S.,  §  39G0.) 

Sec.  619.  Increase  of  Compensation  for  Increased  Celerity. — Xo  extra  allow- 
ance shall  be  made  for  any  increase  of  expedition  in  carrying  the  mail 
unless  thereby  the  employment  of  additional  stock  and  carriers  is  made 
necessary,  and  in  such  case  the  additional  compensation  shall  bear  no 
greater  proportion  to  the  additional  stock  and  carriers  necessarily  em- 
ployed than  the  comiieusation  in  the  original  contract  bears  to  the  stock 
and  carriers  necessarily  employed  in  its  execution.     (Tv.  S.,  §  3001.) 

Sec.  620.  Latermination  of  Compensation  for  Increased  Celerity. — When 
it  becomes  necessary  to  increase  the  speed  on  any  route,  the  contractor  will  be  re- 
(luired  to  state,  under  oath,  the  number  of  horses  and  mcu  re([uired  to  perform  the 
.service  according  to  contract  schedule  and  the  number  required  to  perform  it  with  the 
proposed  increase  of  speed. 

Sec.  621.  Decreased  Compensation  for  Decreased  Service. — The  Postmaster- 
General  may  discontinue  or  curtail  the  service  on  any  route,  in  whole  or  in  part,  in 
order  to  place  on  the  route  superior  service,  or  whenever  the  public  interests,  inhis.judg- 
ment,  shall  retiuire  such  discontinuance  or  curtailment  for  any  other  c.iuse;  he  allow- 
ing, as  full  indemnity  to  contractor,  one  mouth's  extra  pay  on  the  amount  of  services 
dispenseil  with,  and  a  2»'o  rafa  compensation  for  the  amount  of  services  retained  and 
continued. 

Sec.  622.  Changes  of  Schedule-time  of  Arrival  and  Departure. — The  Post- 
master-General may  change  schedules  of  departures  and  arrivals  in  all  cases,  and  par- 
ticularly to  make  them  conform  to  connections  with  railroads,  without  increase  of  pay, 
10  P  L 


146  POSTAL    LAWS    AXD    EEGULATIONS. 

provided  the  rumiing  time  be  not  abridged.     But  an  application  for  schedule  change 
cannot  be  granted — 

1.  Without  the  assent  of  the  postmasters  at  the  ends  of  the  route,  except  in  case  of 
manifest  necessity. 

2.  Unless  agreed  to  by  the  contractor,  except  in  cases  where  the  propriety  of  the 
change  is  clearly  shown. 

3.  If  more  running-time  is  asked  than  is  given  in  the  contract  schedules. 

4.  If  it  breaks  connection  with  any  other  route. 

5.  If  it  puts  the  mail  on  a  wrong  day  for  the  uewsi^apers  cii"culated  over  the  route. 

6.  If  it  prevents  or  lessens  any  other  special  accommodation  to  the  public. 

7.  If  it  fails  to  show  a  good  reason  for  the  change. 

Sec.  623.  Contracts  cannot  be  Assigned  or  Transferred. — Xo  contractor  for 
transporting-  the  mail  within  or  between  the  United  States  and  any  for- 
eign country  shall  assign  or  transfer  his  contract,  and  all  such  assign- 
ments or  transfers  shall  be  null  and  void.     (R.  S.,  §  39G3.) 

Sec.  624.  Contracts  not  Sublet  without  Consent  of  Postmaster-General. — 
Hereafter  no  subletting  or  transfer  of  any  mail  contracts  shall  be  per- 
mitted without  the  consent  in  writing  of  the  Postmaster-General ;  and 
whenever  it  shall  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Postmaster-General 
that  any  contractor  has  sublet  or  transferred  his  contract,  except  with 
the  consent  of  the  Postmaster-General  as  aforesaid,  the  same  shall  be 
considered  as  violated  and  the  service  may  be  again  advertised  as  herein 
provided  for ;  and  the  contractor  and  his  securities  shall  be  liable  on 
their  bond  to  the  United  States  for  any  damage  resulting  to  the  United 
States  in  the  premises.     (Act  May  17,  1878,  §  2,  20  Stat.,  p.  61.) 

It  has  been  decided  by  the  Attorney-General  that  the  woi"d  "transfer"  in  this  sec- 
tion only  applies  to  the  transfer  of  such  an  interest  in  the  contract  as  may  be  neces 
sary  to  secure  the  subcontractor  as  provided  in  the  following  section,  and  that  this 
section  does  not,  therefore,  repeal  the  preceding  section,  but  aliects  only  the  conflict- 
ing portion  of  section  thirty-seven  hundred  and  thirty-seven  of  the  Revised  Statutes, 
which  i)rohibits  the  transfer  of  any  interest  in  any  contract. 

Sec.  625.  Subcontracts  Permissible  with  Consent  of  Postmaster-General. — 
When  any  person  or  persons  b  eiug  under  contract  with  the  Government 
of  the  United  States  for  carrying  the  mails,  shall  lawfully  sublet  any 
such  contract,  or  lawfully  employ  any  other  person  or  persons  to  per- 
form the  service  by  such  contractor  agreed  to  be  performed,  or  any  part 
thereof,  he  or  they  shall  file  in  the  oflice  of  the  Second  Assistant  Post- 
master-General a  copy  of  his  or  their  contract ;  and  thcn'eupon  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General  to  notify  the 
Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-0 ftice  Department  of  the  fact  of 
the  filing  in  his  office  of  such  contract.  Said  notice  shall  embrace  the 
name  or  naiues  of  the  original  contractor  or  contractors,  the  number  of 
the  route  or  routes,  the  name  or  names  of  the  subcontractor  or  subcon- 
tractors, and  the  amount  agreed  to  be  paid  to  the  subcontractor  or  sub- 
contractors. And  upon  the  receipt  of  said  notice  by  the  Auditor  of  the 
Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  retain, 
out  of  the  amount  due  the  original  contractor  or  contractors,  the  amount 
stated  in  said  notice  as  agreed  to  be  paid  to  the  subcontractor  or  sub- 
contractors, and  shall  pay  said  amount,  upon  the  certificate  of  the  Second 


TITLE    III TRANSPORTATION    OF    THK    MAIL.  147 

Assistant  rostinaster-General,  to  the  subcontractor  «tr  si ilu^on tractors, 
under  tlic  same  rules  and  rcjiulations  now  ^ovcrniiiii-  the  ]»aymcnts  made 
to  ori^^iiial  ciuitrai-tors:  rroriilcd,  Tliat  u[mmi  satisfactory  cvidcnci*  that 
the  original  coutnictor  or  contractors  have  paid  off  and  discharged  the 
amount  due  under  his  or  their  contract  to  the  subcontractor  or  subcon- 
tractors, it  sliall  be  the  duty  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmastcrdcncral 
to  certify  sucli  fact  to  the  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  I'ost-Ortice 
Department ;  and  thereupon  said  Auditor  shall  settle  with  the  original 
contractor  or  contractors,  under  the  same  rules  as  are  now  i)rovided  by 
law  for  such  settlements.     (Act  .Afay  17,  1878,  §  .'3,  20  Stat.,  p.  (11.) 

Sec.  626.  Regulations  under  which  Subcontracts  may  be  Made. — (Jon- 
tractors  must  ill  ivU  cast's  secure  the  porinissinn  of  tlie  Postmaster-General  before  mak- 
inj;  a  siilicontract  on  any  route.  The  application  to  sublet  must  be  made  separately 
for  each  route,  specifying  the  number  and  terminal  ^loints  thereof. 

A  subcontract  nnist  not  embrace  more  than  one  route,  and  should  speeifj*  the 
amount  to  be  paid  under  it  iu  case  the  service  shall  be  changed,  and  whether  tiues 
and  deductions  are  to  be  deducted  from  pay  of  contractor  or  subcoutiactor. 

The  evidence  of  payineut  of  a  snbccuitractor  by  a  contractor,  provided  for  in  the 
preceding  section,  must  be  the  receipt  of  the  subcontract(u-,  attesteil  by  a  postmasrer 
at  a  terminus  of  the  route  sublet,  on  a  form  furnished  by  the  Secoiul  Assistant  Post- 
master-General. 

A  subcontractor,  in  order  to  avail  himself  of  tlie  benetits  of  the  preceding  section 
and  receive  payment  from  the  Post-Oftice  Department  direct,  must  file  a  copy  of  his 
subcontract  in  the  office  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  furnishing  there- 
with his  post-office  address.  No  subcontractor  can  be  paid  by  the  Department  for 
service  prior  to  the  beginning  of  the  quarter  in  which  he  tiles  his  contract,  nor  at  a 
greater  rate  than  that  named  in  the  original  contract,  and  to  secure  such  payment  the 
subcontract  must  be  tiled  at  least  ten  days  before  the  end  of  the  quarter. 

The  copy  of  subcontract  tiled  must  be  certified  to  l>e  a  true  coi)y  of  the  original  by 
a  postmaster  at  one  of  the  termini  of  the  route  therein  sublet. 

No  subcontract  can  be  recognized  unless  made  with  the  original  contractor. 

Sec.  627.    Mail-Messenger  Service. — In  connection  with  railroad   and 

steamboat  routes,  mail-messengers  are  designated  to  carry  the  mail  to  and  from  post- 
offices  not  at  the  termini  of  routes  when  such  post-offices  ai-e  more  than  eighty  rods 
(one-quarter  of  a  mile)  from  the  steamboat  landing  or  railroad  station. 

(1)  Whenever  it  is  necessary  to  secure  such  service,  the  postmaster  at  the  post-office 
to  be  supplied  is  authorized,  by  special  instructions  iu  each  case,  to  advertise  for  sealed 
proposals  for  five  or  ten  days,  with  instructions  to  forward  to  the  Second  Assistant 
Postmaster-General  (unopened  and  iu  one  envelope)  all  proposals  received,  accompany- 
ing them  with  a  copy  of  the  notice  posted  and  a  reijort  of  his  action  in  the  nuitter. 

(2)  The  proposals  are  then  opened  by  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  and 
the  lowest  bidder  is  designated  by  au  order  as  mail-messenger  (unless  the  postmaster 
shall  have  reported  that  he  is  dishonest  or  incapable),  and  the  postmaster  is  directed  to 
pay  him  quarterly. 

(3)  Mail-messengers  are  not  required  to  execute  a  contract,  and  are  not  designated 
for  a  definite  period,  but  arc  expected  to  serve  at  the  compensation  proposed  at  least 
one  year,  or  iiutil  otherwise  ordered  by  the  Postmaster-General. 

(4)  Railroad  and  steamboat  contractors  are  to  have  the  service  performed  at  all 
post-offices  not  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  their  depots,  stations,  or  landings,  as 
well  as  at  the  terminal  post-offices  of  their  routes. 

(5)  A  postmaster  cannot  be  allowed  any  compensation  for  this  scr\ice  performed  by 
himself.  * 


148  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

(6)  A  niail-messeuger  cannot  he  omployed  Avitlioiit  express  authority  from  the  Sec- 
ond Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

(7)  lie  must  he  paid  in  full  hy  the  postmaster  before  any  payment  is  made  to  the 
contra<'tor  or  before  making  deposit. 

(8)  He  shonld  be  paid  promptly  at  the  close  of  every  quarter  out  of  any  funds 
in  the  hands  of  the  postmaster  belonging  to  the  United  States,  except  money-order 
fnnds. 

(9)  If  not  paid,  the  reason  shonld  be  stated  by  the  postmaster.  If  paid,  the  receipt 
should  be  transmitted  at  once  to  the  Auditor. 

(10)  If  the  original  has  been  sent  and  lost,  the  postmaster  should  forward  the  dupli- 
cate, retaining  an  exact  copy. 

(11)  The  payment  must  be  made  and  the  receipts  taken  to  correspond  vrith  the  reg- 
ular quarters,  which  end  on  the  31st  of  March,  the  30th  of  June,  the  30th. of  Septem- 
ber, and  the  31st  of  December. 

(12)  Two  receipts  must  be  taken  ("orignal"  and  "duplicate").  The  original  must 
be  sent  by  the  first  mail  to  the  "Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Olfice  Depart- 
ment."   The  duplicate  should  be  retained  until  sent  for. 

(13)  These  receipts  must  be  signed  by  the  appointed  mail-messenger  himself,  not  by 
an  agent. 

(14)  If  signed  by  a  mark,  they  must  be  witnessed;  if  illegibly  signed, the  name 
must  be  plainly  written  underneath. 

(15)  Deductions  must  be  made  for  lost  trips  and  noted  on  the  face  of  the  receipt. 

(16)  The  postmaster's  name,  not  the  assistant's,  should  be  written  in  the  body  of 
the  receipt. 

(17)  Altered  receipts  will  not  be  credited.  Blank  receipts  will  be  supplied  by  the 
First  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Blank  Agency. 

(18)  The  receipt  must  never  be  inclosed  with  the  quarterly  returns  or  with  othci- 
papers.     It  should  be  sent  in  an  envelope  by  itself. 

(19)  The  name  of  the  postmaster  and  of  the  post-office  must  be  written  plainly. 

(20)  Receipts  must  not  be  sent  for  amounts  not  actually  paid. 

(21)  If  the  iJostmaster  has  not  sufficient  funds  to  pay  the  whole  amount  dtic,  he 
must  pay  what  he  has,  send  on  the  receipt  for  the  amount  paid,  state  the  balance 
claimed  to  Ije  due,  and  apply  for  a  draft  on  some  other  oftice  to  pay  it. 

(22)  In  making  application  for  a  draft  a  blank  form  must  be  used,  which  will  be 
finnished  by  the  Auditor  if  requested. 

(23)  Drafts  are  not  sent  until  applied  for,  nor  for  very  small  balances,  except  to 
close  an  account. 

(24)  Advances  made  for  this  service  will  be  refunded  on  application. 

{2'))  Payments  for  this  service  must  be  charged  in  the  "general  account,"  and  not 
in  the  "  quarterly  account-current." 

(26)  Mail-messengers  must  take  the  usual  oath  of  office,  and  transmit  it  to  the  Sec- 
ond Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Inspection.     See  sections  24  and  25. 

Sec.  628.  Mail-carriers  to  receive  Mail  for  Delivery  at  next  Post-office. — 
Every  roiite-ageut,  postal  clerk,  or  other  carrier  of  the  mail  sliall  receive 
auy  mail-matter  presented  to  him,  if  properly  prepaid  by  stamps,  and 
deliver  the  same  for  mailing  at  the  next  post-office  at  which  he  arrives ; 
but  no  fees  shall  be  allowed  him  tlierefor.     (R.  S.,  §  3980.) 

See  Title  IV,  The  Jiailicaij  ^fail-^Scn'ice;  see,  also,  section  o.">5. 

When  any  projierly-iirepaid  mail-matter  is  presented  to  an  emplovt?  of  the  railway- 
mail  service,  he  compli(is  with  the  ]>rovision8  of  this  section  by  depositing  it  in  his 
mail-car,  as  all  postal  cars  and  mail  apartments  in  cars  and  steamboats  have  been 
designated  by  the  Postmastcr-Genenil  as  post-offices  for  the  distribution  of  mail  iu 
trmiait.     See  sectioii  708. 


TirLi:    III TRANSPORTATION    OF    THE    MAIL 


149 


CHAPTER  FOUR. 

ADJUSTMENT  OF  COMPENSATION  TO  RAILROADS   FOR  CARRYING 

THE  MAILS. 

Soc. 
CUD. 

Wl. 

632. 

633. 
034. 

g3:.. 

030. 
037. 
03S. 


Coiulitions  of  railway  service  ami  rates  of  pay 

lor  same, 
liefusal  to  provide  ])ost-offico  ear.s. 
Uiniensioiia   of  ami  additional  pay  for  po.st- 

oftiec  ours. 
Cars  to  be  fimiislied  as  re(]iiired  by  tho  Post- 

master-Oeneral. 
JIail.s,  how  aud  wlien  to  be  weisluMl. 
llailroad  eoin])auies   to   j^ive  notice  of  their 

readiness  for  weinhiuij. 
Coniiiensatiou    of  railroads  reduced  teu  per 

centum. 
Compensation  of  railroads  reduced  five    per 

centum  more. 
Congress  may  fix  compensation   to  be  paid 

land-grant  railroads. 
Congress  does  fix  compensation  to  be  i)!iid 

said  roads. 


0.)9. 

040. 

641. 

042. 

043. 

644. 
645. 

040. 

647. 

048. 


"When  railroad  eoiiipaiiie.s  must  deliver  mails 
to  post-ortii'es. 

!Mails  not  to  be  can-ied  beyond  termini  of 
routes  without  authority. 

Knowledge  of  specific  requiremouts  of  serv- 
ice, how  obtained. 

Postmaster  (Teneral  to  decide  what  ti'.iins 
shall  carry  the  mail. 

Railway  company  must  carry  mails  ou  any 
train. 

Must  carry  .supplies  and  special  agents. 

AVhon  mail  may  be  carried  on  railway  routes 
by  hoi'so  express. 

Eailwaj-  compiuiies  to  report  receipts  and  ex- 
penses. 

Communications  aflfecting  pay  of  railroads, 
how  addressed. 

Auditor  to  furnish  instructions  respecting 
financial  agent. 


Sec.  629.  Conditions  of  Railway  service  and  Rates  of  Pay  for  same.— The 
rostiiia.ster-Goiieral  is  autliorized  and  directed  to  readjust  the  compen- 
sation hereafter  to  be  paid  for  the  transportation  of  mails  on  railroad 
routes  upon  the  conditions  and  at  the  rates  hereinafter  mentioned: 

First.  That  the  mails  shall  be  conveyed  with  due  frequency  and  speed; 
and  that  sntticient  and  suitable  room,  tixtures,  and  furniture,  in  a  car  or 
apartment  jiroperly  lighted  and  warmed,  shall  be  provided  for  route- 
agents  to  accompany  and  distribute  the  mails. 

Second.  That  the  pay  per  mile  per  annum  shall  not  exceed  the  follow- 
ing- rates,  namely :  On  routes  carrying  their  whole  length  an  average 
weight  of  mails  per  day  of  two  hundred  pounds,  fifty  dollars;  live  hun- 
dred pounds,  seventy-live  dollars ;  one  thousand  jiouuds,  one  hundred 
dollars;  one  thousand  live  hundred  pounds,  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
live  dollars;  two  thousand  pounds,  one  hundred  and  fifty  d<»llars:  three 
thousand  five  hundred  pounds,  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars ; 
five  thousand  pounds,  two  hundred  dollars,  and  twenty-five  dollars  ad- 
ditional tor  every  additional  two  thousand  pounds,  the  average  Aveight 
to  be  ascertained,  in  every  case,  by  the  actual  weighing  of  the  mails  for 
such  a  number  of  successive  working-days,  not  less  than  thirty,  at  such 
times,  after  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three,  and  not 
less  frequently  than  once  in  every  four  years,  and  the  result  to  be  state«l 
and  verified  in  such  form  and  manner  as  the  rostmaster-General  uuiy 
direct.     (K.  S.,  §  4002.) 

Sec.  630.  Refusals  to  Provide  Post-office  Cars. — In  case  any  railroad  com- 
pany now  furnishing  railway  post-office  cars  shall  refuse  to  provide  such 


150  POSTAL   LAWS    AXD    EEGULATIONS. 

cars,  such  company  sliall  not  be  entitled  to  any  increase  of  comi)ensation 
under  the  pro\isions  of  the  next  section.     (R.  S.,  §  4003.) 

Sec.  631.  Dimensions  of  and  Additional  Pay  for  Post-office  Cars. — Addi- 
tional pay  nia}'  be  allowed  for  c\Try  line  comprising'  a  daily  ti'ip  each 
way  of  railway  post-office  cars,  at  a  rate  not  exceeding  twenty-live  dol- 
lars per  mile  per  annum  for  cars  forty  feet  in  length;  and  thirty  dollars 
2>er  mile  per  annum  for  forty -five-foot  cars;  and  forty  dollars  pet 
mile  per  annum  for  fifty-foot  cars ;  and  fifty  dollars  per  mile  per  annum 
for  fifty-five  to  sixty -foot  cars.  (E.  S.,  §  4004:)  Provided,  That  the  Post- 
master-General may  use  such  portion  of  the  postal-car  service  appropri- 
ation as  may  be  spared  from  it  to  supply  any  deficiency  that  may  arise 
from  insufficient  appropriations  in  the  item  for  railway  transportation. 
(Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  1,  20  Stat.,  p.  357.) 

Sec.  632.  Cars  to  be  Furnished  as  Required  by  the  Postmaster-General. — 
All  cars  or  parts  of  cars  used  for  the  railway  mail  service  shall  be  of 
such  style,  length,  and  character,  and  furnished  in  such  maimer,  as  shall 
be  required  by  the  Postmaster-General,  and  shall  be  constructed,  fitted 
up,  maintained,  heated,  and  lighted  by  and  at  the  expense  of  the  railroad 
companies.    (Act  of  March  3, 1870,  §  4, 20  Stat.,  p.  358.     See  R.  S.,  §  4005. ) 

Sec.  633.  Mails,  How  and  When  to  be  Weighed.— The  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral is  hereby  directed  to  have  the  mails  weighed  as  often  as  now  pro- 
vided by  law  by  the  employes  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  and  have 
the  weights  stated  and  verified  to  him  by  said  employes,  under  such  in- 
structions as  he  may  consider  just  to  the  Post-Office  Department  and 
the  railroad  companies.     (Act  of  March  3,  1875,  §  1 ;  18  Stat.,  p.  342.) 

Sec.  634.  Railroad  Companies  to  Give  Notice  of  their  Readiness  for  Weighing. 
Tlie  transportation  of  mails  is  autliorized  on  railroad  routes  "with  the  nndestandiug 
tliat  the  rate  of  compensation  shall  be  determined  ujion  returns  showing  the  amount 
and  character  of  the  service,  to  he  made  within  twelve  months  from  the  date  of  its 
commencement,  or  eai'lier  if  the  Dei>artment  so  elect,  and  no  payment  Avill  be  made 
except  upon  the  basis  of  snch  returns.  The  mails  should  not  be  weighed  until  the 
service  is  fairly  established  on  the  route,  and  when  the  company  is  sat  islied  that  this  is 
accomplished,  the  fact  should  be  reported  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General, 
wbo  directs  the  weighing  of  mails. 

Sec.  635.  Compensation  of  Railroads  Reduced  Ten  Per  Centum. — The  f*ost- 
master-General  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  readjust  the  com- 
])ensation  to  be  paid  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  July,  eighteen  hun- 
dred and  sevent3'-six,  for  transportation  of  mails  on  railroad-routes  by 
reducing  the  compensation  to  all  railroad  companies  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  mails  ten  per  centum  per  annum  from  the  rates  fixed  and  allowed 
by  [section  020J  [the  first  .section  of  an  act  entitled  "Aw  act  mahing  appro- 
■priatioriii  for  the  ner vice  of  the  l*ost- Office  Department  for  the  fiscal  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy  four,  and  for  other 
purposes,^''  approved  March  third,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three],  for 
the  transportation  of  mails  on  the  basis  of  the  average  weight.  (Act  of 
Jidy  12,  1870,  §  1,  10  Stat.,  ]).  7!).) 
Tliis  .act  does  not  att'ect  the  coiiipeiisiitiou  for  railway  postal  cars,  provided  forinthe 
'  act  of  March  3,  1873  (section  G31,  supra).     Opin.  Att'y-Gen.  Taft,  Oct.  7,  187G. 


TITLE    III TRANSPORTATION    OF    THE    MAIL.  151 

This  act  was  not  iutfiulod  to  utlVct  existing  contracts.  Oiiin.  Att'y-Gen.  Taft,  Dec. 
21,  187fi. 

Sec.  636.  Compensation  of  Railroads  Reduced  Five  Per  Centum  More. — The 
Postniiistcr-CJcnenil  is  licreby  aiitlioiizcil  and  dircctcil  to  readjust  tlie 
compensation  to  be  paid  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  July,  ('i;fl)teeu 
hundred  and  seventy-eiftht,  for  transportation  of  mails  on  railroad  routes 
by  rediu'inu"  the  compensation  to  all  railroad  companies  for  the  trans- 
portation of  mails  five  per  centum  per  annum  from  the  rates  for  the 
transportation  of  mails,  on  the  basis  of  the  average  weight  fixed  and 
allowed  by  the  [preceding  section]  [Jin-f  ftcctinii  of  an  act  entitled  ^^ An  act 
maldny  aiipropriations  for  the  service  of  the  Post-Office  Department  for  the 
fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy  seven,  and 
for  other  _p«>7>o.sY'.v,"  approved  July  ticelfth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy- 
six].     (Act  of  June  17,  1878,  §  1,  20  Stat.,  p.  112.) 

Sec.  637.  Congress  may  Fix  Compensation  to  be  Paid  Land-Grant  Railroads. — 
All  railway  companies  to  which  the  United  States  have  furnished  aid  by 
grant  of  lands,  right  of  way,  or  otherwise,  shall  carry  the  mail  at  such 
T)rices  as  CongTess  may  by  law  provide;  and,  until  such  ])rice  is  fixed  by 
law,  the  Postmaster-General  maj'  fix  the  rate  of  compensation.  (R.  S., 
§  4001.] 

For  riglils  and  oljligations  of  land-grant  roads  under  this  section,  vide  13  Opins. , 
445,  5;?G;  14  Opins.,  428,  6G3,  etc. 

Sec.  638.  Congress  does  Fix  Compensation  to  be  Paid  said  Railroads. — Rail- 
road comi)anies  whose  railroad  was  constructed  in  whole  or  in  part  by  a 
land-grant  made  by  Congress  on  the  condition  that  the  mails  should  be 
transported  over  their  road  at  such  price  as  Congress  should  by  laAv 
direct,  shall  receive  only  eighty  per  centum  of  the  compensation  author- 
ized by  [this  act]  [section  6'So.]  (Act  of  July  12,  187G,  §  13, 19  Stat.,  p. 
82.) 

Sec.  639.  When  Railroad  Companies  must  Deliver  Mails  to  Post-Offices. — 
Railroad  companies  are  required  to  take  the  mails  from  and  deliver  them  into  the 
terminal  post-offices,  and  to  all  intermediate  post-offices  located  not  over  eighty  rods 
from  the  line  of  road,  and  the  distances  from  the  terminal  depots  to  the  post-offices, 
where  railroad  companies  deliver  the  mails,  are  paid  for  by  the  Department  as  a  part 
of  the  length  of  the  route. 

Sec.  640.  Mails  not  to  he  Carried  beyond  Termini  without  Authority. — 

lu  case  railroads  are  extended  or  tiains  run  lieyond  the  termini  of  the  route  on  which 
the  transportation  of  mails  is  duly  authorized,  the  mails  must  not  he  carried  beyond 
the  termini  of  the  route  until  the  additional  service  is  ordered  by  the  Second  Assistant 
Postuiaster-Cicneral. 

Sec.  641.  Knowledge  of  Specific  Requirements  of  the  Service,  how  Obtained. — 
The  rates  of  eorai>ensation  are  computed  upon  the  average  weight  of  mails  per  day 
carried  the  whole  length  of  the  route  ;  but  the  rates  fixed  by  law  requir*'  not  only  a 
certain  weight  of  mails,  but  also  that  the  mails  shall  be  carried  with  due  frequency 
and  speed,  and  that  suitable  room,  fixtures  and  furniture  shall  be  provided  in  a  car  or 
apartment  of  cur.  properly  lighted  and  wanned,  for  route-agents  to  accoiniiany  and 
distribute  the  nuiilsas  accessories  to  the  weight  of  mails,  in  order  to  entitle  a  company 
to  the  maximum  rates  of  pay.  The  specific  re(]uiremeuts  of  the  service,  with  regard 
to  these  items,  will  be  made  known  through  the  General  Superinteudeut  of  the  Kail- 


152  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

way-Mail  Service.  Tlie  requiroineiit  as  to  due  frequency,  and  the  size  of  tlie  mail-car 
or  apartuient,  are  at  all  times  to  be  determined  by  the  Department. 

Sec.  642.  Postmaster-General  to  Decide  what  Trains  shall  Carry  the  Mail. — 
The  Postmaster-General  shall,  in  all  cases,  decide  upon  what  trains  and 
in  what  manner  the  mails  shall  be  conveyed.  (Act  of  March  3, 1879,  §  3, 
20  Stat.,  p.  358.) 

Sec.  643.  Railway  Company  must  Carry  Mails  on  any  Train. — Every  rail- 
way company  carrying"  the  mail  shall  carry  on  any  trains  which  may  run 
over  its  road,  and  without  extra  charge  therefor,  all  mailable  matter 
directed  to  be  carried  thereon,  with  the  person  in  charge  of  the  same. 
(R.  S.,  §  4000.) 

Sec.  644.  To  Carry  Supplies  and  Special  Agents. — Eailroad  Companies  are 
required  to  convey,  without  specific  charoje  therefor,  all  mail-bags,  post-office  blanks, 
and  stationery  supplies.  Also,  to  convey,  free  of  charge,  all  duly-accredited  Special 
Agents  of  the  Department,  on  the  exhibition  of  their  credentials. 

Sec.  645.  When  Mail  may  be  Carried  on  Railway  Routes  by  Horse  Express. — 
If  the  Postmaster-General  is  unable  to  contract  for  carrying  the  mail  on 
any  raihva}'  route  at  a  compensation  not  exceeding  the  maximum  rates 
herein  provided,  or  for  what  he  may  deem  a  reasonable  and  fair  compen- 
sation, he  may  separate  the  letter-mail  from  the  other  mail,  and  contract, 
either  with  or  without  advertising,  for  carrying  such  letter-mail  by  horse- 
express  or  otherwise,  at  the  greatest  speed  that  can  reasonably  be  ob- 
tained, and  for  carrying  the  other  mail  in  wagons,  or  otherwise,  at  a 
slower  rate  of  speed.     (R.  S.,  §  3999.) 

Sec.  646.  Railroad  Companies  Requested  to  Report  Receipts  and  Expenses. — 
The  Postmaster-General  shall  request  all  railroad  comi)anies  transport- 
ing the  mails  to  furnish,  under  seal,  such  data  relating  to  the  operating, 
receipts  and  expenditures  of  such  roads  as  may,  in  his  judgment,  be 
deemed  necessary  to  enable  him  to  ascertain  the  cost  of  mail  transporta- 
tion and  the  proper  compensation  to  be  paid  for  the  same;  and  he  shall, 
in  his  annual  report  to  Congress,  make  such  recommendations,  founded 
on  the  information  obtained  under  this  section,  as  shall,  in  his  opinion, 
be  just  and  equitable.     (Act  of  March  3,  1S79,  §  0,  20  Stat.,  p.  358.) 

Sec.  647.  Communications  Affecting  Pay  of  Railroads,  How  Addressed.— 
All  comnnuiications  aft'eetiug  the  pay  for  carrying  the  mails,  or  so  intended,  must  bo 
made  in  writing  at  the  time  the  service  is  rcndcied  for  which  payment  is  desired,  and 
must  be  addressed  to  tlie  St^eond  Assistant  Tostmaster-General. 

Sec.  648.  Auditor  to  Furnish  Instructions  Respecting  Financial  Agent 

As  boon  as  service  is  conuuenccd  on  a  route,  npi)licntion  should  benuule  tothe  Auditor 
of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Ofiice  Department  for  instructions  respecting  the  designa- 
tion of  a  liuuucial  agent  to  receive  and  receijit  for  auioiuits  due  for  caiTyiug  the  mail. 


TITLE    III TRANSrORTATION    OF   THi:    MAIL.  153 


CIIxVPTKli  FIVE. 
FOREIGN  MAIL  SERVICE. 

SpC.  Sec. 

649.  Tiniisiiortatioii   of  (Idiiicslic   mails    tliiough  !  053.  ]Iow  (oifi;.'ii  iiiail.s  may  l)f»  carrif«l. 

l'orei;;ii  ciiuntrivs.  054.  Limit  of  I'uuiiK'UMUtiuii  lor  cairjiDg  foreign 
C.'iO.  Tr!iiis|ioitatioii  of  foroign  mails  tbrongh  tbc  mails. 

United  Statrs.  Co.").  Foreign  mail  contrartrirs  mn\  lie  fiiu-il. 

651.  Foiiijiii  mails  in  transit  to  bo  treati-d  as  do-  j  656.  Foreign  mail  contracts  may  be  teniiinated  by 

mestie.  Congress. 

652.  Contracts  for  carrying  foreign  mails. 

Sec.  649.  Transportation  of  Domestic  Mails  Through  Foreign  Countries. — 
The  rostiiia.stt'r-Ck'iicral,  after  adverti.siiij;-  for  proposaLs,  may  enter  into 
contraets  or  make  suitable  arrangements  for  transportin.^-  the  mail 
through  any  foreign  country,  between  any  two  points  in  the  United 
States,  and  such  tran.sportation  shall  be  by  the  speediest,  safest,  and 
most  economical  route  ;  and  all  contracts  therefor  may  be  revoked  when- 
ever any  new  road  or  canal  shall  be  opened  affording  a  speedier,  more 
economical,  and  equally  safe  transportation  between  the  same  points; 
but  in  3ase  of  the  revocation  of  any  such  contract  a  fair  indemnity  shall 
be  awarded  to  the  contractor.     (II.  S..  §  4000.) 

Sec.  650.  Transportation  of  Foreign  Mails  through  the  United  States. — 
The  Postmaster-General  may,  by  and  witli  the  advice  and  consent  of 
the  Presi<lent,  make  any  arrangements  which  may  be  deemed  just  and 
expedient  for  allowing  the  mails  of  Canada,  or  any  other  country  ad- 
joining the  United  States,  to  be  transported  over  the  territory  of  the 
United  States  from  one  point  in  such  country  to  any  other  point  in  the 
same,  at  the  expense  of  the  country  to  which  the  mail  behmgs,  upon 
obtaining  a  like  privilege  for  the  tran.sportation  of  the  United  States  mail 
through  the  country  to  which  the  privilege  is  granted ;  but  such  i)rivilege 
may  at  any  time  be  annulled  bj'  the  President  or  Congress  from  aiid 
after  one  month  succeeding  the  day  on  which  notice  of  the  act  of  the 
President  or  Congress  is  given  to  the  chief  executive  or  head  of  the 
Post-Office  Department  of  the  country  whose  imvilegeisto  be  annulled. 
{11.  S.,  §  4012.) 

Sec.  651.  Foreign  Mails  in  Transit  to  be  Treated  as  Domestic. — Every 
foreign  mail  shall,  while  being  transported  across  the  territory  of  the 
United  States  under  the  provisions  of  the  preceding  section,  be  deemed 
and  taken  to  be  a  mail  of  the  United  States,  so  far  as  to  make  any  viola- 
tion thereof,  or  depreciation  thereon,  or  offense  in  respect  thereto,  or  any 
part  thereof,  an  otten.se  of  the  same  grade,  and  punishable  in  the  same 
manner  and  to  the  same  extent  as  though  the  said  mail  was  a  mail  of  the 
United  States;  and  in  any  indictment  for  any  such  offense  the  mail,  or 
any  part  thereof,  may  be  alleged  to  be,  and  on  the  trial  of  any  such  in- 
dictment it  shall  be  deemed  and  held  to  be,  a  mail  or  i)art  of  a  mail  of 
the  United  States.     (II.  S.,  §  4013.) 

Sec.  652.  Contracts  for  Carrying  Foreign  Mails. — The  Postmaster-General 
may,  after  advertising  for  proposals,  enter  into  contracts  for  the  trans- 
portation of  the  mail  between  the  United  States  and  any  foreign  conn- 


154 


POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


try  wlienever  the  public  interests  will  thereby  be  promoted.  (E.  S.,  § 
4007.)  IS'o  contract  for  carrying  the  mails  between  tlie  United  States 
and  any  foreign  port  shall  be  for  a  longer  time  than  two  years  unless 
otherwise  ordered  by  Congress.     (Act  May  17, 1878,  §  5,  20  Stat.,  p.  62.) 

See  section  G07. 

Sec.  653.  How  Foreign  Mails  may  be  Carried. — The  mail  between  the 
United  States  and  any  foreign  port,  or  between  ports  of  the  United 
States  touching  at  a  foreign  port,  shall  be  transported  in  steamships : 
but  the  Postmaster-General  may  have  such  transportation  performed  by 
sailing-vessels  when  the  service  can  be  facilitated  thereby-.  (E.  S.,  § 
4008.) 

Sec.  654.  Limit  of  Compensation  for  Carrying  Foreign  Mails. — For  trans- 
porting the  mail  between  the  United  States  and  any  foreign  port,  or  be- 
tween x)orts  of  the  United  States  touching  at  a  foreign  port,  the  Post- 
master-General may  allow  as  compensation,  if  by  a  United  States 
.steamship,  any  sum  not  exceeding  the  sea  and  United  States  iidand 
postage,  and  if  by  a  foreign  steamship  or  by  a  sailing-vessel,  any  sum 
not  exceeding  the  sea  postage,  on  the  mail  so  transported.  (E.  S.,  § 
4009.) 

Sec.  655.  Foreign  Mail  Contractors  may  be  Fined. — The  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral may  impose  fines  on  contractors  for  transporting  the  mail, between 
the  United  States  and  any  foreign  country,  for  any  unreasonable  or 
unnecessary  delay  in  the  departure  of  such  mail,  or  the  performance  of 
the  trip ;  but  the  fine  for  any  one  default  shall  not  exceed  one-half  the 
contract  price  for  the  trip.     (E.  S.,  §  4010.) 

Sec.  656.  Foreign  Mail  Contracts  maybe  Terminated  by  Congress. — Every 
contract  for  transporting  the  mail  between  the  United  States  and  any 
foreign  country  shall  contain,  besides  the  usual  stipulation  for  the  right 
of  the  Postmaster- General  to  discontinue  the  same,  the  further  stipulation 
that  it  may  be  terminated  by  Congress.     (E.  S.,  §  4011.) 


CHAPTER  SIX. 

INSPECTION    AND    VERIFICATION    OF    SERVICE    RENDERED   BY 
CARRIERS  OF  THE  MAIL— OF  FINES  AND  DEDUCTIONS. 


Spc. 

657.  Eecortl   of  nnivals  and    depai-tuiTS   of  the 

mail. 

658.  How  postniastc-iH  should  report  arrivals  and 

departures  of  the  mail. 

659.  Special  I'l'ijort-s,  wlien  required. 

6C0.  Dirtposition  of  regular  and  hjiecial  reports. 

661.  Duplicate  reports  to  bo  jjreserved  in  post' 
ollices. 

602.  Delivery  of  iimilto  post-ofliees  on  star  routes. 

663.  Postmasters  to  repoi"t  delimiuent  mail-car- 
riers. 


Sec. 

(iC4.  Certain  delinquencies  to  be  .specially  reported. 

GU5.  Deductions  for  (joiitractors'  failures;  tines  for 

their  delinquencies. 
6C6.  Wlicn  postmasters  must  notify  contractors  of 

failures. 
667.  Contractors  to  make  apeciflc  excuses  for  each 

delinquency. 
608.  Causes  for  which  forfeitures  must  occur. 
009.  Causes  fiii-  which  lines  will  be  iuipo.-^cd. 
70.  Deductions  and  lines  u])on  railroad  (>onipanies- 


Sec.  657.  Record  of  Arrivals  and  Departures  of  the  Mail. — The  Postmas- 
ter-General shall  furnish  to  the  ])(>stmastcrs  at  the  termination  ot  each 
route  a  schedule  of  the  time  of  arrival  and  departure  of  the  mail  at  their 


TITLE    III — TRANSPORTATION    OF    THK    MAIL.  155 

[post-]offices,  respectively,  to  be  posted  in  a  conspicuous  place  in  the  [post-] 
oftice;  and  lie  shall  also  fiivc  thcni  notice  of  any  chanu'c  in  the  arrival 
and  dei)artnre  that  nuiy  be  ordered;  and  he  shall  eausr  to  be  kept  and 
returned  to  the  Department,  at  short  and  regular  intervals,  registers, 
showing  the  exact  times  of  the  arrivals  and  departures  of  the  mail.  (K. 
S.,  §  3S41.) 
Sec.  658.  Postmasters'  Report  of  Arrivals  and  Departures  of  the  Mails. — 

Postiua.sters  at  the  end  of  ovcry  i»iail-it>ut<>,  and  at  sucli  other  iMi.st-oniccs  as  the 
P(istina.sti'r-G(>ii('ral  may  direct,  will  he  funiislitsd  with  hhiuk  forms  from  the  office 
of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Insi)ection,  ni)on  which  they 
will  report  the  exact  times  of  the  arrival  and  departures  of  all  the  mails  which  are 
opened  at  their  post-offices,  as  recjuired  in  the  precedin<j  section.  Particular  care 
shouhl  be  exercised  in  fdiing  np  the  blank  forms  furnished,  giving  the  name  of  the 
post-oflice,  county,  and  State;  the  number  of  the  route,  the  names  of  the  places 
where  it  terminates,  the  schedule  days  and  liours  of  arrival  and  departure,  the  name 
of  the  contractor,  the  name  of  the  carrier,  and  the  mode  of  carrying  the  mail.  The 
reports  should  be  fully  dated,  giving  the  day  of  the  week,  the  month,  and  the  year. 
When  there  is  a  failure  to  amve  or  depart,  write  opposite  to  its  date  on  the  face  of  the 
report  the  word  Failure;  when  the  arrival  is  so  far  behind- the  schedule  time  as 
to  fjiil  to  connect  with  a  depending  mail  or  mails,  write  Failed  to  coxxect;  and 
Avben  the  arrival  is  after  the  schedule  time,  causing  complaint,  although  not  missing 
connection,  write  Complaint.  The  cause  of  each  failure  must  be  noted  npon  the 
back  of  the  report;  also  whether  the  carrier  makes  every  proper  effijrt  to  arrive  and 
depart  according  to  the  schedule.  "Whenever  the  mail  is  earned  by  any  other  person 
than  the  contractor  or  his  authorized  agent  or  carrier,  the  fact  is  to  be  noted  on  the 
reiJort. 

Sec.  659.   Special  Reports,  when  Required. — In  addition  to  the  above, 

special  reports  are  to  be  uiude  by  any  i)Ostmaster,  whether  at  terminal  or  intermediate 
l)ost-offices,  when  mails  are  received  wet  or  in  otherwise  bad  condition ;  also  of  extraor- 
dinary failures,  interruptions,  or  abandonment  of  routes ;  and  from  time  to  time  of 
all  such  information  as  may  aid  the  Department  in  enforcing  the  strictest  perform- 
ance of  duty  on  the  part  of  contractors,  and  securing  for  the  community  the  greatest 
possible  regularity,  safety,  and  efficiency  in  the  mail  service.  The  special  reports 
should  state  the  number,  or,  if  the  number  is  not  known,  the  tennini  of  the  route. 

Sec.  660.  Disposition  of  Regular  and  Special  Reports. — The  regular  and 
special  reports  must  be  forwarded  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division 
of  Inspection,  by  the  first  mail  .after  the  close  of  each  month.  In  no  case  are  they  to  bo 
sent  with  the  quarterly  returns.  A  copy  of  each  report  sent  to  the  Department  should 
be  kept  by  the  postmaster,  that  a  duplicate  may  be  promptly  furnished  if  called  for. 
Neglect  to  forward  reports,  or  duplicates  thereof,  promptly  will  bo  considered  sufficient 
cause  for  the  removal  of  a  postmaster,  as  such  neglect  prevents  the  prompt  payment 
of  contractors,  and  seriously  obstructs  the  business  of  the  Department. 

Sec.  661.  Duplicate  Reports  to  be  Preserved  in  Post-offices. — The  dupli- 
cates of  the  reports  of  the  arrivals  and  departures  of  mails  retained  by  postmasters 
are  a  part  of  the  public  records  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  and  must  be  carefully 
preserved  with  the  other  records  of  the  post-office.  In  the  event  of  a  change  of  post- 
masters they  nnist  be  turned  over  to  the  incoming  postmaster  with  the  other  records. 

Sec.  662.  Delivery  of  Mails  to  Way  Post-offices  on  Star  Routes. — When  the 

mail  is  carried  in  a  vehicle  drawn  by  horses,  the  driver  will  not  bo  required  to  leave  his 
team  in  order  to  deliver  the  mail  to  way  post-offices,  except  where  the  can-ier  remains 
over  night,  when  the  mail  must  be  deposited  in  the  post-office  by  the  carrier.  In  no 
case  should  the  mail  be  thrown  npon  the  ground.  Postmasters  and  carriers  of  the 
mail  must  report  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Inspec- 
tion, any  violations  of  this  section  bv  either. 


156  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

Sec.  663.  Postmasters  to  Report  Delinquent  Mail-Carriers. — Postmasters 
shall  promi^tly  report  to  the  Postmaster-General  every  delinquency, 
neglect,  or  malpractice  of  the  contractors,  their  agents  or  carriers,  which 
may  come  to  their  knowledge.     (R.  S.,  §  3849.) 

Sec.  664.  Certain  Delinquencies  to  be  Specially  Reported. — (1)  Every  in- 
stance iu  "wliich  the  mail  is  brought  to  a  post-office  by  a  person  under  the  age  of  six- 
teen years,  or  by  a  person  who  has  not  been  duly  sworn,  must  be  reported,  to  the 
Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Insi)ection. 

(2)  If  a  mail-can-ier,  having  the  mail  in  charge,  become  intoxicated,  the  postmaster 
will  instantly  dismiss  him,  employ  another  at  the  expense  of  the  contractor,  and  report 
the  facts  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Insi^ection. 

(3)  Every  instance  in  which  the  mail  stopping  over  night  at  a  place  where  there  is 
a  post-office  withoiit  being  kept  in  the  post-office  must  be  reported  by  the  postmaster 
to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Inspection. 

(4)  If  the  mail  arrive  without  a  lock,  the  postmaster  will  ascertain  where  the  fault 
is,  and  report  it  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

(5)  He  Avill  also  carefully  observe  how  mails  are  carried  by  any  steamers  landing 
near  his  j»ost-office,  and  will  report  every  case  in  which  he  finds  them  exposed  on  deck, 
or  not  secured  in  some  proper  place  under  lock  and  key;  and  in  all  cases  he  will  see 
that  the  mails,  by  whatever  mode  of  conveyance  they  are  sent  from  or  received  at  his 
post-office,  are  properly  protected  from  the  weather. 

Sec.  665.  Deductions  for  Contractors'  Failures,  Fines  for  Delinquencies. — 
The  Postmaster-General  may  make  deductions  from  the  pay  of  con- 
tractors for  failures  to  perform  service  according  to  contract,  and  impose 
fines  upon  them  for  other  delinquencies.  He  may  deduct  the  price  of 
the  trip  in  all  cases  where  the  trip  is  not  performed ;  and  not  exceeding- 
three  times  the  price  if  the  failure  be  occasioned  by  the  fault  of  the 
contractor  or  carrier.     (E.  S.,  §  3902,) 

Sec.  666.  When  Postmasters  must  Notify  Contractors  of  Failures. — Failures 

of  mails  to  arrive  at  the  ends  of  routes  aud  other  points  within  contract  time  cannot 
but  be  known  iu  all  cases  to  contractors  or  their  agents.  No  notice,  therefore,  is  neces- 
sary to  be  given  to  contractors  of  failui'es  to  arrive  at  any  post-office  on  contract  time, 
as  reported  by  iiostmasters  to  the  Department;  but  when  the  failure  is  caused  by  the 
neglect  of  a  carrier  employed  by  the  contractor,  the  postmaster  will  notify  the  con- 
tractor of  the  failure,  aud  require  him  to  take  measures  to  prevent  its  recurrence. 

Sec.  667.  Contractors  to  Make  Specific  Excuses  for  each  Delinquency. — 

Should  a  mail  at  any  time  fail  to  arrive  at  the  end  of  a  route,  or  at  any  intermediate 
post-office,  where  the  time  of  arrival  is  fixed,  within  the  time  si>ecified  in  the  contract 
or  schedule,  it  will  be  expected  of  every  coutractor  immediately,  by  himself  or  agent, 
to  send  his  excuse  to  the  Second  Assist.ant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Inspectiou, 
setting  forth  particularly  the  cause  of  the  failure.  A  specific  excuse  is  reqiiirtnl  for 
each  dcliuquenciy  of  a  coutractor,  and  general  allegations  will  not  be  admitted.  If  bad 
roads  be  alleged,  a  si>ecific  rei)ort  must  be  made  of  what  portion  of  the  road  was  so  bad 
as  to  obstruct  the  mails,  and  what  was  its  peculiar  condition;  if  high  waters,  it  nuist 
be  shown  what  water-courses  were  impassable  ;  aud  so  of  all  other  excuses.  If  part  of 
the  trij)  only  was  performed,  tiie  report  must  show  what  part,  and  give  the  distance 
traveled. 

Sec.  668.  Causes  for  which  Forfeitures  must  Occur In  all  cases  there 

will  be  a  forfeiture  of  the  \y.iy  of  the  trip  wlieu  the  tri^t  is  not  run — of  not  more  than 
three  times  the  pay  of  the  trip  when  the  trip  is  not  run  aud  no  sufficient  excuse  for  the 
failure  Is  furnished,  aud  a  forfeiture  of  at  least  oue-fourth  part  of  it  when  the  running 
or  arrival  is  so  far  behind  time  as  to  lose  the  coiniectiou  with  a  depending  mail.  These 
forfeitures  may  bo  inureaseil  iuto  penalties  of  higlicr  amount,  according  to  the  uatiu-e 


TITLE   III TRANSPORTATION   OF   THE   MAIL. 


157 


or  frp([noncy  of  the  failnrps  ami  tlio  inqiortancc  of  tlio  mail.  Whoiipvor  it  shall  bi» 
sati.sfaotorily  shown  that  the  contractors,  their  carrif-rs  oraj^rnts,  have,  for  f Ik*  accom- 
modation of  passenjjers,  left  or  put  aside  the  mail,  or  any  portion  of  it,  or  have  failed 
to  deliver  aniail  at  a  post-ottiee  immediately  npon  aiTival,  thi-y  shall  forfeit  not  ex- 
ceediiifi  a  (juarter's  ])ay. 

Sec.  689.  Causes  for  which  Fines  will  be  Imposed. — Fines  Avill  l>o  imposetl, 

nnless  the  dr]in(|iieney  lie  sat iKfactorily  exi)liiiiied  in  due  time,  for  each  of  tlie  follow- 
ingeanses:  Failinj;  to  take  from  or  deliver  at  a  ])ost-oHiee  the  mail  or  any  part  of  it;  for 
8nfterin<;-  it  to  he  wet,  injured,  lost,  or  destroyed ;  for  eonvcyinf?  it  in  a  place  or  manner 
that  exposes  it  to  deprcd.-ition,  loss,  or  injury;  for  refusing,  after  demand,  to  convey 
a  mail  hy  any  coach,  railroad,  ear,  or  steamboat,  which  the  contractor  regularly  rnns, 
or  is  concerned  in  running,  on  the  route,  beyond  the  specified  number  of  trips  in  the 
contract ;  for  not  arriving  at  the  time  lixed  by  the  schedule  ;  the  penalty  to  be  exacted 
being  eijual  to  a  (jnarter's  pay. 

Sec.  670.  Deductions  and  Fines  upon  Railroad  Companies. — Tlie  Postmas- 
ter-General sliall  deduct  from  the  pay  of  the  railroad  companies,  for 
every  failure  to  deliver  a  mail  within  its  schedule  time,  not  less  than  one- 
half  of  the  price  of  the  trip,  and  ^\'here  the  trip  is  not  i)erfonued,  not  less 
thau  the  price  of  one  trip,  and  not  exceeding,  in  either  case,  the  price  of 
three  trii).s :  Provided,  however,  That  if  the  failure  is  caused  by  a  connect- 
ing' road,  then  only  the  connecting  road  shall  be  fined.  And  where  such 
failure  is  caused  by  unavoidable  casualty,  the  Postmaster-General,  in 
his  discretion,  may  remit  the  fine.  And  he  may  make  deductions  and 
ijupose  fines  for  other  delinquencies.  (Act  March  3,  1S79,  §  5,  20  Stat., 
p.  358.) 


Sec. 

C71.  Term  "mail-lw^s"  incliidps, -what. 

672.  Every  mail-route  must  be  supplied  with  mail- 
bags. 

C73.  Applications  for  mail-bags  must  state,  wliivt. 

674.  Applications  for  supplies  to  Second  Assistant 
Postmastci'-General. 

075.  Repairs  of  mail-bajrs  by  postmasters,  etc. 

676.  Mail-bags  in  tnnisit  becoming  unsouud. 

677.  What  mutilation  of  a  mail-bag  may  be  al- 

lowed. 

678.  Sacks  containing  public  documents. 

671).  Damaged  mail-bags  at  post-olKces  which  are 
mail-bag  depositories. 

680.  Surplus  mail-bags  not  to  accumulate. 

681.  Equal  exchange  or  reciprocal  return  of  locked 

pouches. 

682.  Eegister  of  outgoing  and  incoming  mails  to 

be  kept. 
083.  Xames  of  depositories  for  mail-bags  and  locks. 

684.  Account  of  depository  iJost-oflices  to  be  ren- 

dered. 

685.  Surplus  stock  to  be  kept  apart  from  the  cur- 

rent stock. 

686.  Legitimate    use  of  mail-bags    restricted,   to 

what. 

687.  Canvas  sacks  may  be  taken  by  publishers, 

when. 


CHAPTER    SEVEN, 

MAIL   EaUIPMENTS. 

I    Sec. 


688.  Wa.ste  or  abu.se  of  mail-b.'igs  to  be  prevented. 

689.  Mail-bags  not  to  be  purchased  by  postmas- 

ters. 
600.  ilail-catcliers,  how  furni.shed. 

691.  Applications  for  maU- bags,  etc.,  to  state  rea- 

sons. 

692.  Mail-locks  and  keys  by  whom  furnished. 

093.  C.ire  of  mail-keys,  penalty  for  hiss. 

094.  Mail-keys  to  have  a  .specific  number. 

695.  Exchange  of  mail-keys  by  railway  mail  em- 

ployes. 

696.  Receipts  to  be  always  taken  for  mail-keys. 

697.  Repairing  mail-locks  and  keys  foi'bidden. 

698.  Defective  keys  to  be  reported  to  the  Depart- 

ment. 

699.  Brass  locks  not  to  be  sent  to  iron-lock  post- 

offices. 

700.  Proper  course  when  defective  key  will  not 

open  mail-lock. 

701.  Proper  course  when  defective  lock  cannot  be 

opened. 

702.  Fastening  strap  never  to  be  cut. 

703.  Economy  in  the  u.ie  of  mail-locks. 

704.  Unlawful  use  of  mail-bags  to  be  reported  to 

the  Depaitmeut. 

705.  How   to    address    communications    on   mail 


i  equipments. 

Sec.  671.  Term  "Mail-bags"  Includes,  what. — The  general  term  "?«<u7- 


158  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

bags"  includes  mail-pouches  (used  for  every  mode  of  conveyance  excepting  horse- 
back) of  five  different  sizes,  the  largest  being  No.  1;  HORSE  mail-bags  (for  horseback 
service  only)  of  three  different  sizes,  the  largest  being  No.  1;  Ji ail-catcher  pouches 
(of  one  size  only),  designed  exclusively  for  exchanges  of  mails  on  railways  by  catchers 
and  cranes;  canvas  mail-sacks  (not  locked,  but  tied  with  cord),  designed  for  printed 
matter  only. 

Sec.  672.  Every  Mail-route  must  be  Supplied  with  Mail-bags. — Every  mail- 
route  must  always  be  duly  j)rovided  with  suitable  mail-bags  and  locks,  in  good  and 
safe  condition.  Postmasters,  especially  those  at  the  ends  of  routes,  must  see  to  this, 
and  promptly  make  application  for  such  as  are  needed.  It  is  their  duty  to  look  con- 
stantly to  the  condition  of  mail-bags  in  use,  permitting  none  to  be  used  which  are  too 
much  worn  or  otherwise  unsafe,  and  to  report  any  damage  discovered  to  have  been 
done  to  them,  whether  through  accident,  negligence,  or  design,  while  in  the  custody 
of  carriers. 

Sec.  673.  Applications  for  Mail-bags  must  State,  what. — Applications  for 
mail-bags  sLionld  explain  why  they  are  needed,  and  specify  the  number  and  size  or 
capacity  of  each,  also  tlie  number  of  the  route  (or  the  terminal  points  thereof),  and 
especially  the  mode  of  conveyance  thereon. 

Sec.  674.  Applications  for  Supplies  to  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General. — 

Postmasters  must  obtain  requisite  supplies  of  mail-bags  by  direct  apiilication  to  the 
office  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Mail  Equipments,  and 
not  by  withholding  the  return  of  such  as  were  received  with  mail-matter  from  other 
post-offices.  Before  old  mail-bags  in  use  become  too  much  woru  for  safety,  timely 
application  must  be  made  for  new  ones  by  postmasters  at  the  ends  of  the  routes  where 
they  are  used,  and  the  old  bags  must  be  sent  to  the  nearest  depository,  on  receipt  of 
new  ones. 

Sec.  675.  Repairs  of  Mail-bags  by  Postmasters,  etc. — When  a  mail-bag  in 
use  becomes  so  damaged  as  to  require  slight  repairs,  and  the  postmaster  at  the  end  of 
the  route  where  it  first  arrives  in  that  condition  has  not  a  good  bag  to  substitute  for 
same,  he  must  immediately  have  it  repaired  at  a  reasonable  cost,  charging  the  amount 
paid  therefor  in  his  account  of  contingent  expenses,  and  sending  to  the  Auditor  with 
his  quarterly  returns  a  bill  and  receipt  rendered  by  the  mender  of  the  bag  as  a  proper 
voucher  for  the  allowance  of  the  money  so  paid  and  charged  by  him.  In  having  re- 
pairs of  mail-bags  done,  he  should  direct  the  person  performing  the  work  to  siiecify  in 
his  bill,  whenever  practicable,  the  number  of  each  size  of  every  kind  of  mail-bags 
repaired,  and  the  nature  and  price  of  the  repairs  done  to  each. 

Sec.  676.  Mail-bag  in  Transit  becoming  Unsound. — In  case  a  mail-bag  in 
transit  becomes  too  unsound  to  convey  the  mail  with  safety  to  the  end  of  the  route, 
the  postmaster  first  discovering  its  bad  condition  must  have  it  repaired  immediately, 
even  if  he  has  no  suitable  mail-bag  to  substitute  for  it,  and  must  therefore  detain  the 
mail  until  the  needful  repairs  can  be  done.  Postmasters  whose  post-offices  are  not 
mail-bag  depositories  should  not  have  surplus  mail-bags  repaired,  but  such  bags  only 
as  are  in  deuiaiid  for  immediate  use. 

Sec.  677.  What  Mutilation  of  a  Mail-bag  may  be  allowed. — When  a  mail- 
bag  has  !i  damaged  or  detV(;tive  lock  upon  it,  which  cannot  be  opened  with  the  proper 
key  in  good  order,  such  lock  should  bo  removed  without  further  damage,  where  there  are 
a  bag  and  l(»uk  in  good  C(nidition  to  substitute  for  them,  by  iiliug  or  cutting  asunder  that 
staple  of  the  bag  to  which  the  lock  is  fastened.  No  other  mutilation  of  a  nuiil-b.ig  is 
admissible  under  such  or  any  other  circumstances  whatever.  When  the  staple  is  cut, 
the  nuiil-b.ag  must  not  be  used  again  until  a  new  staple  shall  have  been  applied  to  it. 
The  fasteniug-strap  of  a  mail-bag  must  never  be  cut,  and  must  never  be  spliced  nor 
repaired  in  any  way,  but  must  be  replaced,  when  necessary,  Avith  a  now  one. 

Sec.  678.  Sacks  Containing  Public  Documents. — Postmasters,  especially 

those  at  the  resident  places  of  members  of  Congress  (to  whose  iJost-ofUces  canvas 


TITLE    III TRANSPORTATION    OF    TIIH    MAIL.  159 

sacks  coiitaiiiiiin  imlilic  ilotiimi'uts  are  sent  Inmi  Wasliinston,  D.  C),  must  see  that  all 
.such  sacks  arc  .■m|.tiril  ami  sent  l>a<k  to  tlu-  ixisl-ollicc  in  the  hitter  jihwc. 

Sec.  679.  Damaged  Mail-bags  at  Mail-bag  Depository  Post-offices. — Post- 
masters whose  post-otliues  are  mail-ha;^  ih-positories  arc  not  anthorized  to  have  repairs 
douo  to  mail-ha<;s  eoUectetl  in  their  i»ost-ortiies,  hut  are  reriuired  to  torw.ard  all  dam- 
aj^iMl  m:iil-ha.iis  to  tlu>  estahlislied  rejiair-shops,  under  such  special  instructions  as  may 
from  time  to  time  lu'  received  from  tiie  Second  Assistant  rostmaster-Cicneral. 

Sec.  680.  Surplus  Mail-bags  not  to  Accumulate. — Surplus  mail-bags  iiiiist 

not  he  allowed  to  accumulate  and  fall  into  disuse  iu  any  itost-oflice  not  a  depository 
for  mail-haj^s.  All  such,  whether  iu  good  condition  or  not,  must  be  forwarded  to  the 
nearest  mail-hai;  depository. 

Sec.  681.  Equal  Exchange  or  Reciprocal  Return  of  locked  Pouches. — The 

use  of  locked  pouches  (for  letter  mails)  must  he  controlled  hy  the  rule  of  e<iual  ex- 
chan;;e  or  reciprocal  return  :  therefore  a  separate  locked  ]ionch  must  not  he  made  up 
in  any  post-office  directly  for  any  other,  with  greater  or  less  frequency  than  a  separate 
locked  pouch  is  usually  received  directly  therefrom,  without  special  instructions  from 
the  Department.  Repeated  failures  to  comply  with  this  rule  on  the  part  of  any  post- 
office  must  be  reported  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General  hy  any  postmaster 
■whose  supplies  of  mail-bags  may  have  materially  been  reduced  thereby.  The  same 
rule  is  not  applicable  to  separate  tied  sacks  of  printed  matter,  which  may  be  made  np 
and  dispatched  without  regard  to  a  corresponding  return  of  printed  matter;  but  all 
such  sacks  (or  a  like  number  of  them),  received  and  emptied  in  post-offices  not  depos- 
itories, are  to  be  promptly  returned,  duly  labeled,  to  the  place  whence  they  were  re- 
ceived, whether  there  shall  be  printed  matter  to  send  back  in  them  or  not.  Any  that 
may  be  received  from  unknown  sources,  or  from  places  where  they  are  not  needed, 
must  not  be  suffered  to  fall  into  disuse,  but  be  forwarded  Avitliout  delay  to  the  nearest 
mail-bag  depository. 

Sec.  632.  Register  of  Outgoing  and  Incoming  Mails  to  be  Kept. — In  all 
post-offices  where  many  lot;k-poachus  are  sent  and  received  daily,  such  a  register  of 
the  outgoing  and  incoming  mails  should  be  kept  as  will  show  the  places  to  which 
separate  locked  pouches  are  sent  and  from  which  they  are  received,  as  well  as  the 
number  sent  to  and  received  from  each  daily.  Postmasters  will  give  particular  atten- 
tion to  keeping  such  registers,  and  will  be  guided  by  the  same  in  correcting  all  dis- 
parities iu  their  exchanges  of  locked  pouches. 

Sec.  683.  Names  of  Depositories  for  Mail  Bags  and  Locks. — The  following 

post-offices  are  depositories  for  mail  bags  aud  locks,  where  mail  bags  and  locks,  new 
and  old,  are  collected  aud  distributed,  under  special  iustrnctions  from  the  Second  As- 
sistant Postmaster-General:  Fortlatul  aud  Bangor,  Maine;  Concord,  Xcw  Hampslure ; 
Rutland,  Vermont:  Boston,  Massachnsetis ;  Providence,  Rhode  Island ;  Hartford  and  Xew 
Haven,  Connecticut;  New  York,  Albany,  and  Buffalo,  New  York ;  Trenton,  Neiv  Jersey; 
rhiladelphia,  Harrisbnryh,  and  Pittsbaryh,  Pennsylvania ;  Baltimore,  Maryland;  JVash- 
inyton.  District  of  Columbia;  Richmond,  Virginia;  Wheeling,  West  Virginia;  Rakigh, 
North  Carolina;  Charleston  aud  Columbia,  South  Carolina;  Atlanta  and  Savannah,  Geor- 
gia; Tallahassee,  Florida;  Mobile  and  Montgomery,  Alabama;  Jackson,  Mississippi;  New 
Orleans,  Louisiana;  Little  Rock,  Arkansas ;  Nashville  and  Memphis,  Tennessee;  Louisville, 
Kentucky;  Cincinnati  and  Cleveland,  Ohio;  Detroit,  Michigan;  Indiana])oHs,  Indiana; 
Springfield  anjl  Chicago,  Illinois;  Saint  Louis,  Missouri;  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin;  Des 
Moines  aud  Dubuque,  Iowa;  Saint  Paul,  Minnesota;  Galveston,  Texas;  San  Francisco, 
California;  Portland,  Oregon;  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah  Territory;  Lawrence,  Kansas;  and 
Omaha,  Nebraska. 

Sec.  684.  Accounts  of  Depository  Post-offices  to  be  Rendered. — It  is  the  tluty 

of  every  postmaster  whose  post-office  is  a  depository  for  mail  bags  and  locks  to  render 
to  the  office  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Mail  Equipments, 
an  account  at  the  end  of  everv  month  showiu}r  the  number  of  each  kind  of  mail-locks 


160  POSTAL   LAWS   AXD   EEGULATIONS, 

and  of  eacli  size  of  the  several  kinds  of  mail-bags  on  hand  at  the  heginning  of  and 
received  during  the  month,  of  those  furnished  to  other  post-offices,  of  those  in  actual 
use  in  his  post-office,  and  of  those  remaining  on  hand  not  in  use,  but  ready  for  distri- 
btition.  Blanks  for  this  purpose  will  be  furnished  from  time  to  time  on  application 
to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Mail  E(inipments. 

See.  685.  Surplus  Stock  to  be  Kept  apart  from  the  Current  Stock. — Each 
postmaster  at  a  depository  for  mail  bags  and  locks  must  be  cai'cful  to  keep  apart  from 
the  mail  bags  and  locks  required  for  current  use  of  his  post-office  all  sur[dus  articles 
of  that  kind,  audio  consider  them  as  deposited  for  distribution  in  such  manner  as  may 
be  directed  by  the  Department.  For  all  mail  bags  and  locks  so  distributed  he  will 
obtain  receipts,  whicii  are  to  be  transmitted  immediately  to  the  Department.  He  may 
withdraw  mail  bags  and  locks  from  the  surplus  stock  on  deposit  to  snp})ly  wants  of 
his  own  post-office,  but  not  to  supply  other  post-offices,  without  special  instractions, 
except  in  euiergencies  admitting  of  no  delay.  For  mail-bags  so  withdrawn  from  de- 
posit, his  certificate  in  the  former  case,  and  receipts  in  the  latter,  must  be  transmitted 
to  the  Department,  where,  Avhen  received,  they  will  be  entered  to  his  credit. 

Sec.  686.  Legitimate  Use  of  Mail-bags  Restricted  to  what. — The  legitimate 
use  of  mail-bags  is  restricted  to  the  transmission  of  mailable  matter  while  under  the 
care,  custody,  and  control  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  through  its  postmasters  and 
other  authorized  agents.  Their  application  to  any  other  uses  than  those  of  this  De- 
partment is  illegal  and  strictly  forbidden.  The  stealing,  purloining,  converting  from 
proper  use,  or  conveying  away,  to  the  detriment  of  tlie  service,  of  any  mail-bags,  is  an 
offense  by  law,  punishable  with  fine  and  imprisonment.     See  section  1241. 

Sec.  687.  Canvas  Sacks  may  be  Taken  by  Publishers,  when. — ^Whenever, 
in  any  post-office  in  tlie  large  towns  and  cities,  there  is  an  extreme  necessity  of  ex- 
tending to  publishers  the  privilege  of  taking  canvas  sacks  to  their  ]irinting-offices  to  be 
there  filled  with  i)rinted  matter  for  the  mails,  the  postmaster  must  keep  an  exact 
account  with  ea«h  publisher  of  the  number  of  sacks  talven  from  and  returned  to  his 
post-office  on  every  occasion.  Besides  the  account  kept  in  the  post-office  for  that  pur- 
jiose,  pass-books  should  be  used  between  the  several  printing-offices  and  the  post- 
office.  No  sacks  should  be  delivered  for  any  piiblislier,  except  on  presentation  of  his 
pass-book,  in  which  he  is  to  be  debited  with  the  number  of  sacks  intrusted  to  him 
and  credited  with  the  number  i-eturned ;  and  for  tlie  due  return  of  all  sacks  ao  in- 
trusted to  liim  each  publislier  shall  be  held  responsible. 

Sec.  688.  Waste  or  Abuse  of  Mail-bags  to  be  Prevented. — It  is  the  duty 

of  postmasters  and  other  agents  of  this  Department  to  prevent,  wlienever  in  their 
power,  any  waste  or  abuse  of  mail-bags ;  to  reclaim  them  from  improper  hands  ;  and 
to  give  information  of  every  instance  of  theft  or  illegal  usi?  of  mail-bags  coming  to 
their  knowh'dge. 

Sec.  689.  Mail-bags  not  to  be  Purchased  by  Postmasters. — Mail-bag.s  of 

every  descrii>tiou  are  re([uired  by  law  to  be  purcliasod  by  the  Postmaster-General, 
under  contract  male  with  the  lowest  bidder,  after  advertisement  for  proposals.  Tliey 
are  not  to  ha  piirclias^d  by  postnrastiu's  or  mail-contractors,  and  no  allowance  will  be 
made  for  mail-bags  purchased  by  them  without  special  instructions  from  the  Depart- 
ment. 
Sec.  699.  Mail-catchers,  how  Famished. — Mail-catchers  (for  use  Avliere 

they  are  allowed  by  tlu>.  D.'pavtmunt)  are  fiiruished  on  ai)plication  to  the  office  of  the 
Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Mail  Eiiuipments. 

Sec.  691.  Application  for  Mail-bags,  etc.,  to  State  Reasons. — Every  applica- 
tion for  mail-bags  and  mail-catchers  must  state  fully  the  reasons  which  makeanaddi- 
ti(Mial  supi»ly  necessary. 

Sec.  632.  Miil  Locks  and  Keys,  by  whom  Famished.— Mail  locks  and  keys 

arc  furnished  from  tho  office  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmastcr-Goncral,  Division  of 


TITLE    III— TRANSPORTATION    OF    TIIK    MAIL.  101 

Mail  Ef|ni[)inp.nts.  Applications  for  mail  locks  or  keys  must  always  assign  the  reasons 
tliiTclor. 

Sec.  693.  Care  of  Mail-keys — Penalty  for  Loss. — The  careful  ii.se  of  inail- 

locks  anil  the  safe-keepiu};  of  mail-keys  are  e.ssential  to  the  integrity  of  the  ]>ostJil 
service.  The  mail-key  must  never  bo  exposed  to  public  observation  nor  placed  where 
it  may  bo  lost  or  stolen.  It  must  not  be  siilfered  to  pass,  even  for  a  moment,  into  the 
hands  of  any  person  not  a  sworn  officer  of  the  Post-Offieo  Department.  Tiie  safe-keep- 
ing of  the  mail-key  is  cue  of  the  expressed  conditions  of  the  official  bond  of  every 
postmaster.  The  loss  of  a  mail-key,  as  it  may  afford  peculiar  facilities  for  stealing 
from  the  mails,  is  au  act  of  carelessness  likely  to  be  more  pernicious  to  the  service  than 
almost  any  other  a  postmaster  or  agent  of  the  Department  can  commit.  It  is  therefore 
deemed  sufficient  cause  for  removing  the  postmaster  or  agent  so  oftending,  enforeiu"' 
the  penalty  of  the  official  bond  of  the  former,  and  even  in  certain  cases  for  discontinu- 
ing the  post-offiee. 

Sec.  694.  Mail-keys  to  have  a  Specific  Number. — The  inail-key.s  bear,  each 

of  them,  a  ditt'erent  number  stamped  upon  them.  Every  postmaster  or  eraploy6  to 
whom  such  keys  are  intrusted  will  be  charged  therewith  and  held  to  a  strict  account 
therefor.  On  the  receipt  of  any  such  mail-key  by  a  postmaster,  he  should  make  a 
record,  to  be  kept  in  his  post-office,  of  the  date  of  its  receipt  and  of  the  number 
stamped  upon  it.  Whenever  such  or  any  other  mail-key  shall  afterwards  be  referred  to, 
in  any  communication  to  the  Department,  its  number  must  invari.ably  be  specified. 
Every  casualty  whatever  concerning  a  mail-key  must  bo  proinjitly  reported. 

Sec.  695.  Exchange  of  Mail-keys  by  Railway  Mail  Employes. — In  all  cases  . 
of  an  exchange  of  routes  between  employes  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service,  there  must 
also  be  an  exchange  of  mail  keys  between  them,  so  that  every  mail-key  shall  always 
be  retained  in  the  particular  office  for  which  it  was  originally  furnished  by  the  Depart-;  - 
ment,  and  never  be  taken  away  for  use  elsewhere. 

Sec.  696.  Receipts  to  be  always  Taken  for  Mail-keys. — Xo  mail-key  shall  1 
be  transferred  or  exchanged  except  to  a  successor  in  office,  nor  be  funushed  nor  loaned 
without  special  instructions  from  the  Department.     No  such  key,  not  obtained  directly  • 
from  the  Department  or  from  a  predecessor  in  office,  shall  1)o  kept  or  detained,  but 
promptly  returned  to  the  Department,  with  a  full  report  of  facts  in  relation  to  it.     If  ' 
a  mail-key  be  received  from  a  discontinued  post-office,  or  elsewhere,  it  nnist  be  sent 
without  delay  to  the  Department  by  the  postmaster  receiving  it,  stating  whea  andT 
from  whom  it  was  received  by  him.     Whenever  a  retiring  postmaster  turns  over  a 
mail-key,  he  must  obtain  and  transmit  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General  a 
receipt  for  the  same,  specifying  the  number  stamped  upon  it,  in  order  that  he  may 
receive  due  credit  on  the  books  of  the  Department,  and  he  and  his  sureties  be  released 
from  all  further  responsibility  therefor. 

Sec.  697.  Repairing  Mail-locks  and  Keys  Forbidden. — Xo  attem])t  shall  be 

made  to  have  a  mail-key  or  a  mail-lock  repaired  ;  nor  to  pry  into  the  interualniechan-  - 
ism  of  any  maildock.     No  damaged  or  defective  mail-key  shall  be  kept  in  post-offices, 
but  each  one.  as  soon  as  it  becomes  damaged  or  defective,  must  be  jiromptly  returned  ' 
to  the  Department  with  an  exjilanatory  letter.     With  every  application  for  a  new 
mail-key  in  lieu  of  one  broken,  the  broken  parts  must  be  inclosed,  and  the-  number  of  ' 
the  broken  key  stated. 

Sec.  698.  Defective  Keys  to  be  Reported  to  the  Department. — \Mien  a  mail- 
key  is  perceived  to  be  much  worn  and  becoming  defective,  timely  notice  should  be 
given  of  the  fact,  always  stating  the  number  of  the  key,  so  that  a  new  one  may  be 
furnished  before  the  old  one  becomes  entirely  useless;  the  latter  to  be  returned  to  the. 
Department.  Whenever  extra  keys  are  fnrnislie<I  they  should  be  kept  in  reserve  for  • 
au  emergency,  and  be  locked  up  in  a  safe  place  in  the  post-office,  accessible  to  the 
postmaster  and  his  assistant  only. 

Sec.  699.  Brass  Locks  not  to  be  Sent  to  Iron-Lock  Post-offices. — lu  those  • 
11  PL 


132  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

post-oftices  where  the  use  of  the  brass  locks  ami  keys  is  allowed  for  through  mails,  it 
will  he  deemed  very  reprehensible  if  sufficient  care  be  not  always  taken  to  prevent 
such  locks  being  used,  instead  of  iron  locks,  on  bags  dispatched  to  post-offices  Avhere 
their  use  is  not  alio  wed,  and  where,  of  course,  there  is  no  key  to  open  them.  If,  how- 
ever, a  bag  secured  with  a  brass  lock  be  received  at  a  post-office  where  there  is  no 
brass  key  allowed,  the  lock  should  not  be  broken  or  tampered  with,  nor  the  bag  be 
mutilated ;  but  it  should  either  be  returned  unopened  to  the  post-office  whence  it  came, 
or  be  sent  to  some  nearer  post-office  using  the  brass  key,  with  the  request  to  substi- 
tute an  iron  lock  for  the  brass  one.  But  in  either  case,  the  postmaster  at  whose 
post-office  the  irregularity  occurred  must  be  advised  of  it,  and,  i?  there  be  a  repeti- 
tion of  it,  be  reported  to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  700.  Proper  Course  when  Defective  Key  will  not  Open  Mail-lock. — If 

the  only  mail-key  in  a  post-office  be  broken  or  so  defective  as  not  to  open  all  the  locks, 
the  bags  should  be  passed,  unopened,  to  the  nearest  post-office,  with  a  request  to  the 
postmaster  to  take  out  the  letters,  &c.,  for  the  post-office  where  the  lock  could  not  be 
opened,  and  send  them  back  by  the  mail-carrier  outside  the  bag,  in  a  sealed  jiackage, 
until  another  key  be  received  from  the  Dejiartment.  Iii  such  case  auy  mutilation  of 
the  bag  is  inexcusable.  ' 

Sec.  701.  Proper  Course  when  Defective  Lock  cannot  be  Opened. — ^Mien  a 

postmaster  cannot  open  a  lock  securing  a  bag,  because  of  a  defect  in  the  lock,  and  not 
of  his  key,  he  will  then  cut  that  staple  of  the  bag  to  which  the  lock  is  attached,  pro- 
vided he  has  another  bag  and  lock  to  substitute  for  them ;  but  if  he  has  no  other  bag 
and  lock,  he  will  pass  the  bag,  unopened,  to  the  next  post-office,  as  in  the  case  indi- 
cated in  the  jireceding  section. 

Sec.  702.  Fastening-Strap  Never  to  be  Cut. — The  fastening-strap  of  a  mail- 
bag  should  nevet  be  cut ;  but  if  ever  done,  the  strap  must  not  afterwards  be  spliced, 
but  a  new  one  put  on  instead  of  the  strap  cut.  When  the  staiJle  is  cut  asunder,  the 
bag  should  have  a  new  one  apjslied  before  being  used  again. 

Sec.  703.  Economy  in  the  Use  of  Mail-locks. — The  mail-locks  must  be  used 

with  care  and  economy.  Care  must  also  be  taken  to  equalize  the  exchange  of  locked 
pouches,  and  thereby  secure  to  every  post-office  a  return  of  the  same  number  of  lockt< 
sent  from  it.  If  at  any  post-office  (not  a  depository)  locks  from  unknown  sources 
should  accumulate  in  excess  of  its  current  wants,  all  such  surplus  locks  must  be  for- 
warded with  an  explanatory  letter  to  the  Department. 

Sec.  704.  Unlawful  Use  of  Mail-bags  to  be  Reported  to  the  Department. — 

It  is  the  duty  of  postmasters  and  agents  of  the  Department  to  reclaim  and  transmit  to 
the  office  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Mail  Equipment,  all 
mail  locks  aud  keys  found  to  be  in  improper  hands,  or  applied  to  any  other  than  their 
lawful  use,  and  to  see  that  the  law  (section  1241)  is  enforced  in  every  case  of  its  vio- 
lation known  to  them,  by  exerting  due  diligence  always  in  collecting  and  reporting 
to  the  Diq>artment  the  facts  and  proofs  to  sustain  a  prosecution  against  the  otfeuder. 
Sec.  705.  How  to  Address  Communications  on  Mail  Equipments. — All  coui- 

lunnications  re(piired  by  this  chapter  to  be  sent  to  the  Department  nuist  be  addressed 
to  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Mail  E(iuipments.  Such  com- 
munications must  invarialdy  give  the  name  of  the  post-office,  county,  aud  State  from 
which  they  are  sent,  and  must  not  embrace  any  other  subject. 


TITLE    IV. 

THE    KAII.WAY    MAIL    SERVICE. 


CHAPTER  ONE. 

0RGANI2ATION  AND  GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 

Sec,  j  Sec. 

706.  The  General  Snpcrintendeut  of  Railway  Mail     710.  Appointment  of  employes. 

Service.  |  711.  TTnifomi  for  employes. 

707.  Division  .Superintendents.  I  712.  Division  Superintendents  not  to  recoiuniend 

708.  "Offices" — post-offices  for  distributing  mail  appointjncnts. 

in  transit.  713.  Assignment  of  Chief  Head  Clerks. 

709.  Employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service.  | 

Sec.  706.  The  General  Superintendent  of   Railway  Mail  Service. — The 

Postm.ister-Geiioral  has  vested  the  jienpral  supervision  of  the  distrihution  ami  dispatch 
of  mails  at  post-oftiees  and  iu  transit  upon  railroad  and  steanihoat  routes  in  the  Gen- 
eral Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service,  with  headquarters  at  Washington,  D.  C, 
and  in  the  Superintendents  under  his  directions. 

Sec.  707.  Division  Superintendents. — For  the  puriwse  of  securing  effi- 
ciency in  the  dispatch  and  distribution  of  mails,  the  United  States  has  heen  divided 
into  nine  divisions,  each  of  which  is  in  charjie  of  a  .Superintendent,  as  follows: 

First  Divi.^iox.— Comprising  the  New  England  Staies.^Hcadquarters  of  Siiperiii' 
tendent,  Boston,  Mass. 

Second  Division. — Comprising  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware, 
and  the  Eastern  .Shore  of  Maryland.— Tifertrf^/Mrtrfers  of  SKpcrinteiidcnf,  Xew  York,  X.  Y. 

Thiho  Division. — Comprising  Maryland  (excluding  the  Eastern  Shore),  North  Caro- 
lina, Virginia,  West  Virginia,  and  the  District  o{  Co\umbia.-^Readquarters  of  Stiperin' 
tendent,  Richmond,  Va. 

Fourth  Division. — Comprising  South  Carolina,  Georgi.a,  Florida,  Alabama,  Missis- 
sippi, and  Louisiana. — HeadquarUrs  of  Superintendent,  Atlanta,  Ga. 

Fifth  Division. — Comprising  Ohio,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  and  Tennessee. — Head- 
quarters of  Superintendent,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

Sixth  Division. — Comprising  Wi.sconsin,  Illinois,  Iowa,  Nebraska,  Minnesota,  and 
Upper  Peninsula  of  Michigan,  and  the  Territories  of  Dakota  and  Wyoming. — Head- 
quarters of  Superintendent,  Chicago,  IU, 

Seventh  Division. — Comprising  Missouri,  Kansas,  Arkansas,  Texas,  Colorado,  the 
Indian  Territory,  and  New  Mexico. — Headquarters  of  Superintendent,  Saint  Louis,  Mo. 

Eighth  Division. — Comprising  California,  Nevada,  Oregon,  and  the  Territories  of 
Alaska,  Arizona,  Idaho,  Montana,  Utah,  and  Washington. — Headquarttrs  of  Su2icrln- 
tendent,  S<tn  Francisco,  Cal. 

Ninth  DmsioN. — Comprising  the  through  mails  via  Buffalo,  Suspension  Bridge, 
Toledo,  and  Detroit,  the  lines  of  the  Lake  Sliore  and  Michigan  Sonthern  Railroad, 
and  the  Lower  Peninsula  nfSl'MAn'^^au.^ffeadquorter-i  of  Superintendent,  t'h'rrlnnd,  Ohio, 

Sec.  708.  "Offices" — Post-offices  for  Distributing  Mail  in    Transit. — The 

Postmaster-General  has  designated  all  railway  postal  care  and  mail  apartments  in  caj-s 

163 


164  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

and  steamboats  as  i>ost-offices  for  the  distribution  of  mail-matter  iu  transit.  To  distin- 
guish these  traveling  post-offices  from  ordinary  i)ost-offices,  they  are  designated  iu  the 
regulations  as  "Offices." 

Sec.  709.  Employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service. — In  the  Postal  Eegnlations 

the  word  "emidoyes"  is  used  to  designate  all  railway  ijost-office  clerks,  route-agents, 
and  nuiil-route  messengers.     Local  mail-agents  retain  their  present  designation. 

Sec.  710.  Appointment  of  Employes. — Appointments  to  the  railway  mail 
ser\-ice  are  made  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  General  Superintendent.  All  ap- 
pointments are  originally  made  for  six  months  only,  and  at  the  expiration  of  that 
time,  if  the  record  and  final  examination  of  the  person  temporarily  appointed  are  satis- 
factory, he  receives  a  permauent  appointment.  All  promotions  are  made  upon  the 
recommendation  of  the  General  Superintendent,  based  upon  the  report  of  the  Division 
Superintendent  as  to  good  conduct,  faithful  service,  and  efficiency,  and  all  such  reports 
must  be  accompanied  by  the  employe's  full  record,  including  case  examinations  and 
facing-slips. 

Sec.  711.  Uniform  for  Railway  Mail  Employes. — Postal  clerks,  ronte- 
agents,  and  mail-route  messengers  shall  not  be  required  to  wear  uniform 
other  than  a  cap  or  badge.  (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  section  1,  20  Stat., 
p.  357.) 

The  uniform  cap  required  by  this  section  of  the  law  to  be  worn  by  employes  is 
regulation  navy,  three  inches  deep.  If  inch  front,  with  black  corded  silk  band  ;  cloth 
to  be  full  indigo  dark  navy  blue  ;  lining  of  caji  to  be  silesia,  and  oil-glazed  cover;  the 
cap  to  bear  upon  its  front  the  letters  "  E.  M.  S."  in  silver,  surrounded  by  a  gold  wreath. 

The  Postmaster-General  is  satisfied  that  the  adoption  of  a  uniform  for  the  railway 
mail  service  has  been  productive  of  great  good  to  the  service  by  elevating  its  tone 
and  inspiring  a  feeling  of  manly  pride  in  the  corps,  which  has  greatly  increased  its 
efficiency.  While  the  law  forbids  him  to  require  any  uniform  to  be  worn  other  than 
a  cap  or  badge,  and  no  distinction  can  be  made  between  those  who  wear  the  entire 
uniform  and  those  who  do  not,  he  believes  that  the  interests  of  the  service  will  be  pro- 
moted and  the  safety  of  the  mails  increased  if  all  the  employes,  of  their  own  free  will 
and  accord,  continue  to  wear  the  entire  uniform  formerly  required — a  uniform  which 
any  man  should  be  proud  to  wear  in  view  of  the  honorable  record  which  the  railway 
mail  service  of  the  United  States  has  made  since  its  organization. 

Sec.  712.  Division  Superintendents  not  to  recommend  Appointments. — Divi- 
sion Superintendents  must  confine  themselves  in  their  recommendations  for  promo- 
tions in  the  railway  mail  service  to  the  fact  as  to  whether,  in  their  opinion,  the  person 
recommended  would  make  an  efficient  employ^,  and  must  not  recommend,  directly  or 
indirectly,  any  person  for  appointment. 

Sec.  713.  Assignment  of  Chief  Head  Clerks. — Division  Superintendents 

may  assign  to  duty  (when  necessary,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  General  Superin- 
tendent) ns  chief  liead  clerks  of  railAvay  mail  service,  such  employes  as  in  their  judg- 
ment are  bijst  qualilied  to  discharge  the  duties  expected  of  them,  and  the  duties  of  such 
chief  head  clerks  will  ))e  to  make  examination  of  the  men  under  their  charge;  to  see 
that  they  perforuj  all  the  duties  required  of  them  promptly  and  thoroughly ;  to  see  that 
the  schemes  furnished  are  kopt  corrected,  and  that  all  orders  issued  by  the  Division 
Superintendent  are  pronq»tly  executed.  All  irregularities,  insubordination,  inefficien- 
cies, and  lax  morality  occurring  on  xoutes  under  their  charge  nuist  be  reported  to  their 
Division  Superintendent  at  once.. 


TITLE    IV THE    RAILWAY    ^LVIL    SERVICE. 


163 


CHAPTER    TWO. 

INSTRUCTIONS    TO    EMPLOYES    HANDLING    ORDINARY     MAIL- 
MATTER. 


S.C. 

7U. 
715. 

71G. 

717. 
718. 
719. 
720. 

721. 
722. 


726. 


729. 
730. 
731. 
732. 

733. 
734. 
735. 
73e. 
737. 
738. 
739. 
740. 

741. 

742. 

743. 
744. 
745. 
746. 
747. 
748. 

749. 
750. 
751. 
752. 
753. 
754. 


Kiniiloyea  to  carry  instnu'tion.s  with  them. 

Kiniiliiyds  to  rcjwrt  errors  discovered  in  the 
I'ostiil  (Jiiido. 

Enijiloyes  to  bo  oxaniiued  in  the  postal  laws 
and  regulations. 

Oiw  wnployo  to  have  charge  of  Otlicc. 

Accountability  of  employ^  in  char-re  of  Office. 

Assistants  to  obey  enii>loy6  incharjje. 

Receiving  mail  at  cars;  canceled  stamps  to  be 
refused. 

Cancellation  of  postage-stamps. 

Postmarking  stamps  not  to  be  used  for  cancel- 
lation. 

Keceiving  and  delivering  second-class  mail  at 
cars. 

Mail  to  be  made  up  by  States. 

Separate  mail  for  delivery  and  mail  for  distri- 
bution. 

Direct  packages. 

Letters  must  not  be  placed  in  pouch  loose. 
Facing-slips  to  bo  used. 

Checking  errors. 

Di.spositi<m  of  slips  received. 

Distribution  of  mail  by  schemes. 

Open  and  distribute  one  pouch  or  sack  at  a 
time. 

Absence  of  slips  on  packages  or  in  sacks. 

Sack  to  be  turned  inside  out. 

Pouches  to  be  examined. 

Printed  labels  to  be  returned. 

Trip  reports  to  be  forwarded. 

Vigilance  required  in  guarding  mails. 

"Waste-paper  and  twiue  to  be  examined. 

Dispii.sition  of  uumailable  matter  found  in  the 
mails. 

TJnmailable  matter  forwarded  to  Superintend- 
ent. 

Mailable  matter  turned  in  as  unmailable  to  be 
checked  as  ei-rors. 

Unmailable  matter  to  be  postmiu'ked. 

Soldiers'  and  sailors'  letters. 

Change  of  schedules  to  be  reported. 

Letters  outside  of  pouches  to  be  reported. 

No  enii)loy6  to  be  absent  without  leave. 

In  case  of  disability  eniploy6  must  send  cer. 
titicate. 

Employe's  record  of  arrivals  and  departures. 

Posting  record-book. 

Partial  duty  to  be  noted  on  record. 

Employ63  paid  for  daily  service. 

Address  of  employes. 

Period  of  duty. 


Sec. 

755.  Employes  must  accompany  mails  to  and  from 

post-offices. 

756.  Employ6s  must  examine  Offices  at  the  end  of 

runs. 

757.  Replies  to  official  communications. 

758.  Who  may  have  access  to  Offices. 

759.  Trip  permits  to  ridi^  in  Offices. 

760.  All  but  aimual  permits  to  be  taken  np. 

761.  Permits  not  good  for  transportation. 

762.  Sale  of  postage-stamps  by  employes. 

763.  Employes  on  duty  not  to  traffic. 

764.  Must  not  impart  information  to  unautliorized 

persons. 

765.  Turning  over  property  of  Dei)artiuent.  • 

766.  Forwarding  of  resignations. 

767.  Xo  infoiTuation  to  be  given  concerning  vacan- 

cies. 

768.  Intoxicating  liquors  prohibited. 

769.  Mail  in  transit  not  to  be  delivered. 

770.  Public  property  not  to  be  used  for  private 

purposes. 

771.  Exchange  of  pouches. 

772.  Mail  must  not  be  delivered  at  places  not  post- 

offices. 

773.  List  to  be  kejit  of  exch.inge  pouches. 

774.  Irregularities  to  be  reported. 

775.  Missent  matter  to  be  so  stamped. 

776.  Mutilation  of  property  i)rohibited. 

777.  Employes  must  examine  order-book. 

778.  Second-class  and  other  matter  outside  of  mail- 

bags. 

779.  Reading  mail-matter  in  transit  forbidden. 

780.  Case  examination.s. 

781.  Exaiuinations  of  employ68  on  their  instnic- 

tious. 

782.  Probationary   appointees    to    bo    examined 

monthly. 

783.  Employ6s  on  night  lines. 

784.  Securing  mail-locks  and  mail-keys. 

785.  Notify  Division  Superintendent  of  changes 

needed  in  Offices. 

786.  Employ6s  must  assist  S])ecial  Agents. 

787.  Presence  of  Special  Agents  not  to  be  reported. 

788.  Accidents  to  mail-trains  to  be  reported. 

789.  Hooks  prohibiteil  in  handling  mail-bag.s. 

790.  Courtesy  to  public  eiyoined. 

791.  Delivery  of  mails  at  catch-stations. 

792.  Rules  of  railway  companies  observed. 

793.  Ignorance  of  rules  no  excuse  fi>r  violations. 
j:^"For  instructions  as  to  handling  registei-ed 

matter,  see  Title  V,  The  Registry  System  of  the 
United  States. 


Sec.  714.  Employes  to  Carry  Instructions  -with  Them. — Each  eini)loy^, 
when  on  dnty,  must  have  with  him  cither  the  volume  of  Postal  Laws  and  Regulations 
of  th3  latest  edition,  or  so  much  thereof  as  relates  to  the  railway  mail-.service  and 


166  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

registry  system  of  the  United  States,  copies  of  current  "Orders"  affecting  Lis  line, 
"Schemes  of  distribution,"  latest  "  Postal  Guide,"  and  copy  of  "Schedule  of  mail- 
trains." 

Sec.  715.  Employes  to  Report  Errors  Discovered  in  the  Postal  Guide. — 
Every  employe  detecting  errors  in  the  United  States  Official  Postal  Guide  must  report 
the  same  at  once  to  his  Division  Superintendent,  in  order  that  it  may  he  reported  to  the 
Department  for  correction. 

Sec.  716.  Employds  to  be  Examined  in  the  Postal  Laws  and  Reg^ations. — 
At  each  examination  of  employes  they  will  be  required  to  answer  questions  touching 
the  postal  laws  and  regulations,  and  they  must  be  thoroughly  instructed  on  the  rates 
of  postage  aud  in  the  regulations  of  their  own  service  and  of  the  registry  system  of 
the  United  States.  They  must  also  be  informed  as  to  the  duties  of  postmasters,  so  far 
as  those  duties  affect  the  railway  mail  service. 

Sec.  717.  One  Employe'  to  have  Charge  of  Office. — "WTiere  there  is  more 

than  one  employe  assigned  to  duty  in  an  Office,  one  of  the  number  will  be  designated 
to  take  charge  of  the  same. 

Sec,  718.  Accountability  of  Employe  in  Charge  of  Office. — The  one  so  des- 
ignated will  have  charge  of  and  be  accountable  for  all  property  belonging  in  or  pertain- 
ing to  the  Office,  and  he  will  for  the  time  being  have  full  charge  of  the  same.  It  will  be 
his  duty  to  see  that  all  necessary  reports  are  made,  that  all  distribution  in  the  Office 
is  correct,  aud  that  all  mails  are  properly  made  \ip  and  put  upon  the  proper  ix)ute  to 
their  destination. 

Sec.  719.  Assistants  to  Obey  Employ^  in  Charge. — It  will  be  the  dutj'  of 

his  assistants  to  implicitly  obey  orders  of  the  employe  in  charge,  and  no  one  on  duty 
will  consider  his  labors  ended  until  the  whole  mail  has  been  properly  distributed, 
pouched,  and  transmitted. 

Sec.  720.  Receiving  Mail  at  Cars ;  Cancelled  Stamps  to  be  Refused. — Let- 
ters and  other  proi)erly-prepaid  mail-matter  must  be  received  at  the  Offices,  and  all 
employes  who  are  required  to  open  letter-boxes  at  stations  and  take  mail  therefrom 
must  visit  the  boxes  the  last  moment  before  leaving ;  but  employes  are  strictly  pro- 
hibited from  receiving  from  the  imblic  for  mailing,  matter  on  which  the  stamjis  have 
been  canceled. 

Sec.  721.  Cancellation  of  Postage-Stamps. — Postage-stamps  affixed  to  let- 
ters, packets,  or  parcels  of  any  descrii)tion,  and  all  stamped  envelopes,  newspaper  wrap- 
pers, and  postal  cards,  must  be  immediately  and  effectually  canceled  in  the  Office  in  which 
they  may  be  deposited  for  transmission.  The  cancellation  must  be  effected  by  the  use 
of  black  i>rinting-ink  wherever  that  material  can  be  obtained;  and  where  it  cannot* 
the  operation  should  be  performed  by  making  several  heavy  crosses  or  parallel  lines 
U2)on  each  stamp  with  a  pen  dipped  in  good  black  writing-ink. 

Sec.  722.  Post-marking  Stamps  not  to  be  Used  for  Cancellaton. — The  use  of 

the  Office  rating  or  postmarking  stamp  as  a  canceling  instrument  is  positively  prohib- 
ited, inasmuch  as  the  postmark  when  impi-essed  on  the  postage-stamp  is  usually  indis- 
tinct, and  the  cancellation  effected  thereby  is  imperfect.  The  postage-stamj)  must, 
therefore,  bo  effectually  canceled  with  a  sej^arate  instrument. 

Sec.  723.  Receiving  and  Delivering  Second-class  Mail  at  Cars. — The  Post- 
master-Geneial  may  provide  by  order  the  terms  tii)on  which  route-agents 
may  receive  from  i^ublishers  or  any  news  agents  in  cliarge  thereof,  ami 
<leliver  the  same  as  directed,  if  presented  and  called  for  at  the  mail-car 
or  steamer,  packages  of  newspapers  and  otlier  periodicals  not  received 
from  or  intended  for  delivery  at  any  post-office.     (11.  S.,  §  3889.) 

Einployt^s  are  pi-ohibited  from  receiving  newspapers  an<l  periodicals  from  jjublishei-s 
and  news-agents,  unh^ss  the  san»e  are  accou\pauied  by  a  certilicate  frou\  the  postmaster 
that  the  postage  has  been  paid. 


TITLE    IV THE    RAILWAY    MAIL    SERVICE.  167 

Sec.  724.  Mail  to  be  Made  up  by  States. — All  iiinil  for  Stiitos  of  wliich  no 

tlistribiitiou  is  made  niii.st  be  made  up  "  by  Stiitcs"  and  facin^^-Mlips  used,  in  accordiiiiee 
with  section  72S;  that  is,  letter  and  circular  mail  for  each  Slate  must  he  nia<le  up  in 
packages,  and  newspajier  mail  in  canvas  sacks,  by  itself,  and  the  name  of  the  State 
marked  on  the  slip  c-overinj;  the  packa<;<*  or  ta;j;  attacdied  to  thi'  sack. 

Sec.  725.  Separate  Mail  for  Delivery  and  Mail  for  Distribution. — ^Fail  for 

delivery  ami  mail  for  distribution  at  a  post-ollice  must  always  \>i:  maile  up  in  seiiarate 
packajics. 

Sec.  726.  Direct  Packages. — Making  a  direct  package  i.s  placing  all  let- 

tei'sfor  on<^  OlHee  or  post-oflice  in  a  i)ackii;ie  by  themselves,  with  :i  plainly-addressed 
letter  for  sn<  h  Otticc  or  post-office  faced  out  on  each  side. 

Sec.  227.  Letters  must  not  be  Placed  in  Pouch  Loose. — Letter  and  circnlar 

mail  must  always  be  properly." faced  up"  and  tied  in  packages,  and  never  placed  in 
the  pou(  h  loose. 

Sec.  728.  Facing-slips  to  be  Used. — Facing-slips  must  be  placed  upon  all 

packages  of  letters  and  circulars  (except  those  made  npdirect  for  delivery,  when  the 
slip  should  be  placed  inside  of  each  package,  and  he  postmarked  and  bear  the  name 
of  the  person  making  the  package  and  the  direction  moving),  and  in  each  canvas 
sack  of  newspapers,  the  same  to  be  securely  tied  on  the  package,  or  if  newspapei-s, 
placed  in  the  hag,  and  have  on  each  the  address  or  destination  of  the  package  or 
sack,  the  postmark,  with  date,  direction  moving,  and  the  name  of  the  person  making 
up  the  same. 

Sec.  729.  Checking  Errors. — All  errors  found  in  the  distribution  of  a 

package  of  letters  or  in  a  sack  of  newspapers  must  be  noted  on  the  reverse  side  of  the 
slip-covering  or  inside  of  the  same,  giving  the  name  of  the  post-office  and  State,  and 
the  county  when  included  in  the  superscription,  adding  thereto  the  name  of  the  per- 
son noting  the  erroi*s,  and  postmark  with  date. 

Sec.  730.  Disposition  of  Slips  Received. — All  slips  received  upon  pack- 
ages of  letter  or  circular  mail  or  in  sacks  of  newsiiaper  mail  must  be  preserved  and 
forwarded  to  the  Division  Superintendent. 

Sec.  731.  Distribution  of  Mails  by  Schemes. — Employes  will  carefully  dis- 
tribute and  make  up  maihs  by  the  otldcial  schemes  which  may  be  furnished  them,  and  will 
conform  to  any  changes  that  may  be  made  in  the  same  by  the  Superiuteudeiit  of  the 
Division,  and  will  make  up  and  exchange  only  such  i)ouche8  as  may  be  ordered  by 
him. 

Sec.  732.  Open  and  Distribute  One  Pouch  or  Sack  at  a  Time. — Emidoyes 

will  complete  the  distribution  of  the  contents  of  one  pouch  or  sack  before  opening  an- 
other, so  that  any  errors  in  disti'ibutiou  or  misseut  mail  may  be  correctly  noted  and 
reported. 

Sec.  733.  Absence  of  Slips  on  Packages  or  in  Sacks. — If  no  slips  are  re- 
ceived on  the  packages  or  in  sacks,  notify  Division  Superintendents,  stating,  if  possi- 
ble, the  line  or  post-office  from  which  the  mail  was  received,  aud  if  newspaper  mail, 
forward  the  label  received  ou  the  sack. 

Sec.  734.  Sack  to  be  Turned  Inside  Out. — Whenever  a  sack  of  newspaper 

mail  is  emptied  the  sack  nuist  be  turned  inside  out,  to  make  sure  that  no  mail  is  left 
in  it. 

Sec.  735.  Pouches  to  be  Examined. — In  emptying  a  pouch  great  care 

must  be  taken  that  no  mail  is  left  therein  ;  and  to  be  certain  of  this,  it  must  be  held 
so  that  the  whole  interior  can  be  seen  aud  looked  into,  in  each  case,  in  addition  to 
thoroughly  shaking  it. 

Sec.  736.  Printed  Labels  to  be  Returned. — Printed  wooden  labels  for  sacks 

of  newspaper  mail  and  printed  slide-lAbels  tor  pouches  must  be  taken  otf  when  the  sacks 
or  pouches  arc  opened,  and  returned  by  first  mail  to  the  post-office  or  Ofiice  from  which 


168  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

they  were  received,  the  woodeu  labels  to  he  classed  with  newspaper  mail  and  the  slide- 
labels  as  letter  mail.  Uuder  no  circumstances  are  auy  of  such  labels  to  be  defaced  or 
destroyed. 

Sec.  737.  Trip  Reports  to  be  Forwarded. — Trip  reports,  together  with  all 

slips  received,  mast  be  properly  tilled  out  and  i)rom|)tly  forwarded  to  the  Division 
Superintendent  at  end  of  each  triji.  Be  particular  to  give  all  the  information  called 
for  by  the  trip  report. 

Sec.  738.  Vigilance  Required  in  Guarding  Mails. — All  employes  are  ex- 
pected to  use  extraordinary  vigilance  in  guarding  the  mails  under  their  charge,  which 
must  not  be  left  for  a  moment  exposed,  day  or  night,  and  especially  in  making  transfers 
where  there  is  considerable  portage  between  trains.  Should  they  become  aware  that 
the  mails  are  so  exposed  at  any  time  or  place,  they  are  required  to  note  the  sjiuie  upon 
their  trip-report,  for  the  information  of  the  Division  Superintendent.  When  accom- 
panying the  mails  on  other  than  regulation  wagons,  one  of  the  employes  should  always 
sit  in  such  position  as  to  be  able  to  instantly  detect  the  loss  of  a  pouch  or  sack. 

Sec.  739.  Waste  Paper  and  Twine  to  be  Examined. — Waste  paper  and 

twine  must  be  preserved  and  turned  in  at  terminal  post-of3fice,  but  carefully  examined 
before  being  sent  from  the  car,  and  the  sack  containing  the  same  shall  boar  the  words 
"  Waste  paper,"  and  the  postmark,  witli  date  of  time  of  sending  it  into  the  terminal 
post-ofitice. 

Sec.  749.  Disposition  of  Unmailable  Matter  Found  in  the  Mails. — Any  em- 

ployd  in  whose  Office  shall  be  deposited  for  mailing  domestic  letters  wholly  unpaid,  or 
on  which  less  than  one  full  rate  of  postage  is  paid,  letters  or  packages  bearing  stamps 
that  have  been  previously  used,  or  stamps  cut  from  stamped  envelopes  or  wrappers,  or 
packages  of  third  or  fourth  class  matter  not  fully  pi-epaid,  shall  detain  the  same  and 
turn  them  over  to  his  Division  Superintendent.  It  shall  also  be  his  duty  to  intercept  aud 
withdraw  from  the  mail  all  letters  or  packages  of  the  second,  third,  or  fourth  class  so 
incorrectly,  illegibly,  or  insufficiently  addressed  that  they  cannot  be  forwarded  to  the 
persons  for  whom  thoy  are  intended,  or  the  addresses  of  which  have  become  detached 
or  erased ;  all  articles  found  loose  in  any  pouch  or  sack,  and  any  article  which,  by 
the  rulings  of  the  Department,  has  been  declared  unmailable  because  of  its  harmful 
nature,  and  forward  the  same  to  his  Division  Superintendent,  Avith  a  statement  giving 
the  date  and  name  of  the  post-office  or  other  source  from  which  such  matter  was  re- 
ceived. Employes  must  not  change  the  address  upon  such  matter,  aud  no  iudoraement 
upon  a  letter,  or  addition  thereto  in  pencil  or  ink  or  any  other  way,  will  be  permitted. 

Sec.  741.  Unmailable  Matter  Forwarded  to  Superintendent. — All  such  mat- 
ter forwarded  to  the  Division  Superintendent  must  be  accompanied  by  a  slip  addressed 
to  the  Superintendent,  and  bearing  the  name  of  the  employ^  forwaixling  the  same,  aud 
the  postmark  <»f  his  Office  with  date. 

Sec.  742.  Mailable  Matter  Turned  in  as  Unmailable  to  be  Checked  as  Errors. 

— Any  such  mail-matter,  the  address  on  which  is  found  in  the  latest  current  "Postal 
Guide,"  will  bo  noted  as  errors  on  the  slip  accompanying  the  same  and  charged  agauist 
the  employd. 

Sec.  743.  Unmailable  Matter  to  be  Postmarked. — Unmailable  matter  of 

the  first  and  secontl  class  sent  to  the  Division  Superintendent  must  be  postmarked  on 
the  back. 

Sec.  744.  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Letters. — Soldiers'  and  sailoiV  letters, 

duly  certitiiMl,  sliould  be  forwarded  t]w  same  as  pre]iaid  matter. 

Sec.  745.  Change  of  Schedules  to  be  Reported. — Employ(^s  are  directed  to 

notify  the  SuiKU-intendent  of  the  Division  of  all  elianges  of  schedules  or  running  of 
trains  ujion  their  r<'s]tective  routes. 

Sec.  746.  Letters  Outside  of  Pouches  to  be  Reported. — Emi)loyes  will  re- 

j  i»orfc  to  the  Division  Superiutendeut  each  instance  of  liuding  lotteiM  under  the  strap  or 


TITLE    IV THE    RAILWAY    MAIL    SERVICE.  169 

attaclii'd  to  flu-  outside  of  a  poncli,  j;i\in;j;  iiiiinc  of  Ollice  or  post-onicc  from  \Tliich  re- 
ceivt'd. 
Sec.  747.  No  Employ6   to   be  Absent  without   Leave. — Xo   iiiiploy^  is 

allowi'd  (o  al)S(>nt  hiiiisolf  from  his  lim-,  or  U)  excliaii;;!'  nius  witli  an  cmiiloy^  on  tlic 
same  or  any  other  lino,  withont  the  written  jieniiission  of  tlm  Division  or  (Jcrneral 
SiiixTintendeiit  of  Railway  Mail  Service.  And  any  eniployd  to  whom  a  leave  of  iihsiniee 
is  j^ranteil  will  be  re(iuired  to  fnrnish  a  snitahle  and  comi>etent  siilwtitute,  ;it  his  own 
expense,  nnless  he  can  mak<'  a  satisfactory  arrangement  with  the  other  ein]doyi^s  on  hi.s 
line  to  perform  his  duties  during  his  absenci! ;  such  arrangement  to  he  evidenced  hy  a 
memorandum,  in  writing,  signed  by  .all  the  parties  concerned,  and  to  be  filed  with  the 
Division  Superintendent.  But  uo  employd  shall  be  absent  for  a  period  aggregating 
more  than  sixty  days  in  any  one  ye.ar  (computing  from  .January  tirat)  nor  nmre  tlian 
thirty  consecutive  days  withont  special  authority  from  the  Department.  See  sections 
502,  ;')((:{,  TnxtriicttotiH  to  Pai/hig  VontmaHtcrs. 

Sec.  748.  In  Case  of  Disability,  Employe  must  Send  Certificate. — In  case 

an  employe  shall  be  disabled  while  in  the  actual  discharge!  of  his  duties  as  su(di  by  a 
railroad  or  other  accident,  ho  shall  forward  to  his  Division  Superintendent  a  sworn  cer- 
tificate of  his  attending  physician  or  surgeon,  setting  forth  the  nature,  extent,  and  cause 
of  his  disability  and  the  probable  duration  of  the  same.  This  certificate  should  be 
sworn  to  before  a  notary  public,  justice  of  the  peace,  or  other  ofticer  authorized  to  ad- 
minister an  oath  who  uses  a  seal.  On  receipt  of  this  certificate,  leave  of  absence,  with 
])ay,  nuiy  be  granted  to  the  disabled  employ^  or  employes  on  application  to  the  Second 
Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Division  of  Inspection.  But  no  leave  of  absence,  with 
pay,  granted  under  such  circumstances,  shall  cover  a  period  exceeding  ninety  days 
from  the  date  the  disability  was  received.  But  if  at  th<!  expiration  of  ninety  days  from 
said  date  the  employ^  be  unable  to  resume  duty,  further  leave,  without  pay,  may  be 
granted  by  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General  on  reoommoudatiou  of  the  Gen- 
eral Sui>eriutendent  of  Railway  Mail  Ser%'ioe. 

Sec.  749.  Employes'  Record  of  Arrivals  and  Departures. — A  record  of  ar- 
rivals and  (lepartures  will  bi  kept  at  each  terminal  post-offlce,  or  at  some  other  place 
at  each  terminus  of  a  run,  to  he  designated  by  the  Division  Superintendent,  in  which 
«'ach  employ^  is  reqnired  to  sign  in  his  own  handwriting  his  name  and  the  day  and 
hour  of  the  schedule  arrival  and  departure  of  the  train,  and  of  his  own  arrival  at  and 
departure  from  the  post-office  or  other  place  where  the  record  is  kept.  Failure  to  do 
so  will  be  regarded  as  a  failure  to  perform  service  without  excuse,  and  the  employd  will 
forfeit  one  day's  pay  for  each  failure  to  so  sign,  but  such  forfeiture  shall  not  exceed  one 
day's  pay  for  any  number  of  failures  to  sign  on  any  one  day.     See  section  499. 

Sec.  750.  Posting  Record-Book. — The  person  in  char^te  of  the  record  of 
arrivals  and  departures  must  till  up  the  blank  spaces  at  the  head  of  each  page  before 
the  i)age  is  signed  upon. 

Sec.  751.  Partial  Duty  to  be  Noted  on  Record. — In  case  an  employe  does 

not  perform  duty  over  the  whole  length  of  the  route,  the  portion  over  which  he  per- 
formed duty  must  be  noted  on  the  record.  In  case  of  a  substitute,  he  will  sign,  in  addi- 
tion to  his  own  name,  that  of  the  employ^  for  whom  he  is  performing  service. 

Sec.  752.  Employ^  Paid  for  Daily  Service. — The  Department  pays  each 
employe  for  daily  service  whether  ho  is  ou  duty  or  not,  and  therefore  has  a  right  to 
dem.and  service  of  him  at  any  time. 

Sec.  753.  Address  of  Employes. — Employes  must  keep  the  Division  Su- 
perintendent advised  of  their  full  address. 

Sec.  754.  Period  of  Duty — Emploj'^s  must  remain  on  duty  the  whole 

length  of  their  allotted  runs. 

Sec.  755.  Employes  must  Accompany  Mails  to  and  from  Post-Offices. — It  is 
the  duty  of  each  employd  to  accompany  the  mails  to  and  from  the  initial  and  terminal 
post-otlices  of  their  respective  runs. 


170  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  756.  Employes  must  Examine  Offices  at  the  End  of  Runs. — Employes 

will  thoroughly  examine  their  Offices  before  leaving,  to  see  that  uo  mail  is  left  therein, 
and  that  every  precaution  for  the  proper  protection  of  the  Office  has  been  taken. 

Sec.  557.  Replies  to  Official  Communications. — Each  employe  is  required 
to  date  and  sign  with  his  official  signature  all  replies  to  official  inquiries  and  other 
communications. 

Sec.  758.  Who  may  have  Access  to  Offices. — Tlie  Office  is  for  the  exclusive 

accommodation  of  the  mails  and  the  persons  specially  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the 
same .  It  is  strictly  private,  not  to  be  entered  by  any  person  except  regular  Special  Agents 
of  the  Post-Office  Dei)artment  and  persons  who  may  be  authorized  by  the  General  Super- 
intendent and  Superintendents  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service.  The  conductor  of  the 
train,  however,  will  have  access  to  the  Office  in  the  performance  of  his  duties,  and,  in 
case  of  necessity,  other  railway  employes  may  pass  through,  but  none  of  them  shall 
be  allowed  to  remain  therein. 

Sec.  759.  Trip  Permits  to  Ride  in  Offices. — ^Permits,  signed  by  the  General 

Superintendent  Railway  Mail  Service,  and  countersigned  by  one  of  the  Division  Super- 
intendents, will  be  required  (except  for  Special  Agents  of  the  Post-Office  Department) 
as  authority  for  riding  in  Offices.  Without  such  permit  no  person  except  Special 
Agents  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  who  will  be  required  by  the  employe  in  charge 
to  show  their  commissions,  will  be  allowed  to  ride  in  an  Office.  This  applies  to  all 
employes  in  the  service  passing  over  lines  to  which  they  are  not  assigned. 

Sec.  760.  All  but  Annual  Permits  to  be  Taken  up. — Permits  will  be  taken 
up  by  the  employ^  in  charge  of  the  Office,  who  will  affix  his  postmark,  with  date,  also 
his  name,  on  the  reverse  side,  and  forward  to  his  Division  Sui)eriutendent  with  his 
trip  report,  noting  on  the  same  the  points  between  which  the  person  rode  in  his  Office. 
If  it  is  an  annual  permit,  it  should  not  be  taken  up,  but  the  number  of  it  should 
be  noted  on  the  trip  report,  and  also  the  points  between  which  the  holder  rode  in 
the  Office. 

Sec.  761.  Permits  not  good  for  Transportation. — A  permit  is  in  uo  way  to 
be  considered  as  furnishing  transportation  to  the  person  holding  it,  but  simply  as  author- 
ity to  ride  in  the  Office,  and  the  conductor  must  be  notified,  so  that  he  may  take  up  ticket* 
or  pass,  or  collect  fare. 

Sec.  762.  Sale  of  Postage-Stamps  by  Employes. — Employes  are  required  to 
keep  constantly  on  hand  a  supply  of  postage-stamps  of  the  denomination  of  three  cents, 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  public  at  the  Office.  Applicants  should  make  their  own 
change.  It  is  a  penal  oifense  for  an  employ^  to  demand  for  a  postage-stamp  a  sum 
exceeding  that  expressed  on  its  face. 

Sec.   763.   Employes  on   Duty  not  to  Traffic. — Traffic  in  merchandise 

by  em])loy^s,  while  on  duty  or  the  active  engagement,  at  any  time,  in  any  occupation 
of  profit  or  emolument,  is  strictly  prohibited.  They  must  confine  themselves  wholly 
to  the  duties  imposed  upon  them  by  the  Department.  The  time  while  off  actual  duty 
is  for  rest  and  study. 

Sec.  764.  Must  not  Impart  Information  to  unauthorized  Persons.. — Xo  infor- 
mation must  be  imparted,  voluntarily  or  otherwise,  concerniivg-  h'rt«'rs  or  other  mail- 
matter  passing  tlirough  the  hands  of  employes  in  the  process  of  distribution,  excepting 
to  those  who  may  be  officially  authorized  to  receive  information,  and  when  information 
may  be  desired  by  them. 

Sec.  765.  Turning  over  Property  of  Department. — On  the  resignation, 

suspension,  or  removal  of  an  employe,  lie  shall  turn  over  the  mail-keys  and  all  other 
property  and  records  (including  the  records  of  registered  packages  received  and  fi)r- 
warded)  in  his  i)ossessiou  to  the  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service  of  the  Division 
in  which  he  last  perf()rme<l  service.  A  refusal  to  deliver  all  or  either  of  the  above 
arti(des  of  jjroperty,  on  demand,  is  an  indictable  olleuse  under  the  statutes  of  the 
L'^uited  States. 


TITLE    IV THE    RAILWAY    MAIL    SERVICE.  171 

Sec.  766.  Forwarding  of  Resignations. — Kosijifiiations  must  be  forwarded 

to  the  Dcpartuu'iit  thioujih  tin-  Siiiicriiitoiiilfiit  of  tin-  Division,  and  slionld  bu  sent  as 
lon;j  prior  to  tlie  tlatt^Mi  wliicli  they  arc  intfn<li*il  to  take  fttVct  as  |i()ssiM<'. 

Sec.  767.  No  Information  to  be  Given  Concerning  Vacancies. — Information 

roganlhig  vacancies  or  proV>al)lo  vacancies  in  the  s<'rvice  must  not  he  imparted  hy 
enipU>y«^s,  nor  nmst  they  take  any  i)art  in  procnring  appointments. 

Sec.  768.   Intoxicating   Liquors    Prohibited. — The  use  of   intoxicating 

liijuors  wlicii  on  duty  is  ahsohitely  itrohiliitcfl. 

Sec.  769.  Mail  in  Transit  not  to  be  Delivered. — Employes  are  specially 

instrnctt'd  not  to  make  a  «lelivery  at  the  Office  o{  letters  iu  transit,  which  come  into 
their  hands  for  distribution,  to  any  person  whatever  (except  an  authorized  Special 
Agent  of  the  Department),  although  it  be  personally  known  to  them  that  the  appli- 
cant is  the  person  named  in  the  address.  The  act  of  delivery  is  devolved  by  law  and 
the  regulations  of  the  Department  on  the  postmaster  at  the  post-office  to  which  the 
letters  are  addressed. 

Sec.  770.  Public  Property  not  to  be  Used  for  Private  Purposes. — The  use  of 

any  property  of  the  Department  tor  personal  purposes  is  strictlj-  prohibited. 

Sec.  771.  Exchange  of  Pouches. — Exchange  of  letter-mails  must  always 

be  made  in  locked  pouches,  and,  whether  there  is  any  letter-mail  or  not,  a  pouch, 
duly  locked,  must  be  furnished  whenever  one  is  due. 

Sec.  772.  Mail  must  not  be  Delivered  at  Places  not  Post-OfBces. — Under  no 

circumstances  should  mail  be  delivered  at  any  place  not  a  regularly  established  post- 
office  ;  and  wherever  a  post-office  is  discontinued,  the  mail  for  it  should  be  delivered 
into  the  nearest  established  post-office. 

Sec.  773.  List  to  be  kept  of  Exchange  Pouches. — Each  employe  in  charge 

of  an  Office  nuist  keep  a  list  of  all  exchange  i>ouches  that  shoiild  be  dispatched  and 
received  by  him,  and  on  each  run  each  pouch  received  must  be  "  checked  off"  at  the 
time  it  is  received.  Any  failures  to  receive  any  regular  exchange  must  be  reported  to 
the  Division  Superintendent  on  the  "  trip  report." 

Sec.  774.  Irregularities  to  be  Reported. — Every  serious  irregularity  iu 

the  forwarding  of  mails  should  be  specially  reported,  and  in  making  these  reports, 
where  letters  are  concerned,  give  the  exact  postmark,  including  the  hour.  In  the  case 
of  newspapers,  state  whether  received  iu  a  pouch  or  a  sack,  and,  if  in  a  sack,  whether 
it  contained  all  second  class,  all  third  class,  or  mixed  matter;  and  if  all  one  i)ublica- 
tion,  give  the  name  and  date  of  it.  In  addition  to  the  above,  the  date,  place,  exact 
time  of  receipt,  and  train  by  which  received,  should  be  given.  In  all  cases,  the  tag 
on  a  misseut  pouch  or  sack  must  be  forwarded  with  the  report  to  the  Division  Super- 
intendent. 

Sec.  775.  Missent  Matter  to  be  so  Stamped. — Each  letter  or  i)aper  missent 

to  an  Office  must  be  plainly  stamped  Mis.sext,  and  the  postmark  of  the  Office  also 
stamped  plainly  thereon.     This  also  applies  particularly  to  registered  mail. 

Sec.  776.  Mutilation  of  Property  Prohibited. — Any  mutilation  of  property 
furnished  for  the  use  and  couveuieuce  of  the  employes  of  the  service  is  strictly  pro* 
hibited. 

Sec.  777.  Employes  must  Examine  Order-Book. — Employes  must,  im- 
mediately previous  to  starting  out  upon  each  run,  invariably  examine  all  order- 
books  or  orders  left  for  their  guitlance. 

Sec.  778.  Second  Class  and  other  Matter  outside  of  Mail-Bags. — Mail  matter 

must  under  no  consideration  be  carried  outside  of  the  regular  mail-bags,  except  second- 
class  matter  designed  and  marked  for  outside  delivery,  or  matter  the  form  of  which 
prevents  it  from  being  carried  in  the  mail-1>ag. 

Sec.  779.  Reading  Mail-Matter  in  Transit  Forbidden.— Employes  must 


172  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

not  remove  newspapers  or  periodicals  in  the  mail  from  their  wrappers,  packages,  or 
bundles  for  the  purpose  of  reading  them. 

Sec.  780.  Case  Exminations. — Case  examinations  of  employes  will  be 

had,  from  time  to  time,  upon  the  official  schemes  of  distribution  furnished  them,  the 
connection  of  trains  as  shown  in  the  "schedule"  of  mail-trains,  and  such  other  instruc- 
tions and  orders  as  relate  to  the  service. 

Sec.  781.  Examination  of  Employes  on  their  Instructions. — Employes  will 

be  examined  as  to  their  knowledge  of  the  "Instructions  to  Employes  of  the  Railway 
Mail  Service  "  at  each  case  examination.  The  questions  asked  will  be  such  as  will 
require  an  answer  giving  the  substance  of  each  section  of  the  instructions,  aud  the 
result  of  the  examination  will  be  reported  to  the  Department. 

Sec.  782.  Probationary  Appointees  to  be  Examined  Monthly. — All  proba- 
tionary appointees  will  be  examined  monthly  during  their  probationary  terra.  These 
examinations  will  consist  of  a  knowledge  of  the  instructions,  the  schemes  of  distri- 
bution which  may  be  furnished  them,  and  railway  connections  at  the  various  junc- 
tions, as  given  in  the  schedule  of  mail-trains.  The  result  of  each  examination  will  be 
reported  to  the  Department,  and  on  the  result  of  these  examinations  and  their  efficiency 
in  their  work  will  depend  their  permanent  appointment  in  the  service. 

Sec.  783.  Employes  on  Night  Lines. — The  special  attention  of  employes 

on  night  lines  is  called  to  the  following :  When  there  is  any  mail  to  be  distributed  or 
work  to  be  done,  every  employ^  must  be  awake  aud  do  his  full  share. 

When  the  distribution  is  entirely  finished  and  all  of  the  work  done,  there  is  no 
objection  to  a  part  of  the  crew  going  to  sleep,  but  at  least  one  emxiloye  must  always 
be  wide  awake  and  on  duty. 

This  i»recautiou  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  proper  protection  of  the  registered 
and  other  mail  against  accident,  fire,  or  robbery,  as  well  as  for  the  personal  safety  of 
the  employ6s  on  duty. 

Sec.  784.  Securing  Mail-Locks  and  Mail-Key. — Employes  when  on  dnty 
must  always  wear  the  mail-key  securely  attached  to  their  clothing  by  the  safety-chain. 
Under  no  circumstances  will  employes  on  vacating  their  Offices  leave  mail-locks 
therein. 

Sec.  785.  Notify  Division  Superintendent  of  Changes  Needed  in  Offices. — 

Employt^s  should  notify  their  Division  Superintendent  of  any  changes  or  alterations 
needed  in  their  cars,  and  must  not  go  to  the  railroad  company  with  any  requests  or 
suggestions  as  to  what  alterations  or  changes  they  think  should  be  made. 

Sec.  786.  Employes   must  Assist   Special  Agents, — In  all  cases  Special 

Agents  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  presenting  proper  credentials,  must  be  given 
any  assistance  or  facility  they  may  ask,  and  in  no  case  must  the  fact  of  a  Special 
Agent  being  on  the  train  be  communicated  by  one  employ^  to  another.  No  excuse 
will  be  taken  for  any  violation  of  this  section. 

Sec.  787.  Presence  of  Special  Agents  not  to  be  Reported. — Xo  entry 

should  be  ma<le  in  the  attendance  book  of  the  fact  that  any  Special  Agent  has  ridden 
in  the  Office. 

Sec.  788.  Accidents  to  Mail-Trains  to  be  Reported. — When  any  accident 

occurs  to  any  mail-train,  the  eniploy6  in  charge  of  the  mail  will  at  once  make  a  full 
report  of  the  same  to  his  Division  Superintendent.  This  is  in  addition  to  notation  on 
trip  report. 

Sec.  789.  Hooks  Prohibited  in  Handling  Mail-Bags. — The  use  of  hooks  in 

handling  mail-bags  is  forbidden. 

Sec.  790.  Courtesy  to  Public  Enjoined. — Employes  mnst  observe,  in  their 

official  intercourse  witli  the  publii;  and  with  each  other,  the  strictest  courtesy  ;  and 
must  endeav(u',  by  active  aud  intelligent  elfort,  to  promote  the  positive  interest  of  the 
service  and  of  the  ]iublic. 


TITLE    IV THE    RAILWAY    MAIL    SERVICE.  173 

Sec.  791.  Delivery  of  Mails  at  Catch-Stations. — At  catch-stations,  wliere 

oiaiu's  art'  «Tectt'il  for  the  oxchaii^ic  of  iii.iil.s  witliotit  slackinj]:  the.  HjM'ed  of  trains,  the 
lioiich  niiist  never  l»e  kicked  oft",  l»nt  mii«t  be  thrown  oft"  by  hand  to  a  distance  of  at 
h'ast  t»>n  feet  from  the  traik,  so  as  to  prevent  the  ])on(h  from  bein;^  <ha\vn  under  the 
train. 

Sec.  792.  Rules  of  Railway  Companies  Observe! — The  riiU's  and  ren^uhi- 

tions.iif  the  railway  eompanies,  not  in  lontlict  with  tlieso  instructions,  must  be  re- 
spected and  obeyed. 

Sec.  793.  Ignorance  of  Rules  no  Excuse  for  Violations. — Ij:jiiorance  of  the 

f(n-ejjoinji  instructions  will  not  be  consi(h'red  au  excuse  for  the  violation  of  the  same, 
and  the  violation  thereof  will  be  considered  a  sufficient  cause  for  inunediate  removal. 


CHAPTER    THREE. 

LOCAL  AGENTS  AND  THEIR  DUTIES. 

Sec.  Sec. 

794.    Local  agents  under  supei-risiou  of  superin-     800.  Examinations  of  local  mail  agents. 

tendcnt  railway  mail  service  only.  ,  801.  Anivals  ami  departuru.s  must  be  recorded. 


795.  Transfer  and  delivery  of  mails. 

796.  Vigilance  in  guarding  mails. 

797.  Super%"ision  of  messenger  service. 

798.  Cliecking  mails  in  transit. 

799.  Daily  report .s. 


b02.  Handling  registered  matter. 

803.  Absence. 

804.  Courtesy  ei^joined. 

805.  Local  agents  governed  by  general  in.strnctions 

to  employes. 


Sec.  794.  Local  Agents  under  Supervision  of  Supt.  R.  M.  S.  only. — Local 
ajients  are  entirely  nnder  the  supervision  of  the  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail 
Service  of  the  I)i\-ision  in  which  the  point  at  which  they  .are  stationed  is  located,  and 
will  look  to  him  only  for  all  instructions.  DiA'ision  Superintendents  will  keep  a  record 
of  all  errors  in  forwarding  mail  made  by  local  agents  in  the  same  manner  as  that  of 
errors  made  by  employes  is  kept.  They  will  send  to  each  local  agent  in  their  division 
a  slip  such  as  is  sent  to  other  employds,  stating  the  errors  which  the  local  agent  has 
made  in  forwarding  the  mail  from  the  point  at  which  he  is  stationed. 

Sec.  795.  Transfer  and  Delivery  of  Mails. — Local  agents  are  required  to 

superintend  and  assist  in  the  transfer  and  delivery  of  all  mails  at  the  points  where 
they  are  stationed,  as  far  as  possible;  to  inform  themselves  thoroughly  in  relation  to 
the  routes  over  which  mails  shonld  pass  that  are  transferred  at  that  ])oint,  and  of 
designations  of  routes  and  mails  generally,  in  order  that  they  may  be  able,  in  cashes 
Avhere  mails  are  misseut  or  incorrectly  put  oft',  to  dispatch  them  by  the  proper  trains; 
to  keep  themselves  correctly  informed  of  the  hours  of  aiTival  and  departure  of  all 
ti-ains  upon  which  m.ails  are  carried,  and  to  notify  the  Division  Superintendent  of 
Railway  Mail  Service,  in  writing,  of  any  change  of  schedule  whereby  railroad  connec- 
tions may  bo  made  or  missed,  to  the  end  that  the  quickest  possible  dispatch  of  mails 
may  be  secured. 

Sec.  796.  Vigilance  in  Guarding  Mails. — Local  agents  are  expected  to  use 

extraordinary  vigilance  in  guarding  the  mails  under  their  charge,  which  mn.st  not  be 
left  for  a  moment  exposed,  day  or  night,  and  especially  in  making  transfers  wheie 
there  is  <a  considerable  portage  between  trains;  they  should  accompany  the  mails  iipon 
the  wagon  in  all  cases  pos-sible,  where  there  is  no  authorized  employe  in  charge  of 
the  same,  and  sit  in  such  position  at  all  times  as  to  be  able  to  instantly  detect  the 
loss  of  a  pouch  or  sack.  Frequent  losses  have  been  occasioned  by  a  disregard  of  this 
latter  requirement. 

Sec.  797.  Supervision  of  Messenger  Service. — Local  agents  will  report  to 

their  Division  Superintendents  every  irregularity  in  the  messenger  service  at  their 
stations  which  may  come  to  their  knowledge. 


174  POSTAL   LAWS   AND   REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  798.  Checking  Mails  in  Transit. — Special  effort  should  be  made  to 

check  off  all  mail-bags  iu  trauslt  so  that  it  may  be  kuown  with  certainty,  both  at  the 
time  aad  at  any  subsequent  period,  exactly  what  mails  are  transferred  at  the  station; 
and  it  is  hoped  that  an  actual  notation  of  this  at  the  time  of  the  transfer  can  be 
made  to  advantage  by  having  lists  prepared  in  convenient  form  of  all  the  mails  to  be 
transferred,  with  columns  on  either  side  in  which  a  check  mark  opjjosite  each  name 
of  a  sack  or  pouch  will  be  all  the  record  that  need  be  taken  at  the  actual  time  of  mak- 
ing the  transfer ;  this  to  be  afterward  entered  in  the  permanent  book  of  record. 

Sec.  799.  Daily  Reports. — Local  agents  should  keep  a  daily  record  of  the 
arrival  and  departure  of  mails,  mail-trains,  and  mail-wagons  at  their  stations,  and 
hiake  a  daily  report  to  the  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service  for  the  Division 
in  which  their  station  is  situated  of  all  failures  of  railroads  to  make  their  regular  mail 
connections,  of  all  irregularities  in  the  transnnssion  of  the  mails,  and  in  the  service 
by  mail  wagon.  A  daily  report  regarding  each  of  these  features  should  be  made 
whether  there  is  a  failure  or  not. 

Sec.  800,  Examinations  of  Local  Agents. — Examinations  will  be  made 

of  local  agents  from  time  to  time:  First  of  all,  concerning  their  knowledge  of  the  cur- 
rent titles  and  numbers  of  trains  arriving  at  and  departing  from  their  stations ;  the 
mails  to  be  transferred  and  the  arrival  of  mail-trains ;  subsequently,  when  deemed  de- 
sirable, concerning  distribution  and  other  information  more  pai-ticularly  applicable 
to  emploj'^s  on  duty  on  the  routes.  It  should  also  be  noted  whether  they  are  thor- 
oughly informed  as  to  the  correct  terminal  titles  of  routes  concerning  which  they 
ought  to  be  conversant. 

Sec.  801.  Arrivals  and  Departures  must  be  Recorded. — A  record  of  arriv- 
als and  departures  must  be  kept  at  each  local  mail  agency,  iu  which  each  local 
mail-agent  and  assistant  will  sign  his  exact  time  of  going  on  duty  and  leaving  duty 
at  station  each  day.  At  the  end  of  each  mouth  this  record  will  be  sent  to  the  Division 
Superintendent  for  inspection. 

Sec.  802.  Handling  Registered  Matter.— In  special  cases  local  agents 

may  be  required  to  receipt  for,  transfer,  and  deliver  registered  packages  ;  in  which 
case  the  registers  must  be  entered  iu  a  book  of  record,  which  will  be  furnished  for 
that  purpose,  and  a  receipt  obtained  from  the  postmaster,  or  employ^  to  whom  the 
packages  are  delivered.  Local  agents  are  positively  prohibited  from  transferring  reg- 
istered matter  except  as  above  ipstructed. 

Sec.  803.  Absence. — Each  local  agent  is  forbidden  to  absent  himself 

from  duty,  or  to  exchange  duties  with  other  employees  in  other  branches  of  the  service, 
or  to  employ  and  transfer  his  duties  to  a  substitute  without  written  permission  from 
the  Superintendcut  Railway  Mail  Service  for  his  Division,  and  when  such  leave  is 
granted,  he  will  be  required  to  furnish  a  suitable  and  competent  substitute  (who  must 
be  sWorn),  at  his  own  expense,  to  perform  his  duties  during  his  absence,  such  arrangc- 
meut  to  be  evidenced  by  memorandttm  in  Avriting,  signed  by  all  the  parties  concerned, 
and  to  be  filed  with  the  Division  Superintendent.  But  no  local  agent  shall  be  absent 
for  a  period  aggregating  more  than  sixty  days  iu  any  one  year  (computing  from  Janu- 
ary first),  nor  more  than  thirty  consecutive  days,  Avithout  8i)ecial  authority  from  the 
Department. 

Se  ■  sections  502,  .50."5.  Instructions  to  Paying  Postmasters. 

Sec.  804.  Courtesy  Enjoined. — It  is  especially  enjoined  upon  all  local 

agents  to  observe  iu  their  otticial  iutercourae  AVith  the  public  .and  railroad  orticials  or 
employ<58  the  strictest  courtesy,  and  endeavor  by  active  and  intelligent  efi'ort  to  pro- 
mote the  positive  interest  of  the  service  and  the  i>ublic. 

Sec.  805.  Local  Agents  Governed  by  General  Instructions  to  Employes. — 

In  addition  to  tliese  special  instructions  to  local  mail-agents,  they  will  also  be  governed 
by  the  general  instructions  to  employ«58  of  the  railway  mail  service  when  applicable. 


TITLE    V. 

THE    REGISTKY    SYSTEM    OF  THE    UNITED 

STATES. 


CHAPTER    ONE. 

RECEIVING,  TRANSMITTING,  AND  DELIVERING  REGISTERED   DO- 
MESTIC MAIL-MATTER. 


Sec.  .See. 

806.  Registry  system  authorized.  837. 

807.  Object  of  the  registry  Sy.steni. 

808.  Means  einiiKiyrd  to  attain  safety.  838. 

809.  Postnia.sters'  duty  to  encourage  registration. 

810.  What  mail-matter  can  be  registered.  839. 

811.  No  registration  on  Sunday. 

812.  Limit  of  fee  for  registration.    Ko  fee  on  offl'      840. 

cial  matter. 
613.  Registration  fee.  841. 

814.  Rules  for  sender  of  registered  letters.  842. 

815.  Rules  for  sender  of  third  and  fourth  class 

matter.  843. 

816.  Postmasters  must  not  address  and  seal  let- 

ters. 844. 

817.  Registry  of  letters  containing  currency  for  i 

redemption.  '  845. 

818.  Special    instructions    for    registering    cur-  |  846. 

reucy.  j 

819.  Receiving  mail-matter  for  registration.  }  847. 

820.  Numbering  registered  matter  and  registered  '  848. 

paclcage  envelopes.  !  849. 

821.  Matter  becomes  registered  after  a  receipt  is 

given  therefor.  850. 

822.  Cancellation  of  stamps,   registry-mark,  and 

postmark.  861. 

823.  Regi.st^red  matter  to  be  kept  secure. 

824.  Receipt  to  be  taken  upon  delivery  of  regis-  |  852. 

tered  matter. 

825.  Tlie  registry-return-receipt.  853. 

826.  The  registry-bill. 

827.  Registered-package-envelopes.  854. 

828.  Preparing  registered  matter  for  dispatch,  855. 

829.  Matter  too  large  to  go  in  registered-package- 

envelope.  856. 

830.  Registered-package-receipt. 

831.  Dispatching  a  registered  package.  857. 

832.  Registered  matter  not  to  be  tied  with  oi'dinaiy 

mail-matter.  858. 

833.  Mail-messengers   and    mail-carriers    not   to 

handle  registered  matter.  859. 

834.  Certifying  to  proper  dispatch  of  registered 

matter.  860. 

835.  Sending  registered  matter  to  an  office  from      861. 

a  distant  post-office. 

836.  Never  send  registered  matter  direct  over  rail-      862. 

■way  mail-routes.  i 


Postmasters  receiving  registered  packages 

for  their  poet-offices. 
Postmasters  receiving  registered  packages  in 

transit. 
Recording  registered  packages  in  transit  and 

returning  receipts. 
Continuous  examination,  record,  and  sj"eteni 

of  receipts. 
Record-of-registered-matter-in-transit. 
When  registered  packages  should  go  in  way 

pouches. 
Registered  packages  must  be  sent  by  the 

most  secure  I'oute. 
Postmasters    must    observe    the    registry 

sehemesi 
Indorsing  registered  packages. 
Checking  returns   of  package  receipts  and 

bills. 
J'ailure  to  return  regist^red-package-recelpt. 
I'nilure  to  return  registry-bill. 
Circular  of  inquiry  returned  indorsed  "Not 

received." 
Mi8<iirected  registered  packages  in  transit 

not  to  be  opened. 
Misdirected  registered  postage-stamp  pack- 
ages, etc. 
Registered  packages  found  in  bad  order  or 

damaged  in  ti-ansit. 
Postmasters   to   receive    registered    matter 

from  employes. 
Registry  rules  uniform  for  all. 
Registered  postage-stamp  packages  damaged 

in  transit. 
Receiving  registered  matter  at  post-office  for 

delivery. 
Omissions  on  registry-bill  and  receipt  to  be 

supplied. 
Failure  to  send  registry-bill  or  return-registry 

receipt. 
Treatment  of  registered  letters  aniving  in 

bad  order. 

Registered  letters  found  unsealed. 
No  charge  to  be  made  on  the  delivery  of  reg- 
istered matter. 
Report  when  stamps  do  not  cover  postage  and 
fee. 

176 


176 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Sec. 

863.  llegistry-notices  to  be  sent. 

864.  A  box-liolder  to  be  notified  when  registered 

matter  arrives. 

865.  Delivery  of  registered  letter  or  parcel. 

866.  Delivery  of  regi.stered  matter  by  carriers. 

867.  Name  of  carrier  delivering  registered  matter 

must  appear. 

868.  Utmost  care  required  in  delivery. 

869.  Responsibility  for  wrong  delivery. 

870.  Proper  signature  required. 

871.  Registry-return-receipt  to  be  remailed  to  the 

sender. 

872.  Ko  postage  required  on  registry-bills  and  re- 

gistry-retum-recei])ts. 

873.  Registered  matter  received  for  delivery  to 

insane  or  dead  i)ersons. 

874.  Attaclinii-nt  of  registered  letters. 

875.  rrauduleut    registered    letters   may  be  re- 

turned. 

876.  Undelivered  regi.stered  matter  to  be  returned 

to  mailing  post-office. 

877.  Refused  registered  letters  or  parcels. 

878.  Original  record  to  show  return  of  a  letter  or 

parcel. 

879.  "When  returned  registered  matter  cannot  be 

delivered  to  sender. 

880.  Sending  registered  lettera  or  parcels  to  the 

Dead-Letter  Office. 


Sec. 
881. 


884. 
885. 


890. 
891. 

892. 
893. 
894. 
895. 


897. 


Forwarding  registered  letters  or  parcels. 

Missent  registered  letters  or  parcels  re- 
ceived. 

"Writer  cannot  control  registered  letter  after 
dispatch. 

Response  to  inquiries. 

Tracers  for  stamp,  envelope,  or  postal-card 
pacliages. 

Treatment  of  registered  matter  found  among 
ordinary  mail-matter. 

Report  to  the  Chief  Special  Agent  lost  or 
missing  registered  matter. 

Quarteiiy  reports  to  Third  Assistant  Post- 
master-General. 

No  entry  in  account-current  of  fees  or  postage 
on  registered  matter. 

Accounts  of  registered  matter. 

Disposition  of  registered-package-envelopes 
which  have  been  used. 

Blanks  used  in  registration. 

Envelopes  used  in  registry  business. 

Registry  supplies  to  be  kept  up. 

Postmasters  to  take  special  interest  in  success 
of  registry  system. 

Postmasters  not  to  reprimand  other  postmas- 
ters. 

Postmasters  in  doubt  as  to  their  duty. 


Sec.  806.  Registry  System  Authorized. — For  the  greater  security  of  val- 
uable mail-matter,  the  Postmaster-General  may  establish  a  uniform  sys- 
tem of  registration.  But  the  Post-Office  Department  or  its  revenue 
shall  not  be  liable  for  the  loss  of  any  mail-matter  on  account  of  its  having 
been  registered.     (K.  S.,  §  392G.) 

Sec.  807.  Object  of  the  Registry  System. — The  registry  system  is  intended 
to  secure  to  valuable  mail-matter  iu  its  transmission  tliroiigli  tlie  mails  tlie  utmo-st  se- 
curity witliin  tlie  proviuce  of  the  Post-Office  Department. 

Sec.  808.  Means  Employed  to  Attain  Safety. — The  manner  in  which  se- 
curity over  ordinary  mail-matter  is  obtained  is  by  tlie  use  of  a  distinctive  cover,  reten- 
tion iu  special  custody,  systematic  receipts  and  records  showing  any  transfer  from 
receipt  until  delivery,  affording  a  continuous  trace  from  tlio  sender  in  its  course 
through  tlie  mails  uutil  its  delivery  into  the  hands  of  the  addressee. 

Sec.  809.  Postmaster's  Duty  to  Encourage  Registration. — Postmasters  are 

obliged  to  register  all  mailable  matter  offered  for  registration,  and  should  advise  the 
public  to  register  valuable  mail-matter,  so  as  to  enable  the  Post-Office  Department 
to  keep  it  under  this  strict  supervision,  which  cauuot  be  given  to  the  transmission  of 
ordinary  mail  niat^ter. 

Sec.  810.  What  Mail-Matter  can  be  Registered. — First-class  matter,  or 

matter  on  \\Jiicli  letter  rates  of  postage  has  been  paid,  which  matter  must  always  be 
sealed.  Third-class  matter  and  fourth-class  matter,  unsealed,  fully  piejiaid  at  the 
proper  rates  and  eouforming  to  all  re(iuirements.  No  matter  excluded  by  law  from  the 
mails  can  be  registered.     See  Title  II,  Chajiter  Three. 

Sec.  811.  No  Registration  on  Sunday. — Postmasters  arc  not  rcquia'cd  to 

receive  letters  or  otlier  matter  for  registration  on  Suixlaysor  h'gal  holidays. 

Sec.  812.  Limit  of  Fee  for  Registration. — No  Fee  on  Official  Matter. — 
INIail-matter  shall  be  registered  only  ou  the  application  of  the  party 
l>osting  the  same,  and  the  fee  therefor  shall  not  exceed  twenty  cents 


TITLE    V THE    REGISTRY    SYSTEM.  177 

ill  addition  to  the  regular  pontage,  to  be,  in  all  cases,  prepaid;  and 
all  sncli  fees  sliall  be  aeeounted  for  in  such  manner  as  the  I*ostiiiaster- 
General  sliall  dnect.  But  letters  ujion  the  otlicial  business  of  tin;  I'ost- 
Office  l)ei)artiiient  which  require  registering  shall  be  registered  free  of 
charge  and  pass  through  the  mails  free  of  charge.  (R.  S.,  §  31)27.) 
Sec.  813.  Registration  Fee. — The  fee  on  any  registered  matter,  domestic 

or  foreijfii,  is  t'lxvd  at  ten  ct'utH  on  each  letter  or  parcel,  to  1)0  affixed  in  stamps,  in 
addition  to  the  jiostage.  Two  or  more  lettt^rs  or  parcels  addressed  to,  or  intended  for, 
the  same  jicrson  cannot  l)e  tied  or  otherwise  fastened  t<);:;ether  and  rej^istered  as  one. 

Sec.  814.  Rules  for  Sender  of  Registered  Letters. — l*ostmasters  before 

receiving  a  letter  for  registration  ninst  re<inire  the  sender  to  have  it  fnlly  and  legihly 
addres.seil ;  to  have  his  or  her  name  and  address  indorsed  across  the  end ;  to  ha\  e 
placed  all  its  contents  in  a  firmly  sealed  envelope;  and  affixed  the  necessary  stamps 

to  j)ay  i>ostag<^  and  fee. 

Sec.  815.  Rules  for  Sender  of  Third  and  Fourth  Class  Matter. — Postmasters 

before  receiving  third  and  fonrth  class  matter  for  registration  mnst  recjnire  fnll  ad- 
dress, indorsement,  and  prepayment  of  fee  and  postage,  as  stated  in  preceding  section, 
and  fnrther  retinire  that  such  matter  shall  be  marked  Third  class  or  Fouutii  class, 
as  the  case  may  be,  and  shall  be  so  put  up  as  to  safely  bear  transportation,  and  admit 
of  an  examination  of  contents,  to  ascertain  that  it  is  admissible  to  the  mails  a-s  such 
matter.     See  sections  223,  237,  and  238. 

Sec.  816.    Postmasters  must  not  Address  and  Seal  Letters. — Postmasters 

and  their  employes  are  forbidden  to  address  a  registered  letter  for  the  sender,  to  place 
contents  in  letter,  or  to  seal  the  letter,  or  to  affix  the  stamps.  This  must,  in  all  cases,  be 
done  by  the  sender,  as  required  in  section  814.  No  inquiry  must  be  made  fnrther  than  to 
ascertain  that  the  matter  is  mailable,  and  no  statement  can  appear  on  the  receipt  as 
to  the  contents  of  any  registered  letter,  except  letters  containing  currency,  registered 
under  the  following  section: 

Sec.  817.  Registry  of  Letters  Containing  Currency  for  Redemption. — Under 
such  regulations  as  the  Postmaster-General  may  prescribe,  all  i>ost- 
masters  are  authorized  to  register  in  the  manner  prescribed*  by  law,  but 
without  payment  of  any  registration  fee,  all  letters  containing  fractional 
or  other  currency  of  the  United  States,  which  shall  be  by  them  sent  by 
mail  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  United  States  for  redemption;  and  the  post- 
master at  the  city  of  Washington,  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  shall  reg- 
ister, in  like  manner,  without  charge,  all  letters  containing  new  currency 
returned  for  ciuTcncy  redeemed,  which  shall  be  received  by  him  from  the 
Treasurer,  in  sealed  packages,  marked  with  the  word  "register"  over 
the  official  signature  of  the  said  Treasurer.     (II.  S.,  §  3932.) 

Sec.  818.  Special  Instructions  for  Registering  Currency. — Whenever  letters 

containing  currency  for  redemption  are  oHered  for  registration,  postmasters  will  be 
governed  by  the  following  instructions: 

First.  They  must  require  the  contents  of  every  such  letter  to  be  exhibited  to  them, 
with  a  descriptive  list  of  contents,  giving  an  accurate  and  detailed  description  of  the 
money  to  be  remitted.  In  case  of  fractional  currency,  the  number  and  denomination 
of  pieces  will  be  sufficient;  but  of  currency  of  the  denomination  of  one  dollar  and 
upward,  the  letter,  number  of  series,  and  date  of  each  note,  as  well  as  the  dejiomina- 
tion,  mnst  be  given. 

Second.  The  list  must  be  carefully  examined  and  compared  with  the  nn>ney  to  be 
remitted,  and  when  found  to  be  correct  will  be  filed  in  the  office,  to  be  subject  at  all 
times  to  the  iusi>ectiou  of  proper  agents  of  the  Post-Office  Department. 
12   P  L 


178  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Third.  The  money  must  then  be  iuclosed  aud  the  letter  sealed  iu  the  presence  of  the 
postmaster,  who  will  then  give  the  iisual  registry-receipt  therefor. 

Fourth.  The  letter  must  then  he  disposed  of  in  the  manner  provided  for  other  regis- 
tered letters ;  but,  for  the  sake  of  further  security,  the  postmaster  must  be  ready  to 
prove  beyond  question  in  eveiy  case,  by  a  disinterested  witness,  that  such  letter  was 
duly  mailed  in  the  mode  prescribed  for  registered  letters ;  otherwise,  should  the  letter 
or  package  be  lost,  he  will  be  held  responsible  therefor. 

Sec.  819.  Receiving  Mail-Matter  for  Registration. — When  a  letter  or  parcel 
as  presented  for  registration  the  postmaster  will  first  examine  it  to  see  that  the  sender 
has  complied  with  requirements  of  sections  814  and  Slf),  and,  if  such  be  the  case,  he 
Avill  then  enter  on  the  book  of  registration  the  name  and  address  of  sender,  address 
and  destination  of  letter  or  parcel,  registered  number  aud  date  of  mailing,  filling  out 
alike  the  stub  of  the  book  and  registry  receipt.  He  will  number  the  letter  or  parcel 
to  correspond  with  number  on  stub  and  registry  receipt,  sign  the  receipt,  separate  it 
from  the  stub,  aud  give  it  to  the  sender. 

NOTK. — Postmasters  will  erase  the  word  Letter  or  Parcel  on  receipt  and  stub,  so 
I  that  it  will  read  according  to  the  character  of  article  registered. 

Sec.  820.  Number  Registered  Matter  and  Registered-Package  Envelopes. — 

The  registration-book  must  be  commenced  each  quarter  with  No.  1,  aud  continued 
consecutively  through  the  quarter,  and  the  letters  or  parcels  registered  correspond- 
ingly numbered.  Registered-package  envelopes  are  also  to  be  numbered  consecutively, 
•  commencing  each  quarter  with  No.  1. 

Sec.  821.  Matter  becomes  Registered  after  a  Receipt  is  given  Therefor. — 
After  a  receipt  has  been  given  therefor,  and  the  matter  has  been  numbered  as  pre- 
scribed in  the  preceding  sections,  the  letter  or  parcel  becomes  a  registered  letter  or 
parcel,  aud  must  be  guarded  with  the  utmost  care,  and  kept  separate  from  ordinary 
mail-matter. 

Sec.  822.  Cancellation  of  Stamps,  Registry-Mark,  and  Postmark. — All 
stami)s  on  registered  matter  will  be  effectually  canceled,  aud  the  letter  or  parcel  marked 
plainly  Registered,  and  plainly  postmarked. 

Sec.  823.  Registered  Matter  to  be  kept  Secure. — All  registered  matter 

.must  be  kept  separate  from  ordinary  matter,  and  iu  that  part  of  the  post-office  most 
secure  from  accident  or  theft,  and  to  which  no  access  can  be  had  by  any  one  unau- 
thorized by  the  postmaster,  who  must  account  for  all  registered  matter  coming  into 
his  post-office. 

Sec.  824.  Receipt  to  be  Taken  upon  Delivery  of  Registered  Matter. — A 
■receipt  shall  be  taken  upon  the  delivery  of  any  registered  mail -matter, 
showing  to  whom  and  when  the  same  was  delivered,  which  shall  be 
returned  to  the  sender,  and  be  received  in  the  courts  na  prima-facie  evi- 
dence of  such  dehvery.     (E.  S.,  §  3928.} 

Sec.  825.  The  Registry-Return-Receipt. — A  registry-return-receipt  of  the 
new  card  form  must  l>e  filled  out  for  each  domestic  letter  or  parcel  {i.  c,  addressed  to 
any  post-office  iu  the  United  States  or  Territories).  The  registry-return-receipt  must 
on  its  face  have  written  the  name  of  sender,  street  and  number,  or  post-office  box, 
name  of  post-office,  county,  and  State  (the  space  for  stamp  of  post-office  is  reserved  for 
post-office  of  delivery).  On  the  other  side  enter  date  of  mailing,  registry  number, 
mailing  ])ost-office  aud  State,  and  address  of  the  registered  letter  or  parcel. 

Sec.  826.  The  Registry-Bill. — A  registry-bill,  of  the  new  card  form,  must 

be  prepared  to  accompany  the  registeriid  letter  or  parcel,  whi(-h  bill  must,  on  its  face, 
be  filled  out  with  the  name  of  the  mailing  post-office,  county,  aud  State  (the  place  for 
«tamp  is  reserved  for  })()8t-ofilice  of  destination) ;  on  the  other  side,  in  the  heading, 
the  date  of  mailing,  mailing  post-office,  jjost-office  of  destination,  county,  and  State, 
numb(ir  of  registered-package  envelope  in  which  it  is  to  be  inclosed,  aud  in  proper 
columns  in  body  of  bill  the  registry  number  of  letter  or  parcel,  class,  whether  first, 


TITLE    V — Tin:    REGISTRY    SYSTEM.  17!) 

third,  or  fourth,  namo  of  luldreasee,  and  the  lull  luiist  bn  Miyiied  by  tlic  postmaster  (»u 
the  h>wer  h'ft  corner. 

NoTi;. — The  above  section  mentions  only  one  letter  or  parcel,  but  it  is  not  intended 
that  postmasters  shall  nse  a  separate  bill  for  each  letter  or  parcel  sent  by  one  mail  to 
the  same  itost-ofhee  ;  all  doniestie  rej^istered  letters  or  jiarcels  for  the  same  ])ost-ot)ice 
are  to  bo  entered  on  one  bill  and  inclosed  in  one  ie<^istered-]iackaj^e  envelope  when 
practicable.  When  this  cannot  bo  done,  a  separate  registry  bill  must  be  made  out  for 
the  contents  of  each  registered-i>ackage  envelope.  Special  bills  in  aheet  form  (old 
style)  may  be  ns<>d  by  large  ])ost-otTice8  when  necessary. 

Sec.  827.  Registered-Package  Envelope. — A  registered-package  envelope 

is  to  be  used  for  no  otiier  purpose  than  covering  rcgisterefl  mail-matter  in  its  trans- 
mission from  the  receiving  post-ot^ice  to  post-otlftce  of  delivery.  They  nnist  securely 
cover  the  registered  matter  they  convey,  be  plainly  addressed  to  post-otKce  of  destina- 
tion, connty,  and  State,  be  distinctly  numbered,  and  legibly  postmarked  with  the 
postmark  of  the  mailing  post-oftice  and  date  fif  mailing. 

Sec.  828.  Preparing  Registered  Matter  for  Dispatch. — The  registered  letter 

or  i)arcel  with  registry-bill  and  registry -return-receipt  must  be  placed  together  in  a 
registered-package  envelope,  addressed  to  the  same  post-of^ce  as  the  letter  or  parcel. 
The  registered-package  envelope  must  then  be  firmly  sealed. 

Sec.  829.  Matter  too  Large  to  go  in  Registered-Package  Envelopes. — When 

a  registered  letter  or  parcel  too  large  to  place  inside  of  a  registered-package  envelope  is 
received,  it  mnst,togetherwith  the  registry-bill  andregistry-retnrn-receii>t,  be  wrapped, 
and  a  registered-package  envelope,  cut  open  so  as  to  exiiose  address  and  record  of 
transit,  be  securely  tied  thereon,  or  be  gunnned  or  sealed  to  the  wrapped  package  so 
that  it  cannot  be  detached  or  the  contents  interfered  with. 
Sec.  830.  Registered-Package  Receipt. — After  a  registered  package  has 

been  made  u})  for  dispatch,  a  registered-package  receipt  must  be  tilled  out  Avith 
name  of  mailing  post-oftice,  date  of  mailing,  number  and  address  of  registered  package. 
This  registry -receipt  is  to  be  signed  and  returned  without  delay  by  the  postmaster  or 
employd  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service  who  next  receives  the  registered  i^ackage  after  it 
leaves  the  mailing  postmaster. 

Sec.  831.  Dispatching  a  Registered  Package. — If  a  registered  package  is 

to  be  delivered  direct  to  an  employ^  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service  for  transmission,  the 
postmaster  will  hand  to  him  the  package  and  obtain  his  signature  on  the  jiackage 
receipt,  ^\^lere  a  registered  package  cannot  be  delivered  direct,  as  above,  it  must  be 
deposited  iu  the  mail-pouch,  never  in  a  newspaper  or  tie  sack,  the  package  receipt 
being  placed  in  the  letter  jiackage  which  is  to  be  first  distributed  by  the  employe  re- 
ceiving the  same.  The  i)ouch  must  be  locked,  and  the  lock  must  be  tried  to  ascertain 
if  it  has  been  securely  fastened. 

Sec.  832.  Registered  Matter  not  to  be  Tied  with  Ordinary  MaU-Matter. — 
Postmasters  must  not  wrap  or  tie  registered  packages  with  any  ordinary  mail-matter, 
but  should  place  them  separately  in  the  mail-pouch,  so  that  their  presence  can  be 
observed  at  once  by  the  jierson  opening  the  pouch. 

Sec.  833.  Mail-Carriers  not  to  Handle  Registered-Matter. — Under  no 
circumstances  can  a  registered  package  be  intrusted  to  a  mail-carrier  or  a  mail- 
messenger  outside  of  the  locked  pouch,  nor  should  the  pouch  be  intrusted  to  any  but 
a  sworn  officer  or  employd  of  the  Department. 

Sec.  834.  Certifying  to  Proper  Dispatch  of  Registered  Matter. — The  post- 
master, his  deputy,  or  a  duly-qualitied  clerk  must  be  prepared  at  any  time  to  make 
affidavit  that  any  particular  registered  package  was  either  given  to  an  emi)loy(5  of  the 
railway  mail  service  or  left  the  post-office  in  a  pouch  properly  locked  and  labeled,  and 
was  forwarded  by  the  proper  route ;  and  in  all  cases  where  practicable  two  persons 
should  be  present  at  the  mailing  of  a  registered  package,  and  be  prepared  to  testify  as 
above,  in  case  it  should  be  required. 


180  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  835.  Sending  Registered  Matter  to  an  Office  from  Distant  Post-Offices. — 

"Wiieu  a  registered  package  that  is  to  pass  iuto  au  Otiice  is  to  be  sent  froiu  a  post-office 
located  on  a  route  at  any  distance  from  the  railway  or  steamboat  line,  the  postmaster 
must  so  pouch  the  package  that  it  will  be  received  and  receipted  for  by  the  postmaster 
at  a  post-office  connecting  with  the  Office.  If  the  sending  postmaster  makes  up  a  di- 
rect pouch  to  the  Office  and  another  to  the  connecting  post-office  the  registered  pack- 
ages must  not  be  placed  in  the  pouch  for  the  Office,  if  the  pouch  passes  through  any 
other  post-office  before  reaching  the  Office. 

Sec.  836.  Never  send  Registered  Matter  Direct  over  Railway  Mail  Routes. — 
lu  no  case  must  a  postmaster  dispatch  a  registered  i)ackage  in  a  direct  pouch  over  a 
route  upon  which  there  is  railway  mail  service.  Registered  matter  on  such  routes 
must  be  held  for  the  Office  and  pouched  or  delivered  to  the  employ^  in  charge,  as  the 
safety  of  registered  matter  must  be  considered  before  celerity  in  its  dispatch.  If  the 
dispatching  post-office  is  not  on  a  railroad  or  steamboat  line  the  requirements  of  the 
preceding  section  must  be  observed. 

Sec.  837.  Receiving  Registered  Packages  in  Pouches  for  a  Post-Office. — 

Postmasters  opening  a  pouch  and  finding  registered  packages  therein  addressed  to  their 
post-offices  will  sign  the  package  receipts  which  they  will  find  in  the  bundles  of  letters, 
examine  Ihe  registered  packages,  and  note  the  condition  and  date  of  arrival  on  the 
package  receipt,  which  they  will  return  hy  first  mail  to  the  sending  postmaster  or  em- 
])loye  of  the  railway  mail  service. 

Sec.  838.  Postmasters  Receiving  Registered  Packages  in  Transit. — If  a 

registered  package  received  in  a  way-pouch  is  addressed  to  a  post-office  beyond  his 
own  on  the  same  route,  the  postmaster  will  sign  the  accompanying  registered-package- 
receipt  and  fill  up  another  package-receipt,  inserting  the  name  of  his  post-office,  and, 
after  indorsing  the  package,  replace  it  in  the  ponch  with  the  package-receii»t  placed 
in  the  bundle  of  letters  for  the  next  post-office  on  the  route. 

Sec.  839.  Recording  Packages  in  Transit  and  Returning  Receipts. — From 

the  package-receipt  he  received  with  a  transit  package  the  postmaster  must  make  the 
proper  entry  in  the  record-of-registered-matter-in-transit,  and  then  return  the  receipt 

by  first  mail  to  the  Office  or  post-office  whence  it  came. 

Sec.  840.  Continuous  Examination,  Record  and  System  of  Receipts. — The 

process  of  examination,  indorsement,  record,  filling  out  package-receii)ts  anew  and 
depositing  in  pouch,  must  be  repeated  by  every  postmaster  opening  the  pouch  until 
it  reaches  its  destination. 

Sec.  841.  Record-of-Registered-Matter-in-Transit. — Postmasters  at  all  post- 
offices  where  jjouches  containing  mail-matter  for  other  i^ost-offices  are  opened  must 
make  on  the  record-of-registered-matter-in-transit  a  full  statement  (as  per  heading 
of  columns)  of  every  registered  package,  registered  postal-card  package,  registered 
staniped-envelope  package,  registered  postage-stamp  package,  or  through-registered- 
pouch  passing  through  their  post-offices,  showing  particulars  of  arrival  and  disposal 
of  each  such  package  or  pouch.  They  must  at  all  times  be  prepared  to  make  prompt 
rei)ly  to  any  inquiry  from  a  Special  Agent  or  ijostmaster  concerning  sucli  registered 
packages  or  pouches.  The  registered  packages  are  so  conspicuous  that  their  preseiu-e 
among  the  contents  of  any  mail-pouch  cannot  fail  to  be  observed,  and  an  omission 
to  make  record  of  them  will  not  be  excused.  This  record  of  transit  must  be  carefully 
preserved  in  good  order  aud  be  at  all  times  open  to  the  inspection  of  Special  Agents 
of  Ihe  Post-Olliie  ])e].iii1iiieiit. 

Sec.  842.  When  Registered  Packages  should  go  in  Way-Pouches. — AM  i  ore 

tlirough-pouches  and  way-pouelies  are  sent  over  routes  on  which  there  is  no  railway 
mail  service,  the  registered  packages  must  be  sent  in  the  way-pouches,  and  not  in  Ihe 
through-pouches,  except  when  the  through-pimches  are  sent  under  brass  locks  and 
special  instru('tions  given  to  forward  registered  mail  iu  the  same. 

Sec.  843.  Registered  Packages  must  be  Sent  by  the  most  Secure  Route. — 

Postmasters  must   dispatch    legistered   packages   by   the  most  secure  route,   and  eu- 


TITLE    V THE    REGISTRY    SYSTEM.  1^1 

(Icavor,  oaprcially  wlicii  tlioy  liavo  to  bo  HiMit  loii;^  distances,  toliavc  thom  roacli  a  rail- 
way Odice  or  tliron^ih-ro^istercd-jxnuli-DlTicc  as  soon  as  jiossililc,  oven  thouf^h  such 
ip<i;istcrf(l  packaj^t's  traviTso  a  lonj^cr  distanco  to  (Icstination  than  that  taken  hy  ordi- 
nary niaii-inattor;  it  bcinfjj  (h'sirahlc  that  n^jjjistfrcd  matter  slioiild  ]n;  in  tlic  hands  of 
rosi>()Msil)hi  agents  of  tho  servicer,  as  far  as  practicabh;  avoidinj^  th(^  (>xposnre  and 
handlinf;  n»M;essitated  by  the  frequent  openinij  of  ])oii(lies  at  way  postotBces.  For 
list  of  throiiyh-ro<iistered-i)oufh-oiTice8  see  the  latest  Oftieial  l*(tstal  Guide. 

Sec.  844.  Postmasters  must  Observe  the  Registry  Schemes. — When  regis- 
try sehenii's  and  schedules  of  routes  and  times  for  the  dispatch  of  rofjistered  matter 
are  furnished  to  postmasters  by  tho  General  Superintendent  or  Division  Superintendent 
of  Railway  Mail  Service,  they  will  comply  with  such  schemes  and  schedules  until  otlier- 
Avise  diriH'ted  by  the  General  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail  Service,  or  by  the  Division 
Su]>erintendent. 

Sac.  845.  Indorsing  Registered  Packages. — When  a  postmaster  or  rail- 
way-mail employ(^  signs  a  receipt  for  a  registered  i)ackage,  he  will  carefully  examine 
the  package,  and  indorse  thereon  in  the  spaces  provided  therefor  a  statement  of  its 
condition,  the  date  of  its  receipt,  the  name  of  his  post-otlice  or  Otlice  and  his  signa- 
ture; also  indorse  statement  of  condition  on  package-receipt. 

Sac.  848.  Checking  Return  of  Package  Receipts  and  Bills. — On  tlie  return 

of  a  registered-package  receipt  and  registry-bill,  the  postmaster  will  note  the  date  on 
the  stub  of  the  registration-book  and  tile  them  for  futni-e  reference. 

Sec.  847.  Failure  to  Return  Registered-Package  Receipt. — In  case  a  regis- 

tered-i>.ackagc  receipt  is  not  promptly  returned  1)y  the  postmaster,  or  employ^  of  the 
railway  mail  service,  to  whom  it  was  sent  with  thep.ackage,  the  postmaster  who  sent 
it  must  fill  out  a  duplicate,  noting  date  of  such  duplicate  on  registration-book.  Failure 
of  duplicate  to  return  in  due  season  must  be  reported  to  Third  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General. 

Sec.  848.  Failure  to  Return  Registry  Bill. — In  case  the  registry  bill  fails 

to  come  back  to  the  mailing  jiost-ofidce  in  reasonable  time,  a  Circular  of  inquiry  for  regis- 
tered matter,  giving  particulars  of  the  package  and  its  contents,  must  be  sent  to  the 
post-otJice  to  which  tho  registered  package  w' as  addressed. 

Sec.  849.  Circular  of  Inquiry  Returned  Indorsed  "Not  Received." — If  the 

circuLar  of  inquiry  is  returned  stating  the  registered  jiackagc  has  not  reached  its  des- 
tination, a  full  report  of  the  case  must  be  made  to  the  Chief  Special  Agent  Post-Otiice 
Department,  Washington,  D.  C,  for  investigation,  and,  in  addition,  to  such  Special 
-Agents  for  certain  States  and  Territories  as  may  be  designated  by  the  Chief  Special 

Agent. 

Seo.  85D.  Misdirected  Registered  Packages  in  Transit  not  to  be  Opened. — 

Misdirected  registered  packages,  except  those  mentioned  in  next  section,  must  be  re- 
turned to  the  mailing  post-office  for  better  directions.  The  postmaster  detecting  the 
error  must  indorse  it  "RETt^RXKO  Fou  better  direction,"  place  the  misdirected  reg- 
'stered  package  under  cover  of  a  regularly  numbered  registered-package  envelope, 
duly  postmarked  and  addressed  to  the  mailing  post-office,  and  sealed,  making  due  note 
of  the  fact  on  his  record-of-registered-matter-in-transit.  Registered  packages  in 
transit  or  addressed  to  another  post-office  must  not  be  opened. 

Sec.  851.  Misdirected  Registered  Postage-Stamp  Packages,  etc. — Post- 
masters at  through-registered-pouch-offices,  or  separating  post-offices,  on  receiving  a 
registered  package  of  stamps,  envelopes,  or  postal  cards  bearing  an  incorrect  or  im- 
perfect address,  should  hold  the  pack.age  and  at  once  uotify  the  Third  Assistant  Post- 
master-General, Stamp  Division,  giving  the  registered  number,  date  of  postmark, 
and  full  address  of  the  package,  and  aAvait  instructions  in  regard  to  its  disposal. 

Sec.  852.  Registered  Packages  Found  in  Bad  Order  or  Damaged  in  Transit. — 

In  case  a  registered  package  becomes  damaged  it  must  be  placed  in  a  new  registere«l- 
l)ackage  envelope  at  the  post-office  where  the  injury  occurs  or  is  discovered;  or,  when 


182  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

damaged  in  the  hands  of  an  employ^  of  the  railway  mail  service,  at  the  post-office 
at  the  terminus  of  his  route.  The  original  registered-package  envelope  must  not  be 
removed,  but,  before  it  is  inclosed  in  the  new  one,  it  must  be  indorsed  with  a  state- 
ment of  its  exact  condition,  signed  by  the  postmaster  or  railway -mail  employe  from 
whom  received.  The  new  registered-package  envelope  must  bear  the  address,  reg- 
istry number,  and  name  of  the  post-office  of  origin,  and  also  the  postmark  of  the  post- 
office  at  which  the  package  is  re-enveloped.  The  fact  of  reinclosure  must  be  noted  on 
the  Record-of-registered-matter-in-transit.  Employes  of  the  railway  mail  service  find- 
ing in  their  Offices  registered  packages  in  bad  order  or  damaged  must  deliver  them 
to  the  postmaster  at  the  terminal  post-office  for  treatment  as  prescribed  in  this  sec- 
tion.    See  section  85.5. 

Sec.  853.  Postmasters  to  Receive  Registered  Matter  from  Employes. — Post- 
masters at  tenninal  post-Offices  of  routes  ou  which  there  is  railway  mail  service  must  at 
all  times  be  jirepared  to  receive  and  properly  receipt  for  registered  packages  brought 
to  their  post-offices  by  euiplo  s  of  the  railway  mail  service.  No  delay  of  trains  or  un- 
reasonable hours  of  arrival  will  authorize  a  deviation  from  this  regulation. 

Sec.  854.  Rules  for  Registered  Packages  Uniform  for  all  Classes. — The  rules 
given  for  the  treatment  of  registered  packages  apply  equally  to  registered  postage-stamp 
packages,  postal-card  packages,  and  stamped-envelope  packages,  except  where  special 
rules  are  given  for  the  treatment  of  such  matter  in  certain  contingencies. 

Sec.  855.  Registered  Postage-Stamp  Packages  Damaged  in  Transit. — Eegis- 
tered  postage-stamp  packages,  registered  postal-card  packages,  or  registered  stamped- 
envelope  packages  which  have  been  damaged  in  transit  nmst  be  securely  wrapped  and 
sealed  by  the  postmaster  discovering  the  damage,  or  at  the  ternunal  post-office  to  which 
such  matter  is  delivered  by  railway-mail  employes.  After  indorsing  the  package  as 
provided  in  section  852,  the  postmaster  will  attach  to  it  a  label,  "Registered  postage- 
stamp  package,"  "Registered  postal-card  package,"  or  "Registered  stamped-envelope 
package,"  as  the  case  may  be,  will  mark  the  original  address  and  registry  number  on 

the  wrapper,  indorsed  as  follows:   "Placed  under  cover  at  post-office. 

,  18 — ."    He  will  then  enter  the  package  iipon  the  record-of-registered-matter-in- 

trausit,  forward  it  to  its  destination  as  other  registered  matter,  noting  the  fact  of  its 
being  damaged  and  placed  under  cover,  and  send  a  full  report  of  the  facts  to  the  Third 
Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Stamp  Division. 

Sec.  856.  Receiving  Registered  Matter  at  a  Post-Office  for  Delivery. — On  the 

arrival  of  a  mail  at  any  post-office  the  pouch  must  be  opened  only  by  the  postmaster,  his 
depi;ty,  or  a  sworn  clerk.  If  a  registered  package  a<ldressed  to  the  postmaster  is  found 
i  n  tin;  pouch,  the  registered-package  receij^t  must  be  first  returned,  as  recjuircd  in  section 
857;  the  registered  jiackage  will  be  opened  by  cutting  the  end,  and  the  addresses,  etc., 
of  the  registered  letters  or  parcels  contained  therein  compared  with  the  entries  on  the 
registry-bill.  If  these  are  found  to  cori'espond,  the  postmaster  will  examine  the  letters 
or  parcels  as  to  their  condition,  postmark  them  ou  the  back,  enter  or  the  Record-of-regis- 
tered-matter-received-and-delivered,  date  of  arrival,  the  number  and  postmark  of  the 
registeied  package,  and  the  number  aiul  addresses  of  the  registered  letters  or  parcels, 
and  attach  the  ieturn-reeeii)ts  to  the  letters  or  parcels  by  bands  or  thrt^ad.  The  registry- 
bill  is  then  to  be  signed,  postmarked  ou  the  proper  place,  and  rcmailed  without  cover. 
Postmasters  receiving  registered-stamp  packages,  postal-card  packages,  or  envelope, 
packages,  addi-esscd  to  tlu-ir  post-offices,  must  enter  such  packages  on  Record-of-regis- 
tered-matter  rcceived-aml-dtOivercd,  aii<l  sign  for  them  in  delivery  cidunui. 

■Sec.  857.  Omissions  on  Registry-Bill  and  Return-Receipt  to  be  Supplied. — 

If  the  sen<ling  jiostniaster  has  failed  to  properly  fill  up  his  registry-bill  or  registry- 
return-reeeipt,  the  receiving;  i>ostinaster  must  siii)i)ly  the  omission.  Before  returning 
the  registry-bill,  he  will  not(^  any  irreguhirity  thereon  over  his  signature. 

Sec.  858.  Failure  to  Send  Registry-Bill  or  Registry-Return-Receipt. — If,  on 

opening  a  registered  package,  no  bill  is  found,  the  receiving  postmaster  must  fill  out  a 


TITLE    V THE    REGISTRY    SYSTEM.  183 

bill  and  iiulorsc  it  No  iuli>  ui'.ckivkd,  sign  it,  luldri'ss  it  i)n)]»«'ily,  i)Ostiiiaik  it,  and  fm- 
ward  it  without  ouv*-!'  to  tlm  mailing  iiost-ollicc.  If  no  ii'giMtry-ii'tnrn-nMtipt  accoin- 
panies  a  rcgisteifd  lutter  or  parcel,  tht)  postmaster  opening  (he  package  innst  lill  one 
out,  attach  it  to  the  letter  or  parcel,  and  mail  it  to  tin;  sender  whi-n  signed.  A  report 
of  every  such  case  must  bo  made  to  the  Third  Assistant  rostniaster-(jieneral,  in  order 
that  the  delinnuent  postmaster  may  be  specially  advised. 

Sec.  859.  Treatment  of  Registered  Letters  Arriving  in  bad  Order. — If,  on 

opening  a  registered  package,  a  registered  letter  is  found  in  bad  order,  the  postmawter  will 
imlurse  the  letter,  Rkceivkd  ix  bad  order,  and  sign  his  name.  He  will  then  inclose  the 
letter  iu  an  ordinary  official  envelope,  seal  the  envelope,  and  address  it  to  the  person 
to  whom  the  registered  letter  is  addressed,  indorsing  on  the  envelope,  Havk  this  ex- 
amined ON  delivery,  and  make  proper  entry  thereof,  as  required  in  section  85(5.  Ou 
delivery  of  this  letter  the  addressee  should  be  re(|uested  to  open  the  envelope  in  pres- 
(iiiee  of  the  postmaster,  delivery-clerk,  or  letter-carrier,  and  if  there  should  be  any  of 
its  original  contents  missing,  the  original  envelope  of  the  letter  should  be  obtained 
from  the  addressee,  with  his  indorsement  thereon  as  to  the  deticiency  ;  and  this  en- 
velope, with  the  registered-package  envelope,  should  be  sent  to  the  Chief  Special  Ageut 
for  investigation. 

Sec.  860.  Registered  Letters  found  Unsealed. — If  a  rejj^isterecl  letter  arrive 

unseal  h1,  the  postmaster  will  indorse  it  Received  unsealed,  and  sign  his  name. 
He  will  tlien  place  it  in  an  official  envelope,  and  deliver  it  as  directed  iu  the 
preceding  section,  obtaining  from  the  addressee  the  original  enveloi)e  of  the  letter, 
with  the  indorsement  of  the  addressee  thereon,  stating  whether  the  contents  are  cor- 
rect or  incorrect.  If  the  contents  are  found  correct,  a  report  must  be  made  of  the 
case  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  accompanied  by  the  envelope.  If 
incorrect,  the  case  should  bo  reported  and  the  envelope  of  the  letter  and  the  registered- 
package  envelope  sent  to  the  Chief  Special  Agent. 

Sec.  861.  No  Charge  to  be  Made  on  the  Delivery  of  Registered  Matter. — The 

law,  section  612,  requires  full  prepayment  of  registry  fee  and  postage,  which  is  to  be  affixed 
by  stamps  to  letter  or  parcel  when  presented  for  registration;  postmasters,  therefore, 
receiving  registered  letters  or  parcels  for  delivery  will  deliver  them  to  the  addressee 
even  if  the  requisite  amount  of  stamps  to  cover  postage  and  fee  are  not  affixed,  tirst 
examining  them  to  see  if  the  postmaster  at  the  mailing  post-office  has  performed  his 
duty  in  this  resjiect,  and  noting  any  cases  where  it  has  been  neglected. 

Sec.  862.  Report  when  Stamps  do  not  cover  Postage  and  Fee.  — A  report 

of  all  ca.ses  where  the  postage  stamps  ui)on  registered  matter  do  not  cover  the  postage 
and  registration  fee,  showing  number  of  letter  or  parcel,  date  of  mailing,  post-office  of 
origin,  and  amount  of  deticiency,  must  be  made  weekly  to  the  Thinl  Assistant  I'ost- 
master-General,  that  it  may  he  recovered  from  the  mailing  postmaster  who  has 
failed  to  comj)ly  with  the  law.     See  section  81*^. 

Sec.  863.  Registry-Notices  to  be  Sent. — On  receii)t  of  a  registered  letter 

or  parcel  at  a  post-office  (not  a  free-delivery  post-office),  the  postmaster  must  notify 
the  addressee  of  its  arrival,  using  for  that  purpose  a  "Registry -notice,"  which  notice 
must  be  delivered  to  the  addressee  in  the  same  manner  as  ordinary  mail-matter.  This 
''Registry-notice"  may  also  be  used  at  free-delivery  post-offices  for  registered  letter^ 
or  parcels  too  large  to  send  out  by  carrier. 

Sec,  864.  A  Box-Holder  to  be  Notified  when  Registered  Matter  Arrives — Box- 
holders  must  be  advised  of  the  arrival  of  a  i-egistered  letter  or  i)arcel  addressed  to 
their  boxes,  by  depositing  in  the  boxes  the  proper  notices,  as  provided  in  tl)e  jueceding 
section. 

Sec.  865,  Delivery  of  Registered  Letter  or  Parcel. — Ou  applioatioii  for  a 

registered  letter  or  parcel,  the  applicant  proving  to  be  the  proi)er  person  to  receive  it, 
the  postmaster  will  require  signature  to  be  given  on  the  record-of-registerod-matter- . 
received-and-delivered  ;  also  on  the  return-registry -receipt  which  accomi)anies  the., 
registered  letter  or  parcel. 


184  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  863.  Delivery  of  Registered  Matter  by  Carriers. — Postmasters  at  free 

delivery  post-offices  must  deliver  through  the  carriers  all  registered  letters  and  parcels 
addressed  to  street  aud  number,  requiring  the  carriers  to  receipt  for  such  letters  on 
the  record-of-registered  matter-received-and-delivered  or  on  a  special  receipt-hook. 
The  carriers  must,  on  the  delivery  of  any  registered  letter  or  jjarcel,  require  the  person 
receiving  it  to  sign  the  return  receipt,  and  also  receipt  in  the  book  furnished  for  the 
purpose. 

Sec.  867.  Name  of  Carrier  Delivering  Registered  Matter  must  Appear. — Car- 
riers' registry-delivery-books  must  show  the  name  of  the  carrier  who  delivers  each 
registered  letter  or  parcel. 

Sec.  868.  Utmost  Care  Required  in  Delivery. — Registered  letters  or  parcels 

must  never  be  delivered  to  any  person  but  the  one  to  whom  they  are  addressed,  or  on 
the  written  order  of  addressee.  Identification  should  be  required  when  the  applicant 
is  unknown,  and  written  orders  should  be  verified  and  placed  on  tile  as  vouchers. 

Sec.  869.  Responsibility  for  Wrong  Delivery. — Postmasters  will  be  held 

responsible  for  the  wrong  delivery  of  any  registered  matter,  aud  must,  therefore,  take 
the  requisite  measures  to  ascertain  the  proper  person  to  receive  it. 

Sec.  870.  Proper  Signature  Required. — AMien  a  person  other  than  the  ad- 
dressee signs  for  a  registered  letter  or  parcel,  the  names  of  both  addressee  aud  recip- 
ient must  appear  on  the  receipts. 

Sec.  871.  Registry.Return-Receipt  to  be  Remailed  to  the  Sender. — As  soou  as 

any  registered  matter  has  been  delivered  and  the  registry-return-receipt  therefor  has 
been  properly  signed,  the  receipt  must  be  postmarked  with  date  of  delivery  (which  is 
also  the  mailing  postmark),  and  sent  by  next  mail,  without  cover  of  an  envelope,  to 
the  addi-ess  of  the  sender  which  is  written  on  the  rogistry-return-receipt. 

Sec.  872.  No  Postage  on  Registry-Bills  and  Registry-Return-Receipts. — 

The  registry-bills  and  registry -retiu'n-receipts,  after  signature,  require  no  postage 
thereon;  they  are  to  be  simply  postmarked  aud  mailed  without  delay. 

Sec.  873.  Registered  Matter  for  Delivery  to  Insane  or  Dead  Persons. — If, 

on  the  r(!ceipt  of  a  registered  letter  or  y>arcel,  the  person  addressed  is  dead,  it  may  be 
delivered  to  the  legal  representative  of  the  deceased,  who  must  be  either  the  executor  of 
the  •will  or  the  administrator  of  the  deceased,  and  who  produces  proof  of  the  fact.  In 
some  States  the  residuary  legatee  named  in  a  will  is  allowed,  on  giving  bonds  for  the 
proper  fulfillment  and  execution  of  its  provisions,  to  become  the  executor.  In  any 
such  case  such  person  is,  upon  presentation  of  the  necessary  proof,  to  bo  considered 
the  legal  representative  of  the  deceased.  Registered  matter  addressed  to  persons 
who  have  been  declared  insane  by  competent  authority  should  be  ti-eated  as  above ; 
but  in  the  absence  of  any  legal  representative,  all  such  domestic  registered  matter 
must  be  returned  to  the  mailing  post-office  for  delivery  to  the  sender. 

Sec.  874.  Attachment  of  Registered  Letters A  registered  letter  is  not  sub- 
ject to  attachment  in  the  hands  of  a  postmaster  before  its  delivery,  as  the  Department 
holds  it  in  cimtodia  Iff/is  for  delivery  to  the  person  addressed,  or  to  his  or  her  onler.  A 
postmaster  acting  in  virtue  of  his  office,  and  refusing  to  deliver  letters  on  a  pi-ocess  is.sned 
by  a  State  court,  will  readily  be  purged  of  any  alleged  contempt  of  such  process;  and  in 
case  of  any  conflict  with  the  State  law,  be,  acting  in  the  line  of  his  duty,  will  have  pro- 
tection by  the  law  which  govei-ns  the  transmission  of  registered  matter. 

Sec.  875.  Fraudulent  Registered  Letters  may  be  Returned. — The  Postmas- 
ter-General may,  ni)on  evidence  satisfactory  to  him  that  any  pei-sou 
is  engaged  in  comlncting  any  fr-andnlent  lottery,  gift-enterprise,  or 
sclieme  for  the  distribntion  of  money  or  of  any  real  or  x>ersonal  proiterty, 
by  lot,  cliance,  or  drawing  of  any  kind,  or  in  conducting  any  other 
sclieme  or  device  for  obtaining  money  througli  the  mails  by  n^eans  of 
false  or  fraudulent  pretenses,  representations,  or  promises,  instruct  post- 


TITLE    V THE    REGISTRY    SYSTEM.  185 

masters  at  any  post-offices  at  which  registered  letters  arri\ c  directed  to 
liny  such  person,  to  return  all  such  registered  letters  to  the  postmasters 
at  the  [post]  offices  at  which  they  were  orijunnally  mailed,  with  the  word 
"fraudulent"  plainly  writte)iorstam])ed  n])on  tln^ontside  of  such  letters; 
and  all  such  letters  so  returned  to  such  postmasters  shall  he  l)y  them 
returned  to  the  writers  thereof,  under  such  re<,ailations  as  the  Tostmas- 
ter-General  may  prescribe.  IJut  nothing  contained  in  this  title  shall  be 
so  construed  as  to  authorize  any  i>ostmaster  or  other  person  to  open  any 
letter  not  addressed  to  himself.     (K.  S.,  §31)20.) 

Sec.  876.  Return  Undelivered  Registered  Matter  to  Mailing  Post-Office. — 

If  a  domestic  registered  letter  or  parcel  cannot  bo  delivered  within  thirty  days  after 
its  arrival,  or  within  such  time  as  may  he  named  in  a  reijuest  indorsed  on  its 
face,  or  in  case  delivery  is  prohibited  by  the  Postmaster-General  in  accordance  with 
the  preceding  section,  the  postmaster  must  indorse  on  it  the  cause  of  non-deliv- 
ery and  return  it  to  the  post-office  whence  it  was  mailed.  It  must  be  marked  Rk- 
TL'RNEi)  TO  W'UITKR,  renumbered,  and  entered  in  registration-book,  as  if  mailed  at  his 
post-office  (counted  as  free  in  his  quarterly  report  of  registered  letters  and  parcels), 
placed  in  a  registered-package  envelope  with  a  registry  bill,  and  a  note  of  such  return 
with  date  thereof  made  in  receipt  column  of  record-of-registered-niatter-received-and- 
delivered.  The  address  of  letter  or  parcel  must  be  changed  only  as  to  destination,  and 
E.  W.  marked  on  registry  bill,  indicating  return  to  writer.  On  arrival  at  the  original 
mailing  post-office  it  must  be  treated  as  if  it  were  an  original  registered  letter  or  parcel 
received  for  delivery.  Fraudulent  matter  of  foreign  origin  must  be  sent  to  the  Dead- 
Letter  Office,  accompanied  by  a  letter  of  advice  addressed  to  the  Third  Assistant  Post- 
master-General, exidaining  the  character  of  the  matter,  and  giving  the  date  of  the 
order  of  the  Postmaster-General  forbidding  its  delivery. 

Sec.  877.  Refused  Registered  Letters  or  Parcels. — In  case  of  addressee 

simply  refusing  to  receive  a  registered  letter  or  parcel,  it  must  be  retained  the  proper 
length  of  time  before  return,  as  prescribed  in  the  preceding  section. 

Sec.  878.  Original  Record  to  Show  Return  of  a  Letter  or  Parcel. — Xote 

must  be  made  on  the  original  record  of  every  registered  letter  or  parcel  returning  to  a 
mailing  post-office,  stating  its  return  and  date. 

Sec.  879.  When  Sender  of  Returned  Registered  Matter  is  not  found.— In 

case  a  domestic  returned  registered  letter  or  i)arcel  cannot  be  delivered  to  sender,  it 
must  be  retained  thirty  days  and  be  then  forwarded  (properly  registered)  to  the  Dead- 
Letter  Office,  after  due  notice  to  sender  by  advertisement  or  otherwise. 

Sec.  880.  Sending  Registered  Letters  or  Parcels  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office. — 
When  registered  letters  or  parcels  are  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  they  must  be  jxtst- 
marked  with  date  of  sending,  indorsed  with  reason  for  so  forwarding,  bt^  accompanied 
M'ith  diiplicate  bills  showing  the  sending  post-office  and  the  numljer  an<l  address  of  each 
registered  article,  and  placed  under  coverol  an  official  envelope  addressed  to  Third  As- 
sistant Postmaster-General,  Dejid-Letter  Office,  Washington,  D.  C,  indorsed  In- 
closing REGISTERED  MATTER.  The  packet  nuist  be  registered  as  a  free  registered  let- 
ter and  placed  with  registry-bill  and  registry-return-receipfc  under  cover  of  a  regis- 
tered-package envelope  addressed  to  the  postmaster,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Sec.  881.  Forwarding  Registered  Letters  or  Parcels. — Should  a  registered 
letter  or  parcel  ber  eceived  addressed  to  a  jterson  who  has  removed,  or  who  from  any 
other  cause  wishes  it  forwarded  to  him  at  another  post-office  or  returned  to  writer,  it 
may  be  so  forwarded  or  returned,  at  his  written  request,  without  additional  charge 
for  postage  or  fee.  In  such  eases  the  postmaster  must  enter  it  on  his  delivery-book, 
and  make  in  the  record  of-registered-matter-reeeived-aud-delivered,  in  delivery  col- 
umn, a  memorandum  showing  when  and  where  forwarded.     He  must  alter  the  address 


186  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

of  the  registered  letter  or  parcel  as  to  destination  only,  and  indorse  it  Forwarded. 
It  must  then  be  entered  in  registration-book  as  if  mailed  at  his  post-office,  counted  as 
free  in  quarterly  report  registered  matter,  numbered  anew,  and  forwarded  in  a  regis- 
tered-package envelope,  with  a  registry-bill,  accompanied  by  the  original  registry- 
return-receipt.     The  order  for  forwarding  or  returning  must  be  filed  as  a  voucher. 

Sec.  882.  Missent  Registered  Letters  or  Parcels  Received. — If  on  opeuiug 
a  registered  package  addressed  to  his  post-office  a  postmaster  finds  a  registered  letter 
or  parcel  inclosed  addressed  to  another  post-office,  he  will  indorse  the  bill  Missent, 
sign  and  remail  it,  file  the  registered-package  envelope,  and  enter  the  letter  or  parcel 
on  his  record-of-registered-matter-received-and-delivered,  making  a  note  in  delivery 
column,  Missent  and  forwarded,  and  re-register  it  from  his  post-office  as  in  preceding 
section.  ^ 

Sec.  883.  Writer  cannot  Control  Registered  Letter  after  its  Dispatch. — After 
a  registered  letter  has  been  transmitted  from  the  mailing  post-office,  it  cannot  be  re- 
called by  the  sender,  but  must  be  sent  to  the  destination  named  in  its  address.  If  not 
delivered  it  will  be  returned  in  accordance  with  section  876.  Before  dispatch  a  regis- 
tered letter  can  only  be  reclaimed  by  Avriter  under  extraordinary  circumstances.  He 
must  give  satisfactory  reasons  to  the  postmaster  for  such  action,  produce  a  fac-simile 
of  the  envelope,  fully  identify  himself,  and  return  the  registration-receipt  endorsed 
with  his  name,  which  the  postmaster  will  paste  opposite  the  entry  in  the  registration 

book,  endorsing  the  eutrj'  Returned  to  writer  by  me, ,  P.  M.     The  registered 

letter,  before  return,  must  be  endorsed  Withdrawn  by  writer  from  Post- 
office,  P.  M. 

Sec.  884.  Response  to  Inquiries. — Inquiries  or  tracers  regarding  regis- 
tered packages,  letters,  or  parcels  must  receive  immediate  attention  from  postmasters 
as  also  all  in(|uiries  on  registered  business. 

Sec.  885.  Tracers  for  Stamp,  Envelope,  or  Postal-Card  Packages. — When  a 

registered  package  of  stamps,  envelopes,  or  postal  cards  has  been  forwarded,  and  no 
acknowledgment  therefor  is  received  by  due  course  of  mail,  or  bill  returns  marked 
Not  ep:ceived  or  Bad  order,  a  couiion  tracer  will  be  sent  to  ascertain  whether  the 
package  reached  its  destination  in  safety,  or  at  what  point  and  through  whose  fault 
it  disappeared  or  was  tampered  with.  If,  through  this  means,  it  should  be  ascertained 
that  the  package  reached  its  destination  in  good  order,  the  tracer  may  be  retained 
when  it  returns;  but  if  it  appears  that  the  package  was  received  in  bad  condition, 
or  was  lost  or  stolen  in  transit,  the  tracer  must  then  be  forwarded  to  the  Third  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-General.  Should  the  tracer  not  be  returned  in  due  season,  a  duplicate 
must  be  sent  to  the  post-office  whence  last  coupon  was  returned  or  special  inquiry 
sent  until  package  is  accounted  for  or  loss  ascertained,  when  the  tracer  with  full 
report  of  loss  must  be  sent  to  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  886.  Registered  Matter  found  among  Ordinary  Mail-Matter. — IMatter 

whieli  has  ouce  lieen  registered  can  never  lose  its  character  as  such  until  it  has 
been  delivered  to  the  rightful  owner.  When  a  postmaster  discovers  any  registered 
letter  or  parcel  among  ordinary  mail-matter,  he  must  enter  it  upon  his  record-of- 
registered-matter-received-and-delivered,  and  treat  the  i-egistered  letter  or  parcel  as 
directed  by  the  regulations.  If  the  registered  letter  or  parcel  is  addressed  to  his  own 
post-office,  be  will  deliver  it  to  the  pei'son  for  whom  it  was  intended,  and  if  addressed 
to  another  post-office  he  will  inclose  it  in  a  I'egistered-pack.age  envelope  and  forward  it. 
He  will  in  each  case  report  all  the  facta  immediately  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General. 
Sec.  887.   Report  to  Chief  Special  Agent  Missing  Registered  Matter. — 

Every  case  of  missing  register(^d  packages,  registered  letters,  or  registered  parcels 
must  bo  reported  without  delay  to  the  Cliief  Special  Agent,  Post-Otfiee  DepartuuMit, 
Washington,  D.  C,  giving  full  particulars,  as  also  all  cases  of  alleged  abstraction 
of  contents  of  registered  lettera  or  parcels ;  and  also  to  Special  Agents,  as  stated  in 
section  849. 


TITLE    V — THE    REGISTRY    SYSTEM.  187 

Sec.  888.  Quarterly  Reports  to  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General. — At 

the  I'xpiiatiim  of  carh  (piiirtt  r  postiiiaHtcis  iiiusl  Inrwanl  to  tin-  Tliinl  Assistant  To-it- 
mastcr-Gfiieral  art'port  shi>\viii'i8fi)ar.it<ly  the  miinlxMof  donu'stic  and  furci(j;n  letters 
regi.stcie«l  at  their  post-olliees,  toj^eflier  with  the  luiiiilMTof  jtan  els  of  third  and  fourth 
class  matter,  domestic  ami  foreijrii,  ref^istered  diiriiiji  the  ipiarter. 

Sec.   889.    Omit   in   Account-Current   Fees   on   Registered  Matter. — The 

po.staj;e  ami  registry  lee  on  a  registered  letter  or  ii.areel  is  rtMiiiirtd  l)y  law  to  bo 
prepaid  ami  atlixed  to  the  letter  or  parcel  in  stamps  and  the  stamjts  eaneeled,  and 
uo  speeial  entry  of  such  items  should  be  made  ou  the  qnarterly  account -current  ren- 
dered by  postmasters  to  the  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  rost-Oth<;e  Department ;  the 
money  received  for  stamps  sold  for  this  purpose  should  be  included  in  the  general 
postal  account  under  the  head  of  Amount  of  utampn  Hold  during  the  quarter. 

Sec.  890.  Accounts  of  Registered  Matter. — No  accounts  or  records  in 

relation  to  registered  letters  or  parcels  are  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Department  other 
than  the  (luarterly  report  stated  in  section  888.  All  other  accounts  and  records  are 
to  be  carefully  preserved  by  the  postmasters  for  future  reference. 

Sec.  891.  Disposition  of  Used  Registered-Package  Envelopes. — Registered- 
package  euvehypes  which  have  been  emptied  of  their  coutents,  those  spoiled  by  mis- 
direction, or  in  any  way  rendered  unfit  for  use  (cutting  and  resealing  is  not  jjermis- 
sible),  must  be  retained  ou  file  one  year  and  then  sold  for  the  highest  attainable 
price,  and  the  proceeds  of  such  sales  taken  up  in  account-current  under  head  of 
Amount  received  for  waste-paper,  etc. ;  i^rovided,  however,  if  they  cannot  be  sold  at 
.small  post-offices,  they  may  be  sent  iu  a  lot  to  the  postmaster  at  the  nearest  large 
post-offiee  having  facilities  for  the  sale  of  waste-paper. 

Sec.  892.  Blanks  Used  in  Registration.— The  following  blanks  required 

for  use  in  the  registry  .system  are  furnished  on  application  to  the  Superintendent  Blank 
Agency,  office  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C. : 

Begistration-book,  showing  matter  registered  and  dispatched Form  No.  1549 

Registry-bill lijoO 

Begistry-return-receipt l.'>48 

Registered  package  receipt 1556 

Record-of-registered-matter-received-and-delivered 1547 

Record-of-regiairred-maifer-in-transit 155:} 

Carriers' -registry-delirery-hooks  . 1500 

Railway-mail-registry-books 1539 

Registry-notices 1525 

Registry-circular-of-inquiry 3856 

Registry  quarterly  report 3848 

Requisition  for  registered-package  envelopes 3204 

Registry  deficiency  report 3846 

Registry-tracer 1536 

Sec.  893.  Envelopes  Used  in  Registry  Business. — The  envelopes  used  will 

be  furnished  on  rerpiisition  addressed  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

1.  Ordinary  official  penalty-envelopes, 

2.  Registered-package  envelop>es. 

Sec.  894.  Registry  Supplies  to  be  Kept  Up. — Postmasters  must  not  allow 

their  supply  of  registered-package  envelopes  or  any  of  the  blanks  recjuired  in  the 
registry  business  to  become  exhausted.  Requisition  must  always  be  made  iu  time  to 
receive  a  new  supply  before  those  on  hand  are  entirely  used. 

Sec.  895.  Postmasters  take  Special  Interest  in  Success  of  Registry  System. — 
In  order  to  make  the  registry  system  as  efficieut  as  possible,  it  is  necessary  that  it 
should  receive  not  only  the  attention,  but  the  hearty  co-operation,  of  every  postmaster, 
who  should  feel  that  he  has  an  interest  in  the  improvemeut  of  the  service  as  well  as  a 
desire  to  promote  the  public  good.     Special  attention  should  be  paid  to  secure  legibility 


188 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


of  addresses  and  postmarks  on  registered-package  envelopes,  and  all  entries  upon 
registry  blanks  and  records  slionld  be  neatly  and  distinctly  written.  Postmastera  are 
particularly  enjoined  to  report  promptly  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General  any 
neglect  or  violation  of  the  registry  regulations  which  may  come  to  their  knowledge,  in 
oi'der  that  the  officer  in  fault  may  be  called  to  account  for  his  misconduct. 

Sec.  896.  Postmasters  not  to  Reprimand  other  Postmasters. — Postmasters 
are  positively  forbidden  to  reprimand  other  postmasters  for  neglect  or  violation  of  these 
regulations.  It  is  the  province  of  the  Department  to  instruct  postmasters  as  to  their 
duties  and  to  take  cognizance  of  their  neglect  or  refusal  to  obey  instructions. 

Sec.  897.  Postmasters  in  Doubt  as  to  their  Duty  as  to  any  requirements 
of  the  regulations  of  the  registry  system,  must  submit  the  matter  in  doubt  to  the  Third 
Assistant  Postmaster-General.  Ignorance  of  the  law  or  regulations  will  not  be  accepted 
as  an  excuse  for  their  violation  or  for  neglect  of  duty. 


CHAPTER   TWO. 


RESPECTING   REGISTERED   LETTERS   AND   PARCELS   ADDRESSED 
TO,  OR  ORIGINATING  IN,  FOREIGN  COUNTRIES. 


Sec. 


809 
900 


901. 


.  Registered  correspondence  for  foreign  coun- 
tries. 

Registration-fee  to  foreign  conntries. 

Postmasters  registering  foreign  matter  con- 
sult Postal  Guide. 

Registered  packages  misdirected  to  foreign 
post-offices. 

902.  Sender  may  demand  a  registry-return-receipt 

from  foreign  countries. 

903.  Registry-return-receipts  to  foreign  conntries. 

904.  Matter  which,  cannot  be  registered  to  foreign 

countries. 

905.  Mark  "Foreign"  on  registered  packages  in- 

closing foreign  matter. 

906.  Registered  matter  from  foreign  countries. 


Sec. 

907.  Registry-retum-receipts  of  foreign  origin. 
808.  Undelivered  foreign  registered  letters  or  par- 
cels. 

909.  Foreign  registry-retum-receipts  not  sent  to 

Dead-Letter  Office. 

910.  Registered  matter  supposed  to  be  liable  to 

customs-duty. 

911.  Foreign  registered  matter  especially  held  for 

delivery. 

912.  Forwarding  registered  matter  in  the  Univer- 

sal Postiil  Union. 

913.  Postmark  on  registered  matter  at  exchange 

post-offices. 

914.  Don't  write  to  foreign  postmasters. 


Sec.  898.  Registered  Correspondence  for  Foreign  Countries. — Eegistered  let- 
ters or  ])arcels  addressed  to  foreign  countries  are  governed  in  their  transportation  within 
and  through  the  United  States  by  the  same  rules  and  regulations  as  domestic  registered 
matter,  excejjt  that  no  domestic  registry -return-receipt  is  to  be  made  out  by  the  mail- 
ing postmaster  and  sent  with  such  foreign  registered  correspondence,  and  the  registered- 
package  envelope  is  to  be  addressed  to  the  proper  exchange  post-otidce  in  the  United 
States  designated  to  dispatch  registered  correspondence  to  foreign  countries.  See 
section  1125. 

Sec.  899.  Registration  Fee  to  Foreign  Countries. — The  registration  fee  to 

all  countries  where  registration  is  permissible  is  ten  cents  on  ea(;h  letter  or  parcel, 
to  be  prei)aid  by  stamps,  in  addition  to  the  postage.     See  sections  818-81(). 

Sec.  900.  Postmasters  Registering  Foreign  Matter  Consult  Postal  Guide. — 

All  classes  of  mail-matter  may  b^^  registered  to  countries  and  cohmies  in  the  Universal 
Postal  Union,  but  to  certain  countries  and  colonies  not  in  the  Universal  Postal  Union 
registration  of  letters  only  is  permissible.  To  some  parts  of  the  world  tliere  is  no 
means  of  forwarding  registered  matter;  postmasters  are  therefore  specially  enjoined  to 
consult  the  foreign  postal  table  in  the  latest  issue  of  the  United  States  Official  Postal 
Guide  to  ascertain  the  proper  rates  of  postage,  and  whether  the  matter  presented  is 
entitled  to  registration,  as  will  be  shown  by  the  ton-cents  fee  appearing  in  the  columns 


TITLE    V THE    REGISTRY    8Y.STEM.  189 

licatlcd  " Rcjji.storod  uiattci"  in  said  taMe;  ah.icuco  of  tln'  fee  in  ))otli  folrirTiiiH  headed 
"  Re«;istrati()ii  fi-e  on  letters"  and  "Registiati«u  fee  on  other  artieh-s"'  indicates  tliat  no 
re;fistration  exists;  jjresenee  of  fee  in  letter  column  alone-  indieates  letti-rs  only  can  Ix; 
registered ;  postmasters  must,  therefore,  refuse  to  register  any  mail-matter  addressed  to 
countries  to  which  there  is  no  registration  or  to  register  other  mail-matter  to  countries 
Avhcri'  I'egislration  is  conlined  to  letters. 

Sec.  901.  Registered  Packages  Misdirected  to  Foreign  Post-Offices. — If  a 

registered  package  isn-coived  in  transit  addresst'd  to  a  post-ollice  in  a  foreign  country, 
it  .should  he  .sent  to  the  post-ottice  designated  to  exchange  registered  matter  with  such 
foreign  country,  where  the  registered  package  will  he  opened  and  the  contents  properly 
forwarded. 

Sec.  902.  Sender  may  Demand  a  Foreign  Registry-Retum-Receipt. — The 

sender  of  a  registered  letter  or  parcel  addressed  to  countri<!s  in  the  I'niversal  Postal 
Union  may,  by  writing  on  the  face  of  the  letter  or  parcel,  RKTrnx  uixkii'T  r)p;MAXi)KD, 
have  a  return  receipt  sent  hack  to  him  from  the  foreign  po.st-oflice  of  delivery. 

Sec.  903.    Registry-Return-Receipts  to  Foreign  Countries. — The   return 

receipt  will  be  made  out  by  the  exchange  post-office  which  dispatches  the  registered 
matter  to  the  foreign  countiy  on  a  specially  provided  form. 

Sec.  904.  Matter  which  Cannot  he  Registered  to  Foreign  Countries. — It  i.s 

forbidden  to  send  by  mail  to  countries  of  the  Universal  Postal  Union — 

a.  Letters  or  parcels  containing  gold  or  silver  substances,  pieces  of  money,  jewelry, 
or  precious  articles. 

b.  Any  parcel  whatever  containing  articles  liable  to  customs  dutj", 

c.  Articles  of  a  nature  likely  to  soil  or  injure  other  matter  in  the  mail. 

d.  Parcels  of  samples  of  merchandise  which  have  a  salable  value,  or  which  exceed 
two  hundred  and  fifty  grams  (eight  and  three-fourth  ounces)  in  weight,  or  measure 
more  than  twenty  centimeters  (eight  inches)  in  length,  ten  centimeters  (four  inches) 
iu  breadth,  and  five  centimeters  (two  inches)  in  depth. 

e.  Parcels  of  commercial  papers  aud  printed  matter  of  all  kinds  the  weight  of  which 
exceeds  two  kilograms  (four  pounds  and  six  ounces). 

/.  Any  letter  which  has  declared  value,  i.  e.,  an  inscription  stating  the  value  of  con- 
tents. 

g.  Any  matter  excluded  from  the  domestic  mails  as  nnmailable. 

The  articles  excluded  above  in  paragraphs  c  and  g  .are  also  prohibited  from  trans- 
mission in  the  mails  exchanged  with  foreign  countries  other  than  those  of  the  Univer- 
sal Postal  Union. 

In  the  mails  exchanged  with  Canada,  it  is  forbidden  to  transmit  the  articles  men- 
tioned in  paragraphs  c  and /and  g,  and  .also  samples  of  merchandise  in  excess  of  eight 
ounces  in  weight. 

Sec.  905.  Mark  Registered  Packages  Inclosing  Foreign  Matter,  "  Foreign." — 

In  order  to  facilitate  the  handling  and  dispatch  of  foreign  registered  matter  at  an 
exchange  po.st -office,  postmasters  will  mark  <m  the  rcgistered-pack.age-envelopes  con- 
taining foreign  matter,  beside  the  address,  the  word  Foreign'.  They  will  also  make 
out  a  registry  bill  for  the  foreign  registered  letters  separate  from  the  bill  on  which 
is  entered  domestic  registered  matter  for  delivery  (in  case  foreign  and  douu'sf  ic  letters 
or  parcels  are  placed  together  in  the  same  registered-package-envelope),  writing  the 
country  after  name  of  addressee  iu  the  body  of  the  bill. 

Sec.  906.  Registered  Matter  from  Foreign  Countries. — Postmasters  receiv- 
ing from  exchange  post-offices  registered  packages  containing  letters  or  parcels  origi- 
nating in  foreign  countries  will  treat  the  package  and  contents  as  instructed  in  section 
856  respecting  registered  letters  received  for  delivery. 

Sec.  907.  Registry-Retum-Receipts  of  Foreign  Origin. — ^Mien  a  foreign 

registry-return-receipt  accompanies  a  registered  letter  or  iiarcel  from  a  foreign  coun- 
try, the  registry-return-receipt  must  be  properly  signed  by  recipient  of  letter  when 
delivery  is  made,  postmarked,  and  properly  returned,  under  cover  of  an  official  penalty- 


190  POSTAL   LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

envelope,  addressed  to  the  postmaster  at  the  United  States  exchange  post-office  from 
which  the  registered  package  containing  it  was  received.  Great  care  must  be  taken 
that  any  foreign  postage-stamps  attached  to  a  foreign  registry-return-receipt  do  not 
hecome  detached  therefrom. 

Sec.  908.  Undelivered  Foreign  Registered  Letters  or  Parcels. — Should  a 

foreign  letter  or  parcel  remain  umlelivered  at  the  expiration  of  thirty  days  (except 
specially  directed  to  be  held  for  delivery)  it  must,  even  though  indorsed  with  the  name 
and  address  of  the  sender,  or  a  return  request,  be  forwarded  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office 
in  the  manner  prescribed  for  sending  registered  matter  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office,  in 
section  880,  Eequest  registered  letters  originating  in  Canada  are  excepted  from  this 
regulation.     They  should  be  returned  to  writer  as  requested. 

Sec.  909.  Foreign  Registry-Return-Receipts  not  Sent  to  Dead-Letter  OiRce. — 

If  a  Registry-return-receipt  is  attached  to  a  foreign  registered  letter  or  parcel  that 
cannot  be  delivered,  the  Registry-return-receipt  must  be  indorsed  with  the  cause  of 
non-delivery,  postmarked  with  date,  and  returned  to  the  exchange  post-office  in  the 
United  States  whence  it  came. 

Sec.  910.  Registered  Matter  Supposed  to  be  Liable  to  Customs-Duty. — 

Regulations  respecting  ordinary  matter  subject  to  customs  duty,  section  1133,  govern 
registered  matter  also,  except  that  the  receipt  of  the  addressee  must  first  be  obtained 
by  the  postmaster  before  any  opening  of  the  registered  letter  or  parcel  is  permitted 
by  the  addressee.  If  the  addressee  refuses  to  sign  a  receipt  for  any  such  supposed 
dutiable  registered  matter,  it  must  be  marked  Refused,  held  the  proper  length  of 
time,  and  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office. 

Sec.  911.  Foreign  Registered  Matter  Specially  Held  for  Delivery. — When 

the  postmaster  has  good  reason  to  believe  that  registered  letters  or  parcels  from  a  for- 
eign country  can  be  delivered  to  addressee,  he  may  mark  them  Specially  held  for 
DELIVERY,  .and  retain  fliem  not  to  exceed  three  months  before  sending  to  Dead-Letter 
Office.  Registered  letters  addressed  Poste  Restante,  or  To  be  called  for,  or  to  a 
passenger  or  sailor  on  a  vessel  to  arrive,  must  also  be  held  not  to  exceed  three  months. 

Sec.  912.  Forwarding  Registered  Matter  in  the  Universal  Postal  Union. — 

Registered  letters  or  parcels  received  from  foreign  countries  in  the  Postal  Union  may 
be  forwarded  to  any  other  country  in  the  Postal  Union,  or  to  any  post-office  in  the 
United  States,  without  additional  charge  for  postage  or  registry  fee. 

Sec.  913.  Postmark  Foreign  Registered  Matter  at  Exchange  Post-OfBces. — 
All  registered  letters  or  parcels  sent  to  or  received  from  foreign  countries  must  be  post- 
marked at  exchange  post-offices  with  the  registry  postmarking  stamp,  showing  date 
of  dispatch  or  receival. 

Sec.  914.  Do  not  Write  to  Foreign  Postmasters. — Postmasters  of  post- 
offices  (not  exchange  post-offices)  are  instructed  not  to  address  correspondence  to  foreign 
post-offices  on  registry  business. 


CHAPTER  THREE. 

THE  TRANSMISSION  OF  THROUGH-REGISTERED-POUCHES. 


Sec. 

915.  Object  of  this  branch  of  the  rcjjistrv  system. 

916.  Means  used  for  carrying  on  the  throuji;li-reg« 

i9tered>])ouch  service. 

917.  Exchanges  directed  to  bo  made  invariably. 

918.  Supplies  ft>r  through-rogistcred'poudi  oliicea, 

how  used  and  kept. 

919.  Additional  euppliesi 


Sec. 

920.  Registered  matter  dispatched  in  through  reg- 

istered-pouches. 

921.  Preparation  of  matter  for  through-registered- 

pouches. 

922.  Signing  the  pouch-hill  and  copying, 

923.  Inspection  before  closing. 

924.  Labeling  and  locking. 


TITLE   V — THE    REGISTRY   SYSTEM. 


191 


Sec. 

926.  Manner  of  indlrntiiiBcligpntch  of  oxtra  tli  rough- 
ri'KiHt»Tfil-)ioii«Iu'8. 

026.  Ob.jcit  <pf  the  rf;;iMtry-<liHk. 

027.  Extrii    tliroiifih-ri'gistei-iul- pouches    to     be 

returned. 

028.  Thi-t)u;;li-reKi8tere(l-ponch  In  had  order. 

020.  Checking    contents    of    through -reifiBtered 
poueli. 

030.  Safety  of  regintered  keys  and  locks. 

031.  Thi-ougli-regifltered-poueheB  in  tran.sit,  when 

to  be  ojjened. 


Sec. 

032.  DiHrrc'paney  In  eoiitciitx  of  thronf^h-rrgiatcrcd- 

poueh. 

033.  Keeord  of  deluyi)  to  bo  kejjt. 

!»34.  Damaged  regiHtered  loikH  and  keys. 

935.  Througli-regiKteredpoiiih. 

936.  Non-delivery  of  tlnough-regiBtered-ponches. 

037.  Through-regiNtered-poiiclieH,  wlien  to  be  taken 

into  terminal  pont-ollice. 

038.  DiH])OMition  of  througli-regi»tercd-i)0uche8  in 

bad  order  in  trauoit. 


Sec.  915.  Object  of  this  Branch  of  the  Eegistry  System. — By  the  system 

of  thnuijih-rojiistcn'tl-poiulies  tilt'  J)ei>!irtiii('iit  li;is  been  ciiiihled  to  kf'c]»  jiacc  witli  the 
growth  of  rcjii.Htry  liiifsiiies.s  in  consolidating  the  regibtered  parkagt's  nn<hT  cover  of 
special  pouches  at  certain  post-oftices  termed  through-registered-pouch-oftices,  relieving 
the  railway-mail  service  by  preventing  too  great  au  accumulation  of  registered  pack- 
ages on  the  several  lines  of  postal  cars,  preventing  risks  at  transfers,  and  placing  the 
■work  where  better  opportunity  otiers  for  its  correct  perfonnance. 

Sec.  916.  Mode  of  Carrying  on  Through-Eegistered-Pouch-Service. — Certain 
post-offices  are  designated  by  the  Third  Assistant  Po-stmaster-General  as  through- 
registered-pouch-oftices,  and  provided  with  through-registered-pouches,  special  regi.s- 
istered  locks,  keys,  labels,  and  disks,  and  instructed  to  make  exchanges  only  with 
such  through-registered-pouch-ofifices  and  at  such  times  as  they  may  be  directed  by 
the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  For  list  of  such  post-offices  with  their 
exchange.'^,  see  the  latest  Official  Postal  Guide. 

Sec.  917.  Exchanges  Directed  to  be  Made  Invariably. — Postmasters  will 

make  the  directed  dispatches  of  through-registered-pouches  wh«3ther  there  is  any  reg- 
istered matter  to  be  sent  in  them  or  not.  In  case  there  is  no  registered  matter  to  be 
sent  iu  ,a  through-rcgi.stered-ponch  dispatched,  a  pouch-bill  marked  No  pack.\ges 
SENT,  properly  filled  up,  signed,  copied,  and  postmarked,  must  be  placed  in  the  pouch 
and  the  pouch  locked  and  regularly  dispatched. 

Sec.  918.  Through-Registered-Pouch-Office  Supplies,  How  used  and  kept. — 

The  through-registered-pouches,  locks,  labels,  and  disks,  having  been  made  expressly 
for  the  registry  system,  must  not  be  used  for  any  other  puritose,  and  must  he 
securely  kept,  the  locks  and  keys  in  the  safe,  and  the  pouches,  labels,  disks,  and  bills 
in  that  part  of  the  post-office  set  apart  for  the  transaction  of  the  l)usiiies3  of  the  reg- 
istry sj-.stem,  and  under  no  circumstances  must  any  other  pouches,  locks,  labels,  or 
disks  be  used  in  transmitting  registered  matter  to  post-offices  with  which  through-reg- 
istered-pouclies  are  exchanged. 

Sec.  919.  Additional  Supplies. — Timely  notice  of  the  need  of  additional 

through-registered-pouches,  locks,  labels,  and  disks  must  be  given  to  the  Third  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-General,  in  order  that  they  may  be  sent  before  the  supply  is  exhausted. 
Requisition  for  through-registered-pouch-hills,  throngh-registered-ponch  blanks,  and 
through-regi.stered-pouch  press-books  must  be  made  of  the  Snperintendent  of  the 
Blank  Agency,  Post-Office  Department,  office  of  the  First  AssistantPostiuiister-General. 

Sec.  920.  Registered  Matter  Dispatched  in  Through-Registered-Pouches. — 
In  the  throngh-registered-pouches  for  each  through-registered-ponch-office  must  be 
placed  all  the  registered  matter  addressed  to  that  post-office,  and  to  i)ost -offices  on 
routes  beyond  it  as  shown  by  the  throngh-registered-ponch  schemes  ;  but  packages  too 
large  to  be  inclosed  in  the  pouch  must  be  dispatched  by  the  hands  of  the  i)roper  rail- 
way-mail employd. 

Sec.  921.  Preparation  of  Matter  for  Through-Registered-Pouches. — Before 

disp.itchingathrough-registered-poueh  there  mu.st  be  entered  on  the  through-registered- 
pouch-bill  the  number  of  the  bill,  conimencing  each  quarter  with  No.  1,  the  date  of  dis- 
patch, the  name  of  the  post-office  to  which  the  pouch  is  to  be  sent,  numb,  r  of  the  lock  to 


192  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

be  used  in  fastening  the  poucli,  whicli  number  is  to  be  considered  the  number  of  the 
pouch,  the  numbers,  postmarks,  and  addresses  of  the  registered  packages  to  be  sent  in  the 
pouch,  and  at  tlie  foot  the  number  of  registered  packages  sent  in  that  pouch,  the  total 
number  of  through-registered-pouches  to  be  sent  to  that  post-office  by  that  mail,  and 
the  total  number  of  registered  packages  sent  in  those  pouches.  At  those  post-offices 
vrhere  it  is  usual  to  dispatch  two  or  more  through-registered-pouches  to  the  same  post- 
office  by  the  same  mail,  the  entry  of  the  total  number  of  pouches  sent,  and  of  the  total 
number  of  packages  sent  in  such  pouches,  may  be  omitted  on  the  pouch-bills  of  all  the 
.  pouches,  except  the  j)ouch-bill  of  the  pouch  last  closed,  as  the  disks  show  the  total  num- 
ber of  through-registered-pouches. 

Sec.  922.  Signing  the  Pouch-Bill  and  Copying. — The  pouch -bill  must  then 
be  signed  by  two  dispatching  clerks,  copied  in  the  through-registered-pouch  press-book 
provided  for  that  i>urpose,  i)ostmarked,  and  jilaced  in  the  iiouch  with  the  registered 
packages. 

Sec.  923.  Inspection  before  Closing. — Before  closiug  a  through-registered- 
pouch  for  dispatch,  the  dispatching  clerks  must  assure  themselves  beyond  any  doubt  that 
all  the  packages  advised  to  the  pouch-bill  are  inclosed. 

Sec.  924.  Labeling  and  Locking. — The  through-registered-pouch  must  be 
properly  labeled  before  any  packages  are  placed  therein,  and  the  packages,  tied  to- 
gether in  bundles  in  order  of  entry  on  bill,  and  marked  with  name  of  through-regis- 
tered-pouch-office, should  be  compared  with  the  bill  and  with  the  label  of  the  pouch, 
lock  number  proved  correct,  and  bill  and  jiackages  then  placed  in  the  pouch,  which 
must  be  securely  locked  and  the  proper  entries  made  on  the  record  of  through-regis- 
tered-ponches  dispatched,  and  on  delivery  to  the  railway-mail  employe  a  receipt  taken 
therefor. 

Sec.  925.   Indicating  Dispatch  of  Extra  Through-Registered-Pouches. — 

When  two  through-registered-pouches  are  sent  from  a  post-office  by  the  same  dis- 
patch to  the  same  post-office,  a  registry-disk  bearing  the  figure  "2"  must  be  attached 
to  each  pouch  by  passing  the  link  of  the  lock  through  the  ring  of  the  disk.  If  three 
pouches  are  to  be  sent  by  the  same  mail,  a  disk  bearing  the  figure  ''3"  must  be  used, 
and  so  on,  attaching  the  disk  bearing  the  figure  which  corresponds  with  the  total 
number  of  pouches  sent  on  each  separate  pouch. 

Sec.  926.  Object  of  the  Registry-Disk. — The  registry-disk  is  attached  to  the 
through-registered-pouches  to  inform  employes  of  the  service  whose  duty  it  is  to  receive 
and  receipt  for  them  how  many  through-registered-pouches  are  included  in  any  one  dis- 
patch; they  must,  therefore,  at  any  transfer  of  the  through-registered-pouches,  exam- 
ine the  registrv-disks  and  ascertain  before  receipting  that  the  full  complement  of  i»ouche8 
from  each  post-office  indicated  by  the  registry-disks  have  been  delivered  to  theni' 
Whenever  the  letter  B  appears  on  the  registry-disk,  in  addition  to  the  niunber,  a  box 
must  accompany  the  pouch  or  pouche.s  for  each  B  appearing  on  the  registry-disk.  The 
letters  indicate  the  number  of  boxes,  and  the  figures  the  total  of  boxes  and  pouches. 

Sec.  927.    Return  Extra  Through-Registered-Pouches,  etc.,  Promptly. — 

In  order  that  each  through-registered-pouch-office  may  preserve  its  proper  complement 
of  through-registered-pouches,  locks,  and  disks,  the  extra  number  when  received  must 
be  returned  by  next  dispatch,  inside  of  the  regular  pouch,  duly  entered  on  the  pouch- 
bill. 
Sec.  928.  Through-Registered-Pouch  in  Bad  Order, — On  the  arrival  of  a 

through-registered-pouch  at  a  through-n-gistered-pouch-ofiiee,  the  receiving  clerk  must 
before  receipting  to  the  railway-mail  employ^,  assure  himself  of  the  good  condition 
of  both  pouch  and  lock.  If  either  appears  to  have  been  tampered  with  or  is  in  bad 
order,  the  receipt  for  the  pouch  must  be  withheld  until  its  contents  have  been  carefully 
examined,  and  found  not  only  to  correspond  with  the  entries  on  the  i)ouch-bill,  but 
to  be  in  good  order  and  condition.  Projier  facilities  should  be  allowed  the  railway 
mail  em))loy6  to  be  present  at  such  exaniin.-ttion,  and  if  the  contents  are  not  in  good 
order  the  receipt  given  him  must  state  that  fact.     A.  minute  of  the  case  must  also  be 


TITLE    V THE    REGISTRY    SYSTEM.  193 

placed  ill  tlu'  filfs  (»f  tlio  tlinnmli-rfj^iHtercd-pouch-onico,  in  ciisis  any  Iohs  of  coiitcnta 
should  at'tcrwaid  In-  cliarj^rd. 

Sec.  929.  Checking  Contents  of  Through-Registered-Pouch. — A  tlirough-reff- 

istered-poiudi  inii.st  1m'  oix-imd  by  two  clerks,  and  its  t-ontcnts  must  In-  <onii>arcd  with 
tlu«  eutries  on  the  i)ouch-l»ill.  After  projjer  entries  of  the  itacka^^es  im  the  hooks  nl' 
tlie  thronfih-refxistered-iioneh-ofliee,  the  itoueli-bill  nnist  he  sij^ned  liy  both  chrks.  post- 
marked, and  returned  to  the  sendinj^  ])ost-otllie»^  in  the  next  throu;;h-rejfistered-ponch 
dispatched  to  that  post-ortico.  Each  pouch  must  be.  thoroujfhly  shaken,  and  its  inte- 
rior ins])eeted,  to  ascertain  that  it  has  been  conipU'tely  emptied. 

Sec.  930.  Safety  of  Registered  Keys  and  Locks. — Wlien  a  tlirougli-regis- 

tored-poucli  is  opened  at  tin*  post-otHre  of  destination  the  lock  must  be,  at  once  placi-d 
in  the  safe  of  the  re<;istry  branch  of  the  ])()st-ofiice,  whei-e  it  must  be  kept  until  needed 
for  iiuniediate  use  ajrain.  The  keys  used  in  openiufj  the  re<j;istered  lo(;ks  must  be 
attached  to  the  safi-by  a  chain,  and  must  not  be  detached  therefrom  or  be  handleil  by 
any  one  save  the  clerk  in  cllar^J(^  thereof.  Under  no  circumstances  must  the  regis- 
tered keys  or  locks  be  exhibited  to<iny  one. 

Sec.  931.  Through-Registered-Pouches  in  Transit,  when  to  be  Opened. — If 

by  reason  of  missing  a  connection,  or  for  other  cause,  a  through-registered-pouch, 
hibeled  and  intended  for  another  throngli-registered-pouch-office,  is  brought  into  a 
post-office  authorized  to  exchange  throngh-registej-ed-pouches,  it  must  be  receipted 
for  in  the  same  manner  as  if  addressed  to  that  post-otfice.  It  must  then  be  opened, 
the  contents  examined,  and  ccnupared  with  the  pouch-bill,  which  must  be  indorsed, 

Pouch  delivered  to  this  post-office  because  of .     Contents  Icorrect  or 

incorrect,  as  case  may  he,  the  iVisadrccment  Imiuj  stafcdi.     ,  and  signed  by  two  clerks. 

The  registered  packages  called  for  on  the  pouch-bill  must  be  entered  on  the  record-of- 
registi-red-matter-in-trausit,  and  the  pouch,  with  its  bill  and  original  contents  therein, 
must  be  fastened  by  the  same  lock  (unless  the  pouch  or  lock  is  damaged,  in  which  event 
it  will  be  replaced  by  a  good  one,  such  action  being  noted  on  the  bill),  and  be  dispatched 
by  the  next  mail  to  the  post-oHice  for  which  it  was  intended. 

Sec.  932.   Discrepancy  in  Contents  of  Through-Registered-Pouch. — If  tlie 

contents  of  a  through-registered-pouch  do  not  agree  with  the  pouch-bill,  the  fact  must 
be  immediately  noted  thereon,  and  a  rejiort  sent  by  mail  to  tlie  Third  Assistant  Post- 
master-General. In  addition,  in  cases  where  there  are  entries  on  the  bill  for  which  no 
corresponding  registered  packages  are  found,  the  discrepancy  must  be  telegraphed 
to  the  dispatching  post-office,  in  order  that  the  error  may  be  rectified  or  immediate 
action  taken  concerning  the  loss. 

Sec.  933.  Record  of  Delays  to  be  Kept. — Postmasters  must  keep  a  full 

record  of  all  delays  and  miscarriages  of  through-registered-pouches,  reporting  the  facts 
in  each  case  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  934.  Damaged  Registered  Locks  and  Keys. — Damaged  registered  locks 

and  keys  must  be  securely  enveloped,  and  sent,  registered,  to  the  "Mail  Equipment 
Division,  Office  of  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  Washington,  D.  C."    Damaged 

pouches  should  be  labeled  Damaged  pouch,  from  post-office  at ,  returned  to 

Second  Assistant  Postmaster-Gener.vl  ;  and  should  be  forwarded ,  unlocked,  in  the 
through-registered-poneh  for  Washington,  D.  C.  If  the  sending  post-office  does  not 
exchange  through-registered  pouches  with  Washington,  it  must  be  sent  in  the  through- 
registered-pouch  for  the  post-office  nearest  that  point  with  which  such  pouches  are 
exchanged,  and  will  bo  forwarded  in  same  manner  from  that  post-othce.  A  letter  of 
advice  must  always  be  transmitted  to  both  the  Second  and  Third  Assistant  Post- 
masters-General concerning  damaged  registered  locks  or  pouches  returned. 

Sec.  935.  Through-Registered-Pouch  or  Blank  must  be  Delivered.-— Kail  way 
mail  employ6s  must  ascertain  what  through-registered-pouches  are  to  be  daily  trans- 
mitted over  their  routes,  and  must  in  no  case  leave  their  terminal  post-offices  without 
demanding  the  regular  pouches,  or  that  the  blank  used  stating  the  reason  for  absence 
13  P  L 


194 


POSTAL   LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 


of  pouch  ho  givon  them.  Either  the  pouch  must  be  delivered  or  the  bljiiiks  stating 
reason  for  faihire.  If  they  are  not  seut,  the  railway  mail  employ^  must  note  ou  liis 
railway-mail-regi»try-book  the  reason  why.  This  course  must  also  be  pursued  with 
regard  to  such  through-registered-pouches  as  they  should  regularly  receive  from 
connecting  Offices.  By  such  means  the  post-offlce  at  which  the  pouch  is  due  will  be 
informed  of  the  cause  of  the  delay  by  the  railway  mail  employ^  whose  duty  it  is  to 
bring  it  in. 

Sec.  936.  Non-delivery  of  Through-Registered-Pouches. — In  case  of  failure 

in  aiTival  of  a  through-registered-pouch  when  due,  without  satisfactory  reason  for  its 

absence,  report  must  be  made  innnediately  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  937.  Through-Registered  Pouches  Taken  to  Terminal  Post-Offices. — 

Railway  mail  employes  must,  in  every  case  where  possible,  deliver  the  throngh-regis- 
tered-pouches  direct  to  the  connecting  Office.  But  if  connection  with  other  Offices  is 
not  made,  the  pouches  must  be  taken  into  the  terminal  post-offices  and  receipt  obtained 
for  them. 

Sec.  938.  Disposition  of  Through-Registered-Pouches  in  Bad  Order  in  Transit. 
When  a  through-registered-pouch  is  delivered  to  a  railway  mail  employ^,  he  must, 
before  receipting  for  the  same,  assure  himself  that  the  registered  lock  and  pouch  are  in 
good  order.  If  either  is  not,  his  receipt  must  show  that  fact,  and  the  pouch  must  be 
taken  by  him  into  the  terminal  post-office  of  his  route,  if  such  post-office  exchanges 
throngh-registered-poiiches.  If  the  terminal  post-office  of  his  route  is  not  a  through- 
registered-pouch-office,  or  if  there  is  no  through-registered-pouch-office  on  his  route, 
the  pouch  must  be  forwarded  until  it  reaches  a  through-registered-pouch-office,  care 
being  taken  that  none  of  its  contents  are  lost.  Railway  mail  employes  must  keep  a 
record  of  the  facts  in  all  such  cases  for  future  reference. 


CHAPTER  FOUR. 

THE  HANDLING  OF   REGISTERED    MATTER  BY   RAILWAY   MAIL 

EMPLOYES. 


Sec. 

939.  Kegisteretl  packages  between  post-offices  and 

Office  to  be  pouched. 

940.  Railway-mail-registry-books. 

941.  Record  of  registered  matter  kept. 

942.  Keceiving  registered  ni.atter  at  terminal  post- 

offices. 

943.  Roceijit  for  registered  matter. 

944.  Post  marking  and  returning  registered  pack- 

age receipts. 

945.  Registered  matter  not  to  be  delivered  to  em- 

ploy6s  of  railioads. 

946.  Receipting  for  legiHtcred  matter. 

947.  Illegible  postmark  on  rogistei-ed  packages. 

948.  Examination  of  condition  of  registered  pack- 

ages. 


Sec. 

949.  Registered-package  receipts  to  be  properly 

filled  out. 

950.  Forward  registered  mail  in  a  pouch. 

951.  Chock  return  of  registered-package   receipt 

and  forward  duplicates. 

952.  Registered    matter    for  through-rcgistered- 

pouch-offices. 

953.  Registered  matter  for  delivery  to  connecting 

Office. 

954.  G  et  receipt  for  registered  matter  and  registry- 

books. 

955.  Turn  over  registry-books  when  full  to  Divis- 

ion Superintendents. 


Sec.  939.  Registered  Packages  between  Post-Oiiice  and  Office  to  be  Pouched. 

Railway  mail  employes  must  place  their  registered  packages  under  cover  of  a  leather 
pouch  (as  far  as  tin,'  size  of  tlie  i)ackages  will  i>ermit)  in  conveying  them  to  and  from 
the  terminal  post-office  and  the  Office,  and  must  keep  this  pouch  in  their  personal 
charge,  and  accompany  the  wiigon  ou  which  it  is  conveyed  to  the  train. 

Sec.  940.  Railway-Mail-Registry-Books — Ivaihvay  mail  employes  "will  be 
furnished  by  their  Division  JSuperintcndent  with  rail way-mail-iegistry-books,  i)iovidcd 


TITLE    V THE    REGISTRY    SYSTEM.  195 

by  the  Department,  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  a  record  of  all  registeivd  niaUt-r  pu!s.>*iii;( 
throujrli  tlii'ir  IiuihIs. 

Sec.  941.  Record  of  Registry  Matter  kept. — An  entry  of  the  nnniber,  jM^st- 

niark,  date,  and  addifss  of  every  n-jii.stered  paeka;ie,  ie;;i.stered-Htanip  paekaj^e,  regis- 
tered-postal-eard  paekaj^e,  and  staniped-enveloite  paekaj^e,  as  well  a.s  every  tlironyh- 
registered-jtonch  jiassing  through  their  handrt,  must  be  made  in  the  raihvay-muil- 
registry-book  by  every  railway-mail  enii)l<>y(^,  and  where  it  is  ]ir>s.Hilile  the  reei-ipt 
on  delivery  of  these  paekages  must  l)e  taken  direct,  in  the  ])n>per  eoinmii  of  the  book. 

Sec.  942.  Receiving  Registered  Matter  at  terminal  Post-offices. — liefore 

leaving  the  terminal  iiost-othcetheijroper  rail  way-mail  employ  6  must  receive  and  receipt 
for  all  through-registered-i)onehes  and  registered  packages  tendered  him  by  the  \um  • 
ma.ster  or  proper  clerk,  and  become  personally  responsildo  for  their  care  until  their 
delivery  into  the  hands  of  the  proper  postmaster  or  other  authorized  agent  of  the 
Department,  or  their  disposal  as  required  by  the  regulations  of  the  registry  system. 
Sec.  943.  Receipt  for  Registered  Matter. — Eiuploy<5s  Avill  in  all  cases 

obtain  a  receipt  for  each  registered  package  from  the  person  to  whom  it  is  delivered. 
In  the  delivery  of  registered-package  envelopes  they  should  be  arranged  in  the  same 
order  in  which  they  are  entered  on  the  railway-niail-registry-book. 

Sec.  944.  Postmarking  and  Returning  Registered  Package  Receipts. — To 

protect  themselves  against  fraud  in  the  matter  of  receipts  given  to  postmasters  and 
others  for  registered  mail,  employ<Ss  will  athx  the  imprint  of  the  postmarking  stamp  on 
each  receipt  asnmny  times  as  there  may  be  packages,  and  return  the  package  receipts 
by  next  mail  to  the  sending  postmaster  or  employ^  of  the  railway-mail  service. 
Sec.  945.  Registered  Matter  not  to  be  delivered  to  Employes  of  Railroads. — 

Employt5s  must  not  deliver  registered  mail  to  messengers  emi>loyed  by  the  railroad 
company,  nor  to  any  mail-messenger,  unless  specially  instructed.  It  must  bo  placed 
in  the  pouch,  together  with  a  receipt,  to  be  signed  and  returned. 

Sec.  946.  Receipting  for  Registered  Matter. — The  Department  does  not 

authorize  employes  to  stamp  their  names  in  receipting  for  registered  matter.  They  must 
sign  their  names  with  pen  or  pencil. 

Sec.  947.  Illegible  Postmark  on  Registered  Packages. — The  first  recipient 

of  a  i-egistercd  package  with  illegible  ])(>stmark  should  write  on  the  package  the  name 
of  the  OlTfice  or  post-ottice  from  which  it  was  received. 

Sec.  948.  Examination  of  Condition  of  Registered  Packages. — ^When  a  regns- 

tered  package  is  handed  to  a  railway  nuiil  employe  by  an  employe  on  a  connecting 
Ortice  or  a  postmaster,  he  must  exannne  the  package,  make  the  proper  indorsement 
showing  its  condition,  sign,  date,  and  hand  the  receipt  back.  He  must  then  make 
proper  indorsement  on  the  package  and  enter  it  in  his  railway-mail-regis  try-bcok. 
See  section  852. 

Sec.  949.  Registered-package  Receipts  to  be  properly  Filled  Out. — Keceipts 

for  registered  packages  nnist  be  properly  tilled  up  by  the  sending  postmaster  or  rail- 
■way-mail  employ^.  If  this  duty  is  not  performed,  the  employd  will  report  the  de- 
linquent to  his  Division  Superintendent. 

Sec.  950.  Forward  Registered  Mail  in  a  Pouch. — When  the  delivery  of 

any  registered  matter  cannot  be  made  direct  to  the  postmaster  or  a  connecting  Otlice, 
and  it  has  to  be  placed  in  a  pouch  for  a  post-ottice,  a  package  receijit  for  the  same^ 
properly  filled  up,  must  be  placed  in  the  package  of  letters  for  such  post-office,  to 
be  signed  and  returned  to  the  employe?.  The  package  nnist  always  be  placed  in  the 
pouch,  and  the  pouch  securely  locked. 

Sec.  951.  Check  return  of  Registered-Package  Receipt. — On  the  return  of 

a  registered-package  receipt,  properly  indorsed  and  signed,  the  railway-mail  employ6 
must  check  its  return  on  his  railway-mail-registry-l)ook  and  preserve  it  for  future 
reference.  In  case  it  fails  to  return  in  due  season,  he  nnist  prepare  a  duplicate  and  semi 
it  to  the  postmaster.  If  the  duplicate  fails  to  returu  in  proper  time  the  railway-mail 
employ^  must  report  the  case,  with  all  particulars,  to  his  Division  Superintendent. 


196  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  952.  Registered  Matter  for  Through-Registered-Pouch-Offices. — Eegis- 

tered  matter  that  cau  be  iiroperly  forwarded  in  througli-registered-pouches,  coming 
into  the  hands  of  railway  mail  employes,  must  be  delivered  into  their  terminal  post- 
offices,  when  such  post-offices  are  through-registered-])ouch-offices,  to  be  forwarded 
thence  under  cover  of  through-registered-pouches.  Such  registered  packages  should 
be  kept  in  the  order  of  their  entry  on  the  railway-mail-registry-book,  so  as  to  facilitate 
delivery. 

Sec.  953.  Registered  Matter  for  Delivery  to  Connecting  Office. — When  a 

railway-mail  employ^  aiTives  at  the  terminus  of  his  route,  he  must  deliver  to  a  con- 
necting railway-mail  employ^  all  registered  matter  deliverable  on  the  route  of  such  con- 
necting employ^  when  practicable.  If  he  fails  to  meet  such  employ^  he  must  deliver 
the  registered  pouches  or  packages  into  the  terminal  post-office  with  the  registered 
matter  deliverable  at  such  post-office. 

Sec.  954.  Get  Receipt  for  Registered  Matter  and  Registry-Book. — Railway 

mail  employes  must  not  leave  registered  matter  at  terminal  post-offices,  under  any 
circumstances,  without  first  obtaining  proper  receipt  therefor,  nor  must  they  allow 
their  railway-mail-registry -books  to  go  out  of  their  possession  until  they  can  no  longer 
be  used. 

Sec.  955.  Turn  over  Registry-Book  when  Full  to  Division  Superintendent. — 
When  a  railway  mail  employ^  has  filled  his  registry-book  with  entries,  and  all  the 
package-receipts  have  been  returned  and  checked,  he  will  turn  over  his  book  and 
receipts  to  his  Division  Superintendent  for  filing  at  his  headquarters  and  receive  a 
receipt  showing  date  of  first  and  final  entry  in  book  and  the  total  number  of  pack- 
age-receipts, and  the  book  will  be  placed  on  file  for  reference.  The  package-receipts 
should  be  arranged  in  the  oi'der  of  their  entry  on  the  railway-mail-registry-book. 
Any  inquiry  or  tracer  received  respecting  registered  packages  entered  in  such  registry- 
books  will  be  referred  to  the  Division  Superintendent  with  indorsed  slip,  stating  Re- 
corded IN  BOOK,  DATED  (from  first  to  last  date,  as  shown  on  receipt.) 

The  Division  Superintendent  will  fill  the  tracer  from  the  record  on  the  registry-book 
and  forward  tracer. 


TITLE   VI. 

THE      MONEY- OimER      SYSTEM      OF      THE 
UNITED    STATES. 


CHAPTER   ONE. 


ESTABLISHMENT  AND  GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 


Sec. 

956.  Est.iblishment  of  money-order  system. 

957.  Object  of  the  money-order  system. 

958.  Design    of    Congress    in    establishing    the 

money-order  system. 

959.  Postmasters  to  issue  money-orders.    Respon- 

sibility therefor. 

960.  Issue  ofmoney-orders  by  clerks.    Postmasters' 

responsibility. 

961.  Postniastfi  s  to  designate  clerks  to  sign  money- 

orders,  when. 

962.  Signature  by  clerks  for  postmasters,  and  by 

acting  postmasters. 

963.  Classification  of  money-order  post-offices, 

964.  New  bonds  retiuired  when  post-office  is  made 

money-order  office. 

965.  Books,   circulars,   and  blanks   furnished   to 

money-order  offices. 

966.  Duty  of  retiiing  postmaster  at  money-order 

post-office. 


Sec. 

967.  Duty  of  incoming  postmaster  at  money-order 

post-office. 

968.  Extra  compensation  for  issuing  and  paying 

money-orders. 
909.  Payment  for  stationery  and  incidentals  out  of 
money-order  proceeds. 

970.  Surplus  money-order  ])roceed8,  how  accounted 

for.     Limit  of  clerk-hire. 

971.  Special  permission  required  for  all  expendi- 

tures. 

972.  Postmasters  to  recommend  money -order  sys- 

tem to  the  public. 

973.  Postmasters  must  conform   strictly  to  reg- 

ulations. 

974.  No  money-order  business  on  Sunday. 

975.  Letteis  on  money-order  business  to  be  for- 

warded .separately. 

976.  Postmaster-General  may  make  foreign  money- 

oi'der  conventions. 

977.  Books  to  be  kept  at  money-order  post-offices  • 


Sec.  956.  Establishment  of  the  Money-Order  System. — To  promote  public 
convenience,  and  to  insure  greater  security  in  the  transfer  of  money 
through  the  mail,  the  Postmaster- General  may  establi.sh  and  maintain, 
under  such  rules  and  regulations  as  he  may  deem  expedient,  a  uniform 
money-order  system,  at  all  suitable  post-otfices,  which  shall  be  designated 
as  "  money-order  offices."     (R.  S.,  4027.) 

Sec.  957.  Object  of  the  Money-Order  System. — The  money-order  system 

i.s  iuteiuU'd  ti)  promote  public  convenience  and  to  secure  safety  in  the  tran.sfer  through 
the  mails  of  small  sums  of  money.  The  principal  means  employed  to  attain  safety  con- 
sist in  leaving  out  of  the  money-order  the  name  of  the  p.ayee  or  person  for  ^vhom  the 
money  is  intended.  In  this  respect  a  money-order  differs  from  au  ordinary  liank 
draft  or  check.  An  advice,  or  notification,  containing  full  particulars  of  the  money- 
order,  is  transmitted  without  dehvy  by  the  issuing  postmaster  to  the  postmaster  at  the 
po.st-office  of  pajnnent.  The  latter  is  thus  furnished,  liefore  the  money-order  itself  is 
presented,  with  information  which  will  enable  him  to  prevent  its  payment  to  any 
j)erson  not  entitled  thereto,  provided  the  remitter  complies  with  the  regulation  of  the 
Department  wMcli  ]>roliibits  him  from  sending  the  same  information  in  a  letter 
inclosed  with  his  mouc'v-order. 

197 


198  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Ss3.  953.  Dasign  of  Congrsss  in  Establishing  Money-Order  Systeii. — The 
following  is  the  construction  given  by  the  late  Attoruey-Geueral  (Williams)  to  the 
statute  creating  the  money-order  sj'stem : 

Congress  designed  to  give  money-orders,  in  some  res]iects,  the  character  of  ordinary 
negotiable  instruments,  to  the  end  that  they  might  be  received  with  full  credit,  and 
their  usefulness,  in  a  business  point  of  view,  be  thus  promoted. 

The  statute  does  not  contemplate  that  the  remitter  of  the  money-order  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  revoke  it  and  demand  back  his  money  against  the  will  of  the  payee  after  it 
comes  into  the  possession  of  the  latter ;  since,  to  enable  the  former  to  obtain  a  repay- 
ment of  the  funds  deposited,  he  must  produce  the  monej^-order. 

The  payee  of  the  money-order,  upon  complying  with  the  requirements  of  the  law 
and  of  the  regulations  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  is  entitled  to  payment  of  the 
money  on  demand,  and  the  remitter  of  the  money-order  cannot,  previous  to  its  being 
paid,  by  any  notice  that  he  may  give  to  the  post-office  at  which  it  is  payable,  forbid 
the  payment  thereof  to  the  payee.     (14  Opinions,  119.) 

Sec.  959.  Postmasters  to  Issue  Money  Orders.  Responsibility  therefor. — 
The  postmaster  of  every  city  where  branch  j^ost-offices  or  stations  are 
established  and  in  operation,  snbject  to  his  supervision,  is  authorized, 
under  the  direction  of  the  Postmaster-General,  to  issue,  or  cause  to  be 
issued,  by  any  of  his  assistants  or  clerks  in  charge  of  branch  post-offices 
or  stations,  jjostal  money-orders,  payable  at  his  own  or  at  any  other 
money-order  office,  or  at  any  branch  i)ost-office  or  station  of  his  own, 
or  of  any  other  money-order  office,  as  the  remitters  thereof  may  direct ; 
and  the  postmaster  and  his  sureties  shall,  in  every  case,  be  held  account- 
able upon  his  official  bond  for  all  moneys  received  by  him  or  his  desig- 
nated assistants  or  clerks  in  charge  of  stations,  from  the  issue  of  money- 
orders,  and  for  all  moneys  which  may  come  into  his  or  their  hands,  or  be 
placed  in  his  or  their  custody  by  reason  of  the  transaction  by  them  of 
money-order  business.     (R.  S.,  §  4029.) 

Seo.  980.  Issue  of  Money-Orders  by  Clerks.  Postmasters'  Responsibility. — 
In  case  of  the  sickness  or  unavoidable  absence  from  his  office  of  the 
postmaster  of  any  money-order  post-office,  he  may,  with  the  approval 
of  the  Postmaster-General,  authorize  the  chief  clerk,  or  some  other  clerk 
employed  therein,  to  act  in  his  place,  and  to  discharge  all  the  duties 
required  by  law  of  such  postmaster ;  and  the  official  bond  given  by  the 
principal  of  the  office  shall  be  held  to  cover  and  apply  to  the  acts  of  the 
person  appointed  to  act  in  his  place  in  such  cases ;  and  such  acting 
officer  shall,  for  the  time  being,  be  subject  to  all  the  liabilities  and  i)en- 
alties  prescribed  by  law  for  the  official  misconduct  in  like  cases  of  the 
postmaster  for  whom  he  shall  act.    (R.  S.,  4031.) 

Sec.  931.  Postmasters  to  Designate  Clerks  to  Sign  Money-Orders,  when. — 
In  case  of  the  sickness  or  unavoidable  absence  for  a  length  of  time  from  his  post-office 
of  the  postmaster  at  a  money-order  post-office,  ho  should  apply  to  the  Postmaster- 
General  for  permission  to  put  a  designated  clerk  in  his  place  to  discharge  his  duties, 
upon  the  condition  that  the  bond  of  the  postmaster  shall  cover  and  apply  to  the  acts 
of  such  clerk. 

Sec.  982.  Signature  by  Clerks  for  Postmasters  and  by  Acting  Postmasters. — 

It  is  desirable  that  money-orders  and  otlier  otUcial  papers  should  in  all  cases  be  signed 
by  the  postmaster  himself;  but  when,  by  reason  of  his  unavoidable  absence,  it  may 
be  necessary  for  the  assistant  postmaster  or  designated  clerk  to  sign  the  moucy-orders, 


TITLE    VI THE    MONEY-OKDER    SYSTEM.  199 

the  postinastor's  namo  must  lie  writtoii,  ami  lnucath  it  tin*  naiiK-  and  (l<'.si<;nutii)ii  of 
the  writer,  tlins: 

"JOHN  DOE, 

*'  FoxtmaHter, 
"By  RICHAlfl)  KOE, 
"Aasislaiil  I'Dslmaxler  {or  Clrrk)." 
It  may  .also  liapp»Mi  that  in  case  of  the  doatli,  the  ab.seoinliim,  or  the  arrest  of  a 
postmaster,  a  person  may  he  jihaced  hy  the  sureties  in  charj^e  of  the  iiost-olhce  as 
"aetinj;  postmaster"  for  them  until  a  new  postmaster  is  appointed  hy  the  Dejiartment. 
The  person  thus  placed  in  charge  shouUl  sign  money-orders  and  other  otflcial  papers 
as  "acting  postmaster." 
Sec.  933.  Classification  of  Money-Order  Post-Officss. — Money-order  post- 

ofhees  are  divided  into  two  classivs.  Post-olliinvs  of  tlif  tir.st  class  are,  depositories,  in 
which  those  of  the  second  class  deposit  their  surplus  mouey-ordi-r  funds.  This  classi- 
fication does  not  in  any  manner  refer  to  that  estaldished  hy  section  100.  The  names  of 
money-order  post-ottices  of  the  first  class  are  printed  in  the  United  States  Official  Postal 
Guide  in  italics.  Any  post-othce  in  either  class  may  draw  upon  any  other  post-oftice  in 
the  list  of  money-order  jtost-ottices. 

Sec.  964.  New  Bonds  Required  at  Post-Offices  Made  Money-Order  Offices. — 

Postmasters  whose  post-otiices  are  designated  as  money-order  post-otfices  are  re(iuired, 
before  commencing  the  money-order  business,  to  give  a  new  bond  to  the  government, 
with  at  least  two  sureties,  which  is  conditioned  for  the  faithful  performance  of  the 
duties  and  obligations  imposed  upon  them  by  the  laws  relating  to  the  postal  as  well 
as  to  the  money-order  business. 

Sec.  965.  Books,  Circulars,  Blanks  Furnished  Money-Order  Post-Offices. — 

When  a  post-office  is  designated  as  a  money-order  olHee,  the  postmaster  will  hv  fur- 
nished with  the  books  required  to  be  kept,  and  with  the  necessary  blank  forms  for 
conducting  the  money-order  business.  Postmasters  should  be  careful  not  to  sufter 
their  stock  of  these  blanks  to  become  exhausted,  but  to  make  a  timely  application 
for  a  hew  supply.  The  utmost  economy  in  the  use  of  blanks  is  always  to  be  observed. 
The  registers  and  the  cash-book,  being  the  property  of  the  Department,  must  be  care- 
fully i)reserv^ed  by  the  postmaster,  and  must  be  delivered  up  when  called  for,  or  npou 
his  going  out  of  office.  All  circulars  and  instructions  sent  to  a  postmaster  must  be 
kept  on  file  in  his  post-ofiice,  permanently  for  reference. 

Sec.  966.  Duty  of  Retiring  Postmaster  at  a  Money-Order  Post-Office. — In 
case  of  the  appointment  of  a  new  postmaster  at  a  money-order  post-office,  it  will  be- 
come the  duty  of  the  late  pcKstmaster  to  render  a  statement  of  the  business  transacted 
Tip  to  the  date  on  which  he  ceased  to  bo  responsible,  even  should  it  be  for  a  fractional 
part  of  a  week  only.  Upon  giving  up  charge  of  the  post-office,  he  will  deposit  with 
his  successor  the  balance  of  money-order  funds  remaining  in  his  hands,  taking  dupli- 
cate receipts  therefor,  one  of  which  he  will  transmit  to  the  Superintendent  of  the 
Money-Order  System,  together  with  his  final  statement,  in  the  "Summary  "  of  which 
lie  will  take  credit  for  the  amount  thus  deposited.  The  late  postmaster  will  also  turn 
over  to  his  successor  the  money-order  books,  blanks,  and  all  circulars  and  instruc- 
tions which  have  been  sent  to  the  post-oftice  by  the  Department,  and  also  all  advices 
on  hand  of  money-orders  drawn  npon  him,  whether  paid  or  unpaid,  and  he  will  obtain 
therefor,  as  in  the  preceding  case,  duplicate  receipts,  one  of  which  he  will  transmit  to 
the  Department;  the  receipt  must  distinctly  state  the  number  and  description  of  the 
blanks,  and  must  designate  the  first  and  the  last  number  of  the  money-order  and  ad- 
vice forms  delivered,  as,  "From  No.  13;i  to  No.  .">00,  iuclusive."  The  late  postmaster 
will,  therefore,  obtain  from  his  successor  two  separate  and  distinct  sets  of  receipts — 
one  for  the  money-order  funds  only,  and  one  for  the  money-order  blanks. 

Sec.  987.  Duty  of  Incoming  Postmaster  at  a  Money-Order   Post-Office. — 

Upon  taking  charge  of  a  money-order  post-office,  the  postmaster  will  obtain  from  his 
predecessor  full  iuformatiou  as  to  the  condition  of  the  accounts  of  the  post-office,  the 


200  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

place  of  deposit,  etc.,  and  he  will  debit  himself  in  the  money-order  cash-book,  and  in  his 
first  weekly  statement,  with  the  amount  of  funds  received  from  his  predecessor.  If 
the  latter  had  been  furnished  with  a  credit  on  the  postmaster  at  Xew  York,  he  will 
apply  at  once  to  the  Department  for  a  transfer  to  himself  of  the  unexpended  balance 
of  such  credit,  or,  if  there  be  no  balance,  for  a  renewal  thereof  in  his  favor. 

Sec.  968.  Extra  Compensation  for  Issuing  and  Paying  Money-Orders. — 
Postmasters  at  money-order  offices  may  be  allowed,  as  compensation  for 
issuing"  and  paying  money-orders,  not  exceeding  one-third  of  the  whole 
amount  of  the  fees  collected  on  orders  issued  and  one-fourth  of  one  per 
centum  on  the  gross  amount  of  orders  i^aid  at  their  respective  offices, 
provided  such  compensation,  together  with  the  postmaster's  salary,  shall 
not  exceed  foiu'  thousand  dollars  per  annum,  except  in  the  case  of  the 
postmaster  at  Xew  York  City.     (R.  S.,  §  4047.) 

Sec.  969.  Pajrment  for  Stationery  and  Incidentals  out  of  Money-Order  Pro- 
ceeds.— The  Postmaster-General  may  pay  out  of  the  proceeds  of  the 
money-order  business  the  cost  of  stationery  and  such  incidental  ex- 
penses as  are  necessary  for  the  transaction  of  that  business.  (R.  S.,  § 
4048.) 

Sec.  970.  Surplus  Money-Order  Proceeds.  Limit  of  Clerk-Hire. — If  the 
entire  receipts  from  the  rates  of  compensation  allowed  by  section  968  for  the  money- 
order  business  at  any  post-office  should,  when  added  to  the  annual  salary  of  the  post- 
master, exceed  the  sum  of  §4,000  per  annum,  or  $1,000  per  quarter,  he  must  account 
to  the  Department  for  the  surplus  of  such  receipts.  At  the  close  of  each  quarter  post- 
masters will  be  duly  notified  by  the  Auditor  of  the  amount  allowed  for  commissions, 
and  instructed  as  to  the  proper  entry  to  be  made  thereof.  Postmasters  whose  total 
compensation  from  all  sources  amounts  to  $4,000  per  annum  can  receive  nothing  in 
addition  thereto  for  the  transaction  of  the  money-order  business,  but  may  be  allowed 
by  the  Postmaster-General  a  fixed  sum  for  the  necessary  clerical  force  actually  em- 
ployed in  that  business.  Postmasters  are  strictly  prohibited  from  employing  in  the 
transaction  of  their  money-order  business  any  portion  of  the  time  of  their  clerks  paid 
for  out  of  the  allowance  from  postal  funds  for  clerk -hire. 

Sec.  971.  Special  Permission  Rec[uired  for  All  Expenditures. — Postmasters 

are  not  authorized  to  incur,  without  special  permission  from  the  Department,  any  ex- 
pense whatever  on  account  of  the  money-order  business,  except  for  necessary  stationery 
to  be  used  exclusively  in  that  business ;  but  they  will  bear  in  mind  that  all  blank- 
books  and  blanks  required  in  the  transaction  of  the  mouey-order  business  ai"e  not  to  be 
purchased  by  them,  but  will  be  furnished  by  the  Department,  upou  application  there- 
for to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System.  They  will  take  credit  for  all 
authorized  expenses  incurred  on  money-order  account  iu  the  cash-book,  and  iu  the 
sunmiary  of  the  weekly  statement,  under  the  liead  of  "incidental  expenses,"  and  will 
be  careful  to  forward  with  the  statement  proper  vouchers  for  the  credits  claimed 
therein.  Such  vouchers  must  specifically  state  that  the  said  expense  was  incurred  on 
money-order  account.  Upon  application  to  the  Third  Assistant  Postuiaster-General, 
jiostmasters  at  money -order  post-offices  will  be  supplied  by  the  Department  with  a 
sufficient  number  of  envelopes  of  the  size  required  in  the  transaction  of  the  mouey- 
order  business. 

Sec.  972.  Postmasters  to  Recommend  the  Money-Order  System  to  the  Public. — 

It  is  expected  of  postmasters  that  they  will  use  a  legitimate  iudueuce  iu  recommend- 
ing the  mouey-order  system,  and,  by  courteous  .attention  to  the  in([uiries  of  applicants, 
exhibit  its  superiority  as  a  safe  method  of  transmitting  snxall  sums  of  money  through 
the  mails. 

Sec.  973.  Postmasters  must  Conform  Strictly  to  Regulations. — The  success 
of  the  money-order  system  will  greatly  depend  upou  the  attention,  promptitude,  and 


TITLE    VI THE    MONEY-ORDER    SYSTEM. 


201 


accuracy  f'f  post'iiiVstorH ;  ami  it  is  expected,  therefore,  that  every  ]H>stiiia.Hter\vill  care- 
fully study  the  re<fiilati<>us  ami  stri(^tly  cnulorin  to  them.  I'ostimisters  an;  als<»  re- 
quired to  report  to  tlie  Superiiiteudeiit  ot'tlie  Miuiey-Ortler  .System  all  eases  of  repeateil 
failure  in  the  re(H',ipt  by  tliem  of  advices  frou»  any  ouc  i»ost-oriiee.  Xe,yli^en<-e  in  for- 
wardiii<5  advices  cannot  Ix^  tt)hn'ated.  It  causes  delay  in  jiayment,  and  thereby  often 
intlicts  great  hardship  upon  the  payoo.  It,  moreover,  tends  to  deran^^c  and  discredit 
the  money-order  system. 

Sec.  974.  No  Money-Order  Business  on  Sunday. — Postmastens  are  not  per- 
mitted to  t  r;iiis:iet  any  money-order  business  on  .Sunday. 

Sec.  975.  Letters  on  Money-Order  Business  to  be  Forwarded  Separately. — 

All  letters  ;iddressed  by  postmasters  to  the  Department,  or  tin;  .Superinti-ndent  of  the 
Money-Order  .System,  should  be  forwarded  separately,  and  are  not,  under  any  circum- 
stances, to  be  inclosed  in  envelopes  with  the  "weekly  statenu-nts. 

Sec.  976.  Postmaster-General  makes  Foreign  Money-Order  Conventions. — 
The  Postmaster-Geueral  may  conclude  aiTaugcnieuts  with  the  i>o.st  de- 
])artment.s  of  foreign  governments  Avitli  whicli  postal  convention.s  have 
been,  or  may  be,  concluded,  for  the  exchange,  by  means  of  postal  orders, 
of  small  sums  of  money,  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars  in  amount,  at  .sucli 
rates  of  exchange,  and  compensation  to  postmasters,  and  under  such 
rules  and  regulations  as  he  may  deem  expedient ;  and  the  expenses  of 
establishing  and  conducting-  such  system  of  exchange  may  be  paid  out 
of  the  i)roceeds  of  tlie  nwney-order  bu.siness.     (R.  S.,  §  4028.) 

Sec.  977.  Books  to  be  Kept  at  Money-Order  Post-Offices. — The  books  to  be 

kept,  and  which,  to  insure  nniformity,  will  lie  furnished  to  all  the  money-order  post- 
offices  by  the  Department,  \ipon  ap^dicatiou  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order 
System,  are: 

1.  A  register  of  money-orders  issued,  iu  which  must  bo  recorded,  daily,  the  particu- 
lars of  all  orders  issued. 

2.  A  register  of  advices  received,  which  will  l»e  used  for  the  record  of  advices. 

3.  A  casli-book,  showing  the  debit  aud  credit  transactions  of  each  day. 

They  should  contain  a  complete  record  of  the  money-order  business  of  the  post-offices 
to  which  they  are  furuished,  and  must  be  fully  written  up  before  the  close  of  each  day. 

The  headings  of  the  registers,  together  with  the  instructions  contained  iu  Chapter 
Five  of  this  Title,  will  so  etiectually  direct  postmasters  that  no  mistakes  need  occur  iu 
keeping  these  books. 


CHAPTER     TWO. 

ISSUE  OF  DOMESTIC  MONEY-ORDERS, 


Sec. 

978.  Blank  fomia  of  application  to  be  supplitHl. 

979.  Postinastcrs  proliihiti'tl  from  tilling  up  mouey- 

onler  ai)plicatiou9. 

980.  Printed   forms  to  bo  fuinislietl  for  nionej- 

orders. 

981.  Money-order  advices. 

982.  No  money-order  to  be  issued  on  credit. 

983.  Fees  ujion  money-orders.     No  order  for  more 

than  tifty  dollars. 
9S4.  Fractional  parts  of  a  cent  not  to  be  included. 

985.  Only  three  fifty-dollar  orders  to  one  person 

for  same  payee. 

986.  Issuing  money-orders  and  transmitting   ad- 

vices. 


Sec. 

987.  Stamping  money-orders  and  advices. 

988.  Persons  i)rocuiing  money-orders  must  care- 

fully examine  them. 

989.  Signature  of  postmaster  on  money -orders  must 

be  written. 

990.  "When    erroi-s   are  made  new  money -orders 

must  be  made  out. 

991.  How  to  use  blank  money -orders  and  advices. 

992.  Omitted  and  defective  bbinks  to  be  reported. 

993.  PostmastiMS  responsible  for  loss  of  money- 

order  forms. 

994.  How  postmasters  should  make  out  advices. 
i   99.1.  AVlieu  second  advices  sboulil  be  issued. 

'  990.  Amount  of  money-order  to  be  in  writing. 


202  POSTAL    LAWS    AN^D    REGULATIONS. 


Sec. 

997.  Money-orders  may  be  drawn  upon  what  post- 

offices. 

998.  Notice  money-order  offices  discontinued. 

999.  Postmasters  to  instruct  applicants  on  what 

post-office  to  draw. 

1000.  Money-orders  to  be  recorded  when  issued. 


Sec. 

1006.  Duplicate  money-orders  issaed  only  by  the 

Siiperiatendent. 

1007.  Duty  of  postmaster  applying  for  duplicate 

money -order. 

1008.  Second  advice  furnished  when  needed  to  get 
duplicate. 


1001.  Report  when  $300  is  drawn  upon  other  than  I  1009.   Original  money-order  may  be  paid  before 


first-class  post-offices. 

1002.  Advices  to  be  checked  to  insure  correctness. 

1003.  Reissue  of  money-orders.    New  fee  required. 

1004.  Rules  for  reissuing  money-orders. 

1005.  Issue  of  duplicate  monej'-orders. 


duplicate  is  issued. 

1010.  Duty  of  postmaster  certifying  to  non-pay- 

ment of  money-order. 

101 1.  Postmasters  cannot  issue  duplicates. 

1012.  On  what  post-offices  duplicates  can  be  drawn. 


Sec.  978.  Blank  Forms  of  Application  to  be  Supplied. — The  Postmaster- 
General  shall  supply  money-order  [post]  offices  with  blank  forms  of  appli- 
cation for  money-orders,  which  each  applicant  shall  fill  up  with  his  name, 
the  name  and  address  of  the  party  to  whom  the  order  is  to  be  paid,  the 
amount  and  the  date  of  application ;  and  all  such  aj)i)lications  shall  be 
preserved  by  the  postmaster  receiving  them  for  such  time  as  the  Post- 
master-General may  prescribe.     (R.  S.,  §  4033.) 

Sec.  979.  Postmasters  not  to  Fill  up  Money-Order  Applications. — When  a 
mouey-order  is  applied  for,  the  postmaster  will  funiish  the  applicant  with  a  printed 
form  of  application  (Form  No.  0001),  in  which  the  latter  must  enter,  himself,  .all  the 
particulars  of  amount,  name,  address,  &c.,  required  to  be  stated  in  the  money-order 
and  advice.  Postmasters  and  money-order  clerks  are  strictly  in'ohibited  from  filling 
up  the  application. 

Sec.  980.  Printed  Forms  to  be  Furnished  for  Money-Orders. — Tlie  Post- 
master-General shall  furnish  money-order  [post]  offices  with  printed  or 
engraved  forms  for  money-orders,  and  no  order  shall  be  valid  unless  it 
be  drawn  upon  such  form.     (R.  S.,  §  4034.) 

Sec.  981.  Money-Order  Advices. — The  postmaster  issuing  a  money-order 
shall  send  a  notice  thereof  by  mail,  without  dehiy,  to  the  postmaster  on 
whom  it  is  drawn.     (R.  S.,  §  4035.) 

Sec.  982.  No  Money-Order  to  be  Issued  on  Credit. — Any  postmaster  who 
issues  a  mone^'-order  without  having  previously  received  the  money 
therefor  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  shall  be  fined  not 
less  than  fifty  nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars.     (R.  S.,  §  4030.) 

Postmasters  are  not  permitted  to  receive  in  payment  of  money-ox'ders  issued  by  them,  or 
to  pay  out  for  money-orders  drawn  upon  them,  any  money  that  is  not  a  legal-tender  by 
the  laws  of  the  United  States,  except  national  bank  notes.  Check,  drafts,  or  promissory 
notes  are  not  to  be  received  under  any  circumstances  for  money-orders. 

Sec.  983.  Fees  upon  Money-Orders.  No  Order  for  more  than  Fifty  Dollars. — 
On  and  after  the  first  day  of  July,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-five, 
the  fees  on  money-orders  shall  be,  for  orders  not  exceeding  fifteen  dol- 
lars, ten  cents ;  exceeding  fifteen  and  not  exceeding  thirty  dollars,  fif- 
teen cents;  exceeding  thirty  and  not  exceeding  fort^^  dollars,  twenty 
cents ;  exceeding  forty  and  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars,  twenty-five  cents ; 
and  no  money-order  shall  be  issued  for  a  sum  greater  than  fifty  dollars. 
(R.  S.,  §  4032,  as  amended  by  act  of  March  3,  1875,  18  Stat.,  p.  351.) 

Sec.  984.  Fractional  Parts  of  a  Cent  not  to  be  Included. — A  single  money- 
order  may  include  any  amount  from  one  cent  to  fifty  dollars,  but  such  uioney-order 
must  not  coutaiu  a  fractional  part  of  a  cent. 


TITLE    VI THE    MONEY-ORDER    SYSTEM.  203 

Sec.  985.  Only  Three  Fifty-Dollar  Orders  to  one  Person  for  same  Payee. — 

Wlu-n  a  liiij^rr  .siuii  than  lifty  tlollars  is  rciinircd,  aildidoiml  inniii'v-orfliTs  t<»  iiiakr  it  ii|» 
iiuist  lteol»taiii('«l.  Hut  post  iiiaHt<TH  art'!  UHt  rue  ted  to  refuse  to  isHiic  in  one  day,  to  the  saint) 
roinitter  and  in  favor  of  the  same  jtayiM',  more  than  tliree  money-orders  ]»ayal»h^  at  tlie. 
samo  i)ost-oHiee.  Tlie  plain  evasion  of  tills  rule  by  the  8nl>stitnti<»n  of  a  diffen'iit 
remitter  for  every  three  of  a  larf^e  immber  of  money-orders  issued  in  om;  day,  in  favor  of 
the  same  i)ayee,  should  nf)t  Ix*  tolerated  liy  ]iostmasters. 

Sec.  986.  Issuing^  Money-Orders  and  Transmitting  Advices. — From  the  itom.s 

oontaiiMMl  in  the  ajiplication,  tlu)  postmaster  will  make  out  the  money-onler  re(|nired 
in  c<»nformity  therewith,  and  also  the  corresponding  form  of  advice.  The  numey-order, 
■when  completed,  is  to  he  handed  to  the  apidicant  upon  i)ayment  of  the  sutn  expressi-d 
therein  and  of  the  fee  charg<'al)le  tlu'reon,  which  fee  must  invariably  be  p.iid  in  money, 
postage-stamps  not  being  receivable  therefor.  By  the  first  mail  dispatched  to  the 
2)ost-ottice  of  payment  after  the  issue  of  a  money-order,  the  ])ostmaster  m  nst  transmit,  in  a 
sealed  envelope,  the  corresponding  advice  to  the  postmaster  at  the  itost-office  upon 
which  it  is  drawn.  In  forwarding  advices  lie  must  use  only  such  envelopes  as  bear 
the  print<Mi  letters  M.  O.  B.  or  the  words  Monei/  Order  Jiiminess.  Delay  aiul  mistakes 
in  sending  advices  cause  difhculty  in  payment  and  tend  to  discredit  the  system. 
Their  repetition  will  lead  to  the  removal  of  the  negligent  postmaster.  The  utmost 
accuracy  must  be  observed  in  writing  both  the  money-order  and  the  advice,  neither  of 
which  should  be  "post-dated,"  but  each  should  in  every  instance  bear  the  stamp  of  the 
actual  date  of  issue.  The  application  must  be  uumbere  d  to  correspond  with  the  money- 
order  issued,  an<l  tiled  for  future  reference. 

Sec.  987.  Stamping  Money-Orders  and  Advices. — To  insure  at  all  times  a 

clear  imiucssion,  a  special  stamp  must  be  employed  for  stamping  money-onh-rs  and 
advices,  which  should  never  be  used  for  stamping  letters.  Such  stamp  is  not  to  con- 
tain the  postmast  er's  name,  but  only  the  name  of  the  post-office  and  State  or  Territory, 
with  till"  date  of  impression  and  the  letters  M.  O.  H. 

Sec.  988.  Persons  Procuring  Money-Orders  must  Carefully  Examine  them. — 

Parties  proctiring  money-orders  should  examine  them  carefully  to  see  that  they  are 
properly  filled  up  and  stamped.  This  caution  will  appear  the  more  necessary  when 
it  is  understood  that  any  defect  in  this  respect  will  throw  difficulties  in  the  way  of 
payment. 

Sec.  989.  Signature  of  Postmaster  on  Money-Orders  must  be  Written. — 
The  signature  of  the  postmaster  or  designated  clerk  w^lio  issues  a  money-order  must 
invariably  be  written  and  not  stamped  thereon. 

Sec.  990.  When  Errors  are  made  New  Orders  must   be  made  out. — If  an 

error  of  any  kind  bo  made  in  filling  nyi  a  m ouey-onler,  and  it  lie  discovered  at  the 
time  ofissuiug or  before  the  advicehas  been  dispatched,  a  new  money-order  must  be  made 
out,  as  no  alteratiousor  erasures  are  permitted.  The  special  attention  of  postmasters  is 
called  to  this  important  regulation. 

Sec.  991.   How  to  Use  Blank  Money-Orders  and  Advices. — Postmasters 

will  observe  that  the  forms  for  money-orders  and  advices  are  numbered,  consecutively, 
from  1  to  500  or  1,000,  or  to  higher  numbers,  according  to  the  reipiirements  of  the 
issuing  post-office.  This  is  intended  as  a  safeguard  against  the  improper  use  of  the 
blanks  ;  and  therefore  when,  through  mistake  or  from  any  other  cause,  any  of  them 
have  been  spoiled,  the  words  Not  issued  must  be  written  or  stamped  acrossbuth  the  mon- 
ey-order and  the  advice.  The  spoiled  money-order,  with  the  corresjionding  advice,  must 
be  transmitted  to  tlu'  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System  with  the  weekly  state- 
ment, and  must  be  entered  therein  in  its  proper  numerical  order,  with  the  words 
Not  issued  written  opposite,  the  particulars  and  amount  of  the  money-order  being  left 
blank.  A  similar  entry  must  be  made  against  the  corresponding  number  in  the  regis- 
ter of  money-orders  issued.  No  departure  from  this  rule  will  be  permitted,  as  the  Post- 
master-General imperatively  requires  that  every  blank  form  of  a  money-order  sent  to  a 


204  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    KEGULATIONS. 

postmaster  shall  be  accounted  for  at  the  end  of  the  week  in  which  it  is  used,  or  can- 
celed as  spoiled  and  not  issued. 

Sec.  992.  Omitted  and  Defective  Blanks  to  be  Reported. — Money-order 

and  advice  forms  should  be  carefully  examined  by  the  postmaster  immediately  upon 
their  receipt,  and  all  irregularities  reported.  Should  a  blauk  money-order  be  omitted 
i  n  the  book  supplied  to  a  post-office,  the  postmaster  will  make  a  note  thereof  opposite 
the  proper  number  in  the  weekly  statement  in  which  the  money-order  would  have  aj)- 
peared  if  supplied.  He  will  also  make  a  similar  memorandum  in  his  register  of  money- 
orders  issued.  Should  any  of  these  blanks  be  defective  or  mutilated,  the  postmaster 
will  cut  out  and  return  the  same  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System,  and 
treat  the  blank  or  blanks  as  "Not  issued."  Should  any  of  the  blank  money-orders  be 
duplicated,  it  will  only  be  necessary  to  cut  out  the  extra  one  and  return  it  to  the 
Department. 

Sec.  993.  Postmasters  Responsible  for  Loss  of  Money-Order  Forms. — Post- 
masters should  keep  their  stock  of  blauk  money-order  forms  and  advices  iu  their  own 
custody,  under  lock  and  key,  in  some  place  of  security  to  which  unauthorized  persons 
cannot  have  access,  and  they  will  be  held  responsible  for  any  loss  which  the  Depart- 
ment may  suffer  arising  from  fraud  made  possible  through  a  disregard  of  this  regu- 
lation. 

Sec.  994.  How  Postmasters  should  make  x)ut  Advices. — The  given  names 

of  both  remittor  and  payee  must  be  entered  in  the  advice  in  full  when  possible  ;  and 
a  married  woman  must  be  described  by  her  own  name,  and  not  by  that  of  her  husband, 
it  the  former  name  is  known  to  the  remitter.  Thus,  the  appellation  "  Mrs.  JT'i7/m»i 
Brown"  is  defective,  as  it  does  not  accurately  describe  the  payee,  whose  true  name  may 
be  Mrs.  Mary  Brown.  Both  names  and  sums  must  be  written  so  legibly  as  to  etfect- 
nally  guard  against  errors.  When  an  .applicant  is  unable  to  state  the  initials  of  the 
given  name  or  names  of  an  individual  to  whom  he  desires  to  send  a  money-order, 
the  postmaster  must  refuse  to  issue  the  money-order.  A  money-order  should  always 
be  made  payable  to  one  person  or  to  one  firm  only,  and  not  to  either  of  two  or  more 
designated  persons  or  firms. 

Sec.  995.  "When  Second  Advices  should  be  Issued. — When  a  second  or 

duplicate  advice  is  required,  in  conse(pieuce  of  the  original  advice  having  been  spoiled 
in  issuing  a  money-order  or  when  the  original  advice  is  stated  not  to  have  reached  its  desti- 
nation, or  when  it  is  necessary  to  readvise  for  any  reported  discrepancy  in  number, 
name,  or  amount,  one  of  the  spare  advice  forms  headed  "  Second  advice  "  must  be  used. 
Whenever  the  issuing  postmaster  receives  a  "Letter  of  inquiry"  from  the  postmaster 
at  the  post-office  of  payment,' in  "case  of  discrepancy  between  the  advice  and  the 
statement  of  the  payee,"  the  former  will  carefully  examine  the  original  "application," 
and  if  it  agrees  with  the  statement  of  the  payee,  he  will  fill  up  a  "  second  advice" 
from  the  application.  If,  howevei*,  the  application  agrees  with  the  first  advice,  he 
will,  when  practicable,  ascertain  from  the  remitter  what  correction,  if  any,  is  required 
in  the  application,  and  fill  up  the  "second  advice"  accordingly.  But  in  case  the  re- 
mitter cannot  readily  be  found,  the  postmaster  will  simply  fill  up  from  the  application 
a  "second  advice,"  antl  Avrite  thereon  the  words,  Eemittkk  XOT  FOUND. 

Sec.  996.  Amount  of  Money-Order  to  be  in  "Writing. — When  monej'-orders 

are  issued  for  sums  less  than  one  dollar,  or  for  any  amount  iu  complete  dollars,  the 
spaces  for  "  dollars  "  or  "  cents,"  as  the  case  may  be,  both  at  the  head  and  in  the  body 
of  the  money-order,  must  be  filled  up  with  a  heavy  dash,  so  as  in  all  cases  eft'ectually 
to  prevent  any  subseriuent  alteration.  The  amount  in  the  body  of  the  money-order 
must  invariably  be  expressed  iu  writing,  and  not  in  figures. 

Sec.  997.  Money-Orders  may  be  Drawn  upon  what  Post-Offices. — Money- 
orders  can  only  l)e  drawn  upon  such  post-otiiccs  as  are  enumerated  in  the  list  of  money- 
order  post-offices  contained  in  the  United  States  Official  Postal  Guide.  In  issuing  money- 
orders,  the  name  of  the  post-office  drawn  upon  must  not  bo  abbreviated,  but  must  be 
written  in  full  upon  advices  as  well  as  upon  money-orders. 


TITLE    VI — THE   MONEY-ORDER   SYSTEM.  205 

See.  998.  Notice  Money-Order  Post-Offlces  Discontinued. — On  receipt  by 

postmasti'iij  otoiich  uuml)i;r  oftlu!  I'o.stiil  Giiiih-.  tlicy  aii;»lir(;ctc«l  to  reud  caiel'ully  tlu) 
list  of  moncy-onlor  otiices  discontinued,  which  is  placed  at  the  top  of  the  list  of 
nionoy-ordrr  ])()st-f)rtic('s. 

Sec.  999.  Postmasters  to  Instruct  Applicants  on  what  Post-Office  to  Draw. — 

It  is  expected  of  ])(tstni:i.stcis  tliat  tliey  will  exrrci.se  their  jnd^^iiieiit  with  leMjieet  to 
tho  selection  of  the  ])()st-()t1rtce  upon  whi(!li  si  money-order  miiy  he  drawn,  as  the  appli- 
cant, from  lack  of  information,  is  liahle  to  mistakes  as  to  locality  which  may  he  jiro- 
ductivc  of  inconvenieiiee  to  the  p.ayee.  Therefore,  when  occaNiou  reiiuin-s,  postmas- 
ters will  endeavor  to  ascertain  which  is  the  money-order  post-ottice  most  conveniently 
situated  for  the  purpose  of  the  remitter,  and  to  ailviso  him  that  the  money-order  be 
drawn  thereon. 

Sec.  1000.  Money-Orders  to  be  Recorded  when  Issued. — Upou  the  i.ssne  of 
a  money-order,  tlie  postmaster  will  record  all  the  particulars  thereof  in  the  "re{!;ister 
of  money-orders  issued,"  as  directed  hy  the  headings;  and  if  any  subsequent  actirm 
should  l)c  taken  in  reference  thereto  (such,  for  instance,  as  repayment,  tlie  issue  of  a 
duplicate,  etc.),  he  will  note  the  alteration  oxiposit'e  the  entry  in  the  rcf^ister  under  the 
head  of  "Remarks." 

Sec.  1001.  Report  $300  Drawn  upon  other  than  First-Class  Post-Offices. — 

"When  the  a<j;jijrei;ate  amount  of  money-orders  issued  hy  any  money-onler  post-ottice 
in  one  day,  upon  a  post-otUce  of  otlier  than  the  first  class,  equals  or  exceeds  $'.W},  the 
issuing  postmaster  will  he  required  to  send  by  the  first  mail  a  special  notice  of  tho 
fact,  stating  the  amount  drawn  for,  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System. 
(See  Form  No.  6037.)  Postmasters  are  required  to  pay  strict  attention  to  this  rule,  as 
a  neglect  of  tho  duty  it  enjoins  may  result  in  delay  of  payment,  and  consequent  in- 
convenience to  the  payee. 

Sec.  1002.  Advices  to  be  Checked  to  Insure  Correctness. — Postmasters  are 

strictly  enjoined  to  check  their  advices  carefully  before  dispatching  them,  so  as  to  be 
sure  that  they  are  correctly  addressed. 

Sec.  1003.  Reissue  of  Money-Orders.  New  Fee  Required. — After  a  money- 
order  has  been  issued,  if  the  purchaser  desires  to  have  it  modified  or 
changed,  the  postmaster  who  issued  the  order  shall  take  it  back  and 
issue  another  in  lieu  of  it,  for  which  a  new  fee  shall  be  exacted.  (E.  S., 
§  4038.) 

Sec.  1004.  Rules  for  Reissuing  Money-Orders. — When  the  remitter  of  a 

money-order  desires  to  change  the  place  of  payment  oi  the  same,  or  when  a  mistake 
lias  been  made  in  drawing  a  money-order  through  error  of  the  remitter,  the  issuing  post- 
master is  authorized,  with  the  above  restrictions,  to  take  back  the  iirst  money-order, 
Avhich  he  will  repay,  and  issue  another  in  lieu  thereof,  for  which  a  second  fee  must  bo 
charged  and  exacted  as  on  a  new  transaction,  in  accordance  with  the  preceding  section. 
If  the  advice  has  gone  forward  to  the  post-otflce  upon  which  the  original  money-order 
was  drawn,  he  will,  by  the  first  mail,  dispatch  a  special  notice,  informing  the  post- 
master at  that  post-otfice  of  the  repayment  of  said  money-order.  The  special  advice  is 
not  to  be  used  instead  of  the  proper  accompanying  advice  of  the  new  money-order, 
but  is  additional  to  it.  Under  no  circumstances  must  a  postmaster  issue  a  new  money- 
order  in  lieu  of  another  until  the  original  money-order  shall  have  been  returned  to 
him.  Should  the  mistake  be  made  by  the  postmaster  he  will  be  held  responsible 
therefor,  and  must  charge  himself  with  the  fee  for  issuing  the  new  money-order.  If 
the  original  advice  has  not  been  mailed  to  the  paying  post-oflftce,  the  money-order 
should  be  treated  by  the  postmaster  as  "spoiled"  or  not  "issued," in  acconlauce  with 
section  991  of  these  regulations. 

Sec.  1005.  Issue  of  Duplicate  Money-Orders. — Whenever  a  money-order 
has  been  lost,  the  Postmaster-General,  upon  the  applicati()n  of  the 
remitter  or  payee  of  such  order,  may  cause  a  duplicate  thereof  to  be 


206  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

issued,  without  charge,  providing  the  i)arty  losing  the  original  shall  fur- 
nish a  certificate  from  the  postmaster  by  whom  it  was  payable  that  it 
has  not  been,  and  will  not  thereafter  be,  paid ;  and  a  similar  certificate 
from  the  postmaster  by  whom  it  was  issued  that  it  has  not  been,  and 
will  not  thereafter  be,  repaid.     (R.  S.,  §  4040.) 

Sec.  1008.  Duplicate  Money-Orders  Issued  only  by  tli3  Superintendent. — 
In  case  a  money-order  is  lost  in  trausinission,  or  otherwise,  a  duplicate  will  be  issued 
Ijy  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System,  on  the  receipt  of  an  aj)plication 
therefor  from  either  the  remitter,  the  payee,  or  the  indorsee  of  the  original.  Such  ap- 
plication should  be  made  on  Form  No.  6002,  and  should  be  forwarded  to  the  Depart- 
ment by  the  issuing  or  the  paying  postmaster.  The  duplicate  can  be  made  payable 
only  to  the  payee,  or,  in  case  of  indorsement,  to  the  indorsee  of  the  original,  unless  the 
written  consent  of  the  payee  or  indorsee  to  the  repayment  of  the  money-order,  by  dupli- 
cate, to  the  remitter,  shall  have  been  obtained  by  the  latter,  and  duly  filed  in  the  Depart- 
ment. Such  written  consent  must  bear  a  certificate  as  to  its  genuineness  from  the 
postmaster  at  the  place  where  the  payee  resides.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  issuing  and  of 
the  paying  postmaster  to  aid  the  remitter,  as  far  as  they  may  be  able,  in  obtaining  the 
consent  required  by  this  section.  If  the  payee  is  dead,  the  remitter  must  obtain  the 
■written  consent  of  his  legal  representative,  who  should  be  required  to  exhibit  to  the 
postmaster,  who  certifies  to  such  consent,  the  proper  documentary  evidence  of  his  au- 
thority to  act  in  that  capacity.  If  the  owner  of  the  money-order  (whether  the  payee  or 
indorsee),  or  his  legal  representative,  cannot,  after  the  l.-ipse  of  a  reasonable  time,  be 
found,  the  remitter  should  forward  to  the  Department  satisfactory  evidence  of  that  fact, 
if  he  desires  repayment.  A  blank  bond  of  indemnity,  in  a  penal  sum  of  double  the 
amount  of  the  lost  money-order,  will  then  be  sent  him,  to  be  executed  by  himself  and 
two  sureties,  and  returned  to  the  Department :  the  condition  of  such  bond  being  that 
if,  after  the  issue  and  payment  of  a  duplicate  money-order  to  the  remitter,  any  other 
person  establishes  a  valid  adverse  claim  to  the  original  money-order,  the  amount  so 
paid  by  duplicate  shall  be  refunded  to  the  Post-Office  Department.  Upon  full  compli- 
ance with  the  above  requirements,  the  remitter  tlms  situated  will  receive  a  duplicate 
of  the  lost  money-order. 

Sec.  1007.    Duty  of  Postmaster  Applying  for  Duplicate  Money-Order. — 

When  a  postmaster  has  been  informed  by  the  remitter,  payee,  or  indorsee  of  a  money- 
order  that  the  same  has  been  lost  or  destroyed,  he  will  cause  the  said  remitter,  payee,  or 
indorsee  to  sign  a  statement,  setting  forth  the  loss  or  destruction  thereof,  and  contain- 
ing a  request  for  the  issue  of  a^duplicate.  If  the  applicant  is  the  indorsee  of  the  orig- 
inal, his  application  must  be  accompanied  by  a  certificate  to  that  eft'ect  from  the  payee, 
the  genuineness  of  which  must  be  attested  by  the  postmaster  at  the  hitter's  place  of 
residence.  The  postmaster  before  whom  the  application  is  made  will  complete  the 
application  by  enumerating  the  particulars  of  the  lost  money-order,  and  by  stating  to 
whom  the  dui)licate  is  to  be  made  payable,  whether  to  the  payee  or  to  the  indorsee,  and 
also  the  full  address  of  such  person.  He  will  thereupon  execute  the  proper  certificate 
relative  to  the  i)ayment  or  repayment  of  the  original  money-order,  and  di8i)atch  the 
form  to  the  issuing  or  to  the  paying  postmaster,  as  the  case  may  be,  for  his  certificate. 
The  latter  should  be  requested  to  forward  the  paper,  when  completed,  to  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Money-Order  System. 

Sec.  1008.  Second  Advice  Furnished  when  Needed  to  get  Duplicate. — In 

case  both  the  money-order  and  advice  are  lost,  the  issuing  postmaster  will,  upon  receiv- 
ing notice  of  the  loss  of  the  latter  from  the  paying  postmaster,  forward  to  him  a  "sec- 
ond advice,"  embracing  all  the  i)articular8  of  the  missing  advice,  so  that  application 
may  be  made  through  the  paying  postmaster,  and  he  may  be  enabled  to  give  his  cer- 
tificate in  the  maimer  al)Ove  described. 

Sec.  1009.  Original  Money-Order  may  be  Paid  before  Duplicate  is  Issued. — 

Should  the  original  money-order  alleged  to  be  lost  come  into  the  possession  of  the  re- 


TITLE   VI — THE   MONEY-ORDER    SYSTEM.  207 

mittor,  pnyoo,  or  iii<lorsot>  tlKircof,  and  should  th(!  ijostiiiastcr  to  whom  the  moiu-y-onlcr 
is  prt'scntnl  notify  the  IJepurtnR'Ut  ofthf  liict  hoforu  a  dnplicatc  in  i.ssni-d,  «pfci:il  pei- 
iiiission  will  In-  jjivcu  him  to  pay  or  repay,  as  the  case  may  be,  snch  orijrinal  mon«'y- 
order.  IJut  it"  sntllcient  time  ha8  elapsed  for  the  isnuo  of  a  dnplieate,  the  postmaster 
to  whom  the  money-order  is  presented  will  write  across  it  the  words,  Cancklkd — DU- 
PLIOATK  Ari'i.iKO  i"t)U.  If  the  person  who  presents  it  requires  the  jmstmaster  to  return 
it  to  him,  he  may  do  so;  ))nt,  if  not,  the  money-order  should  he  sent  to  tln'  Department. 

Sec.  1010.  Duty  of  Postmaster  Certifying  Non-payment  of  Money-Order. — 

^Vh('U  a  postmaster  sii^us  acertilieatc  that  a  money-order  drawn  upon  his  iiost-otlicc  lias 
not  been  and  will  not  be  paid,  ho  should  at  once  note  the  same  )>y  writing,  in  red 
ink,  across  the  face  of  the  advice  and  under  the  entry  thereof  in  the  register  of  advices 
received,  the  words  Duplicate  applikd  fou — okuiixal  monky-oudku  xot  to  hk 
paid;  ami  in  the  case  of  a  money-order  issued  at  his  post-oftice,  when  he  has  certified 
that  the  original  money-order  has  not  been  and  will  not  be  repaid,  he  will  write  under 
the  entry  of  the  said  money-order,  in  the  register  of  money-orders  issued,  the  words 
Duplicate  applied  for — ouiginal  money-ordeu  not  to  be  repaid.  Neglect  of  this 
rule  may  involve  a  postmaster  in  serious  trouble,  as  he  will  be  held  strictly  accountable 
should  the  original  money-order  be  afterward  paid  or  rejtaid  at  his  post-ofiice. 

Sec.  1011.  Postmasters  cannot  issue  Duplicates. — Duplicate  luouey-onler.s 

will  lie  issued  only  l)y  tlu^  Dt-partnient.  Under  no  circumstances  whatever  will  a  post- 
master be  allowed  to  issue  them. 

Sec.  1012.  On  what  Post-Offices  Duplicates  can  be  Drawn. — A  duplicate 

money-order  can  only  be  drawn  upon  the  issuing  or  on  the  paying  post-oftice  of  the 
original  money-order,  and  becomes  invalid  if  it  bear  more  than  one  indorsement  or  is 
not  presented  for  payment  within  one  year  after  its  date. 


CHAPTER    THREE. 

PAYMENT  OF  DOMESTIC  MONEY-ORDERS. 

Sec.                                                                               I  Sec. 

1013.  Money-order  valid  only  cue  year  from  date,      i  1029.  Money-orders   must  be  correctly   receipted 

1014.  Only  one  indorseiuent  allowed  on    money-  and  stamped. 

order.  1030.  Payment  of  money-order  on  daj'  of  issue. 

1015.  Postmasters  must  have  payees  identified.  1031.  Department  not  responsible  after  pajnueut  of 

1016.  Money-orders  must  not  be  paid  until  advice  money-order. 

is  received.  1032.  How  money -orders  more  than  a  year  old  may 

1017.  Advices  examined  and  filed  as  received.           i  be  paid. 

1018.  Advices  miist  be  kept  secret.                              j  1033.  Advices  to  be  examined  for  money-orders 

1019.  Missent  advices  to  be  remailed.  over  a  year  old. 

1020.  Second  advice  to  be  entered  when  received.  1034.  Payment  of  amounts  of  money-orders  iUe- 

1021.  Precautions  to  be  taken  before  paying  money-  [  gaily  indorsed. 

orders.  1035.  Repayment  of  money -order  to  applicant. 

1022.  Money-orders  not  properly  issued  to  be  re'  \  1036.  Rules  for  repaying  money-orders. 

fused  payment.                                                       |  1037.  Repaid  money-orders  to  be  so  stamped. 

1023.  Inquiry  for  missing  advice.  1038.  Repaid  UKmey-orders  to  be  signed  by  ■whom. 

1024.  Duty  of  postmaster  when  money-order  does  1039.  Repayment  by  duplicate. 

not  agree  with  advice.                                          ,  1040.  .Special  notice  of  repayment,  how  entered. 

1025.  Postmasters  must  provide  against  delays  in  1041.  Po.stmasters  to  pay  only  money-orders  drawn 

paying  money-orders.                                           I  on  their  post-otlices. 

1026.  Paid  money -orders  to  be  stamped  and  re-  1042.  Xotice  to  be  sent  to  payee  of  duplicate. 

corded.  1043.   Postmaster-General   may   stop   paynu>nt  of 

1027.  Payment  by  duplicate  to  be  noted.  money -orders,  when. 

1028.  Payment  upon  power  of  attorney  or  to  legal  1044.  When  postmasti'rs  should  withhold  pajiucut 

representative.  of  inouey-ordi^rs. 

Sec.  1013.  Money-Orders  Valid  only  for  One  Year  from  Date. — Xo  money- 
order  shall  be  valid  and  i)ayable  unless  presented  to  the  postmaster  on 


208  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

whom  it  is  drawn  witliin  one  year  after  its  date ;  bnt  tlie  Postmaster- 
General,  on  the  application  of  the  remitter  or  payee  of  any  snch  order, 
may  cause  a  new  order  to  be  issued  in  lieu  thereof.     (R.  S.,  §4036.) 

Sec.  1014.  Only  One  Indorsement  Allowed  on  Money-Orders. — The  payee 
of  a  money-order  may,  by  his  written  indorsement  thereon,  direct  it  to 
j  be]  paid  to  any  other  person,  and  the  postmaster  on  whom  it  is  draw'n 
shall  pay  the  same  to  the  person  thus  designated,  provided  he  shall  fur- 
nish such  proof  as  the  Postmaster-General  may  prescribe  that  the  in- 
dorsement is  genuine,  and  that  he  is  the  person  empowered  to  receive 
payment;  but  more  than  one  indorsement  shall  render  an  order  invalid 
and  not  payable,  and  the  holder,  to  obtain  payment,  must  apply  in  writ- 
ing to  the  Postmaster-General  for  a  new  order  in  lieu  thereof,  returning 
the  original  order,  and  making  such  proof  of  the  genuineness  of  the  in- 
dorsements as  the  Postmaster-General  may  require.     (R.  S.,  §4037.) 

Sec.  1015.  Postmasters  must  have  Payees  Identified. — ^Wheii  a  money- 
order  is  presented  for  j)aynieut  at  the  post-office  upoa  which  it  is  drawn,  the  post- 
master or  authorized  clerk  will  use  all  j)roper  means  to  assure  himself  that  the  ap- 
plicantisthepersonuamed  andintendedin  theadvice,  oristhe  indorsee  orattorney  of  the 
latter ;  and  npon  payment  of  the  money-order  care  must  be  taken  to  obtain  the  sig- 
nature of  the  payee,  or  of  the  person  authorized  by  him  to  receive  payment,  to  the 
receipt  on  the  face  of  the  money-order.  The  signature  to  the  receipt  upon  the  face  of 
the  money-order  must  be  that  of  the  pei'son  who  presents  and  receives  payment  of  the 
same. 

Sec.  1016.  Money-Orders  must  not  be  Paid  until  Advice  is  Eeceived. — No 

money-order  must  be  paid  until  the  corresponding  letter  of  advice  has  been  received. 

Sec.  1017.  Advices  Examined  and  Filed  as  Received. — As  soon  as  prac- 
ticable after  the.  close  of  each  day's  business,  all  advices  received  during  the  day  must 
be  arranged  and  filed  in  alphabetical  order  according  to  the  name  of  the  issui  ug  post-office 
so  that,  whenever  needed,  they  may  be  referred  to  without  difficulty.  They  must  be 
retained  on  file  for  a  term  of  four  years,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  they  are  to  be 
disposed  of  as  "  waste  i)aper  "  of  the  post-office.  The  postmaster  is  required  to  examine 
each  advice  when  received,  to  see  that  it  is  properly  stamped  and  in  all  respects  regu- 
lar, and  at  the  same  time,  if  found  to  be  drawn  upon  his  post-office,  to  enter  the  par- 
ticulars thereof  in  the  register  of  advices  received.  To  avoid  errors  and  to  facilitate 
payment,  the  ''paid"  and  "unpaid"  advices  should  be  kept  in  separate  packages. 

Sec.  1018.  Advices  must  be  Kept  Secret. — Every  care  should  be  taken  to 

guard  against  the  loss  of  these  important  documents ;  and  with  this  view,  and  to  pre- 
vent their  disarrangement,  they  should  be  kept  under  lock  and  key.  Postmasters, 
assistant  postmasters,  and  money-order  clerks  are  forbidden  to  reveal  to  any  jiersou 
the  information  communicated  to  them  by  the  advices  in  their  possession  of  money- 
orders  drawn  npon  their  respective  post-offices.  Sliould  they  do  so,  in  any  case,  with- 
out special  permission  from  the  Department,  such  action  will  be  regarded  by  the  Post- 
master-General as  sufficient  cause  for  removal. 

Sec.  1019.  Missent  Advices  to  be  Remailed. — In  the  event  of  an  advice 

being  received  of  a  money-order  which  is  not  drawn  upon  his  post-office,  the  post- 
ma^stcr  must  transmit  it  by  the  first  mail  to  its  ])roper  destination,  previously  noting  on  the 
document  the  circumstance  of  its  having  been  missent.  A  strict  compliance  Avitli 
this  regulation  is  of  the  utmost  iuiiiortance  to  jirevent  delay  in  paynu'nt. 

Sec.  1020.  Second  Advice  to  be  Entered  when  Received. — Should  a  second 

advice  bo  received,  correcting  the  number,  name,  or  amount  of  the  original,  the  entry  in 
the  register  should  be  altered  accordinglj',  and  the  second  advice  be  attached  to  the 
original,  and  i>]aced  ou  file. 


TITLE    VI THE    MONKY-ORDER    SYSTEM.  209 

Sec.  1021.  Precautions  to  be  Taken  before  Pa3ring  Money-Orders. — When  a 

moncy-iirdcrisprosciitcd  forpjiyiiicnt,  tlio  ])ostiiiastcr  will  first  «N.iiiiiiif  flicdoriimcrit  tf> 
sec  tliat  it  isjjropcrly  si<;m'(l,  Htaiiipcd,  <'tc.  ;  lif  will  t}i<'ii<'f)nipan' tlirdatf,  nuinlKT,  arid 
amount  with  the  advicf  or  with  tlio  record  tlu'ret^f  in  the  roj^istir  of  advicos  nn-pjvod, 
and  satisfy  himself  that  tlie  ajtplieant  is  the  person  entitled  to  ])ayinent.  Every 
pereon  who  appli(^s  for  payincMit  of  a  money-order  should  he  reipiired  Ity  the  \}<>Ht- 
master  to  prove  his  identity,  unless  the  applicant  is  known  to  l)e  the  ri;;htful  owner 
of  the  money-order.  Special  cautionshould  heexereisedin  the  payment  ofmoney-ordcrB 
issued  in  favor  of  women  or  of  soldiers  or  sailors.  In  the  event  of  a  money-order  having 
been  paid  to  the  wrong  person  through  lack  of  necessary  precatition  on  the  part  of  the 
postmaster,  he  will  V»e  held  aecoiintahle  for  such  payment.  Whoever  identifies  the 
payee  of  a  money-order  should  he  required,  hefore  payment  is  made,  to  write  his  name 
and  residence  on  the  hack  of  the  corresponding  advice,  under  a  statement  that  he 
knows  the  applicant  for  jiayment  to  be  the  person  he  represents  himself  to  be. 
Care  should  be  taken  that  the  signature  of  the  payee  be  as  full  as  the  name  given  in 
the  advice,  and  that  it  be  in  no  way  inconsistent  therewith.  If  the  payee  be  unable 
to  write,  he  must  sign  the  receipt  by  making  his  mark,  to  be  witnessed  in  writing. 
The  witness  should  sign  his  name,  with  his  address,  in  the  presence  of  the  yiostmaster, 
and  the  latter  will  then  certify  the  payment  by  adding  his  own  initials.  The  witness 
should  be  known  to  the  postmaster,  but  it  is  desirable  (though  not  imperative)  that 
he  be  not  connected  with  the  post-office.  In  no  case  should  the  postmaster  act  as  witness 
himself.  It  is  not  absolutely  necessary  that  the  witness  should  be  personally  acquainted 
with  the  payee.  \Vlien  the  payee  of  a  money-order  is  a  bank,  railway  company,  insurance 
company,  municipality,  college,  newspaper,  society,  or  corporation  of  any  kind,  the 
president,  cashier,  manager,  secretary,  treasurer,  agent,  or  the  person  who  has  author- 
ity to  receive  payment  of  moneys  due  such  bank,  railway  company,  «fec.,  must  be 
required  to  sign  the  receipt  on  the  money-order  in  his  official  capacity,  and  the  i)aying 
postmaster  may  exact  satisfactory  proof  that  the  applicant  for  payment  is  duly  author- 
ized to  sign  and  to  receive  payment  of  the  money-order. 

Sec.  1022.  Money-Orders  not  Properly  Issued  to  be  Refused  Payment. — Should 

thestampof  theissuingpostmasterandthe  written  date  be  wanting  upon  amoney-order, 
the  postmaster  at  the  post-office  upon  which  it  is  drawn  nuist  decline  payment,  but  a 
money-order  may  be  paid  notwithstanding  the  absence  of  the  stamp  of  the  issuing  post- 
office,  provided  the  money-order  is  not  defective  in  any  other  respect.  Money-orders 
from  which  the  stamp  of  either  post-office  has  been  omitted  will  be  rejected  as  vouchers 
by  the  Department,  and  will  be  returned  to  the  postmaster  at  fault,  in  order  that  the 
omis.sion  may  be  supplied. 

Sec.  1023.  Inquiry  for  Missing  Advice. — When  a  money-order  is  presented 

for  which  no  advice  has  been  received,  one  of  the  printed  letters  of  inquiry  for  missing 
advices  (Form  No.  6006)  must  at  once  be  dispatched  to  the  postmaster  who  issued  the 
order.  Under  no  circumstances  whatever  can  an  order  be  paid  nntil  the  corresponding 
advice  shall  have  been  received. 

Sec.  1024.  Duty  of  Postmaster  when  Money-Orders  do  not  Agree  with  Advice. — 

When  a  mouey-ordor  is  presented  which  does  not  agree  with  the  advice,  payment  must  be 
refused  until  a  second  advice  can  be  obtained,  unless  the  ditference  be  evidently  acci- 
dental and  tritiing,  in  which  case  the  postmastermay,  if  he  chooses,  pay  the  money-order ; 
but  he  will  be  held  responsible  if  the  payment  should  prove  to  be  incorrect.  Every  case 
of  ditference,  however  small,  between  a  money-order  and  an  advice  should  be  reported 
in  forwarding  the  money-order  at  the  end  of  the  week.  If  the  discrepancy  is  considerable 
and  is  not  corrected  by  a  second  advice,  the  holder  of  the  money-order  shouM  be  directed 
to  return  it  to  the  remitter,  so  that  the  latter  may  present  it  to  the  issuing  postmaster 
for  repayment  and  the  issue  of  a  new  money-order  in  lieu  thereof.  If  the  latter  postmas- 
ter is  responsible  for  the  error,  he  must  charge  himself  with  the  fee  for  the  new  money - 
order.  In  case,  however,  the  amount  stated  in  the  advice  is  less  than  that  in  the  money- 
14  PL 


210  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

order,  pa^nnent  of  the  lesser  amount  may  be  made  to  the  payee  at  ouce,  provided  he 
requests  it.  The  postmaster  must  then  -write  across  the  face  of  the  money-order  this 
memorandum :  Paid  $  ,  amount  or  advice,  ix  compliance  with  payee's  kequest  ; 
and  must  send  to  the  issuing  postmaster  for  a  second  advice.  Should  the  amount  of  the 
second  advice  agree  with  that  of  the  money-order  the  postmaster  will  transmit  to  the 
Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System,  in  an  envelope  marked  "  Special,"  the  paid 
money-order,  together  with  both  advices  and  a  full  statement  of  the  case,  that  he 
may  cause  the  balance  due  on  the  money-order  to  be  paid  to  the  payee.  If  the 
second  advice  agrees  in  amount  with  the  first,  no  further  action  need  be  taken  in  the 
matter. 

Sec.  1025.  Postmasters  Paying  Money-Orders  must  Provide  against  Delays. — 

It  is  the  special  duty  of  the  postmaster  to  provide  as  far  as  possible  against  delay  in  the 
payment  of  money-orders  on  presentation,  by  making  immediate  application  for  funds 
(using  Form  No.  60.36),  whenever  the  amount  of  advices  received  indicates  the  need  of 
assistance  to  enable  him  to  pay  (he  corresponding  money-orders.  He  is  authorized  to 
defer  payment  only  long  enough  to  procure  the  requisite  funds,  and  the  delay,  if  he  is 
prompt  in  making  his  application,  should  not  exceed  five  days.  Should  a  postmaster 
who  has  sufficient  funds  of  the  Department,  whether  arising  from  the  issue  of  money- 
orders  or  from  postages,  in  his  hands,  refuse  to  pay  money-orders  drawn  upon  him 
when  dulj'  presented,  such  refusal  will  be  deemed  sufficient  cause  for  his  immediate 
removal. 

Sec.  1026.  Paid  Money-Orders  to  be  Stamped  and  Recorded. — After  payment 
of  a  money-order,  the  date  of  such  payment  must  immediately  be  stamped  upon  the 
money-order  and  upon  the  advice,  and  likewise  entered  opposite  the  record  thereof 
in  the  register  of  advices  received,  with  the  word  Paid  written  opposite  the  entry,  in 
the  column  headed  "Remarks." 

Sec.  1027.  Payment  by  Duplicate  to  be^SToted. — Wlien  a  money-order  is  paid 

by  duplicate,  the  fact  must  be  noted  iu  the  register  of  advices  received,  by  writing  op- 
posite the  entry  of  the  advice,  in  the  column  of  "Remarks,"  the  words  Paid  by  dupli- 
cate No.  —  (adding  the  number  and  date  of  payment).  The  same  should  be  written 
iu  red  ink  under  the  particulars  of  the  original  order  in  the  weekly  statement. 

Sec.  1028.  Payment  upon  Power  of  Attorney  or  to  Legal  Representative. — 

Postmasters  are  prohibited  from  iiaying  a  money-order  to  a  second  person  without  the 
written  indorsement  to  such  second  person  by  the  payee  on  the  back  of  the  money-order, 
unless  the  payee  has,  by  a  duly  executed  power  of  attorney,  designated  and  appointed 
some  person  to  collect  moneys  due  or  to  become  due  him,  iu  which  case  the  attorney 
should  be  required,  before  payment  is  made  him,  to  file  at  the  post-office  of  payment 
a  certified  coi)y  of  such  jjower  of  attorney,  or  unless  the  payee  has  given  a  written 
order,  addressed  to  the  paying  postmaster,  which  is  to  be  filed  with  the  latter,  author- 
izing a  second  j»ers<m  to  receive  payment  of  and  to  receipt  for  any  specific  money-order 
or  for  all  money-orders,  payable  by  such  postmaster  to  the  i)ayee.  Money-orders  paid 
upon  a  power  of  attorney,  or  upon  a  written  older  from  the  payee,  should  T)ear  upoH 
their  face,  written  or  stamped  in  red  ink,  the  words  Power  of  attorney  on  file, 
or  Written  order  on  file,  as  the  case  may  be. 

Where  money-orders  are  jiaid  upon  an  indorsement,  the  utmost  caution  should  bo 
exercised,  and  before  paying  them  the  jjost master  must  be  satisfied  that  the  signature 
to  the  indorsement  is  genuine,  and  that  the  person  presenting  the  money-order  is  the 
one  named  in  the  indor.sement.  The  i)erson  presenting  the  money-order  should  be 
required,  if  unknown  to  the  postmaster,  to  prove  his  identity.  The  name  of  the  in- 
dorsee to  whom  a  money-order  is  paid  should  be  entered  in  the  column  of  "  Remarks" 
in  the  "register  of  advices  received," 

In  case  of  the  death  of  the  payee  the  money-order  is  to  be  paid  to  his  "legal  repre- 
sentative," whether  executor  or  administrator,  who  should  be  required  to  satisfy  the 
paying  postmaster  of  his  authority  to  act  in  such  cajjacity,  and  to  sign  the  receipt  to 
the  money-order  as  executor  or  administrator,  as  the  case  may  be.     A  money-order 


TITLE    VI THE    MONEY-OKDEK    SYSTEM.  211 

l>;iyiil)l(>  to  ;i  firtii,  bank,  or  r(»iM]iiiiiy  wliii'li  liiis  ccjisrd  to  (;xisf,  imiMt  Im-  |)iiitl  to  llin 
Ifjiiil  rcpi'csciitnl  i\  <•  tlincof. 

Sec.  1029.  Money-Orders  must  be  Correctly  Receipted  and  Stamped. — Any 

moiH'y-onlir  not  corifcll.v  n-cciiited,  or  not  8tani]>('(l  witli  tin-  date  of  [layniint,  will  Ix- 
disallowed  from  tlic  wi't-kly  acronnt  and  n-turni-d  for  correction. 

Sec.  1030.  Payment  of  Money-Order  on  Day  of  Issue. — Tlie  Dcpartnient 

docs  not  undertako  to  secure  payment  of  a  money-order  on  the  day  of  its  issu<i,  but 
the  postmaster  at  the  post-office  drawn  upon  may,  if  lie  has  rcceivefl  the  correspondiug 
advice,  m.nke  payment  on  that  day. 

Sec.  1031.  Department  not  Responsible  after  Payment  of  Money-Order. — 

After  once  payinjj  a  money-order,  by  whomsoever  presented,  provided  t  In-  rccpiired  infor- 
mation has  been  given  by  the  party  who  pre.sented  it,  tlie  Department  will  not  hold 
itself  liable  to  any  further  chiim,  hut  in  ease  of  improper  payment  of  a  mouey-ordor, 
will  endeavor  to  recover  the  amount  for  the  owner. 

Sec.  1032.  .How  Money-Orders  more  than  a  Year  Old  may  be  Paid. — Any 

money-order  which  is  not  presented  for  payment  until  after  the  expiration  of  one  year 
from  the  date  thereof,  is  declared  "invalid  aud  not  payable"  by  section  lOlli,  and  the 
postmaster  to  wliom  such  money  order  is  presented  must  refuse  payment  of  the  same. 
In  order  to  obtain  payment  of  such  invalid  money-order,  the  holder  will  bo  required 
to  forward  the  same,  throuf^h  the  issiling  or  the  paying  postmaster,  to  the  Suporiu- 
tendeut  of  the  Money-Order  System  of  the  Post-Office  Department.  (See  Form  No. 
6003.)  If  the  Department  is  satisfied  that  the  money-order  has  not  been  paid,  a  dupli- 
cate will  be  issued  payable  to  the  remitter,  payee,  or  in<lorsee,  as  may  be  reqmvsted  in 
the  application,  and  the  same  will  be  sent  to  the  postmaster  for  delivery  or  payment, 
as  the  case  may  be. 

Sec.  1033.  Examine  Advices  for  Money-Orders  over  one  Year  Old. — The 

register  of  advices  received  should  bo  carefully  examined  at  least  once  a  week,  with  a 
view  to  ascertain  whether  any  of  the  unpaid  advices  entered  therein  have  become  in- 
valid by  reason  of  being  more  than  one  year  old;  and  should  it  be  found  that  any  of 
tliem  have  become  invalid  for  the  reason  stated,  the  several  dates  and  numbers  thereof 
in  the  register  must  he  underscored  in  red  ink,  and  the  advices  picked  out  at  the  close 
of  the  week  aud  forwarded  to  the  Department ;  the  envelope  containing  the  same 
being  indorsed  Advicks  of  invalid  ordeus.  Under  the  corresponding  entries  thereof 
in  the  register  should  be  written,  Ixvalid— AD^^CE  forwarded  to  the  Department 
,  187 — .     A  strict  compliance  with  this  regulation  is  of  the  first  importance. 

Sec.  1034.  Payment  of  Amounts  of  Money-Orders  Illegally  Indorsed. — It  Ls 

provided  by  law  (section  1014)  that  more  than  one  indorsement  upon  a.  money-order 
t^hall  render  the  same  invalid  and  not])ayable.  Hence,  the  postmaster  to  whom  a  money- 
order,  whether  "original"  or  "duplicate,"  thus  illegally  indorsed  is  presented,  must 
refuse  payment  of  the  same ;  and  the  holder  thereof,  to  obtain  payment  of  the  money- 
order,  is  required  to  forward  the  same,  with  au'application  for  renewal,  to  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Money-Order  System,  and  to  furnish  the  statement,  under  oath  or  allirma- 
tion,  of  two  responsible  persons  known  to  the  postmaster  (whose  certificate  shall  be 
appended  thereto)  that  the  indorsement  is  genuiue,  and  that  the  holder  is  the  person 
named  therein.  (See  Form  No.  (i003.)  Upon  his  compliance  with  these  reciuirements, 
a  duplicate  of  the  illegally  indorsed  money-order  will  be  issued,  as  above.  In  all  cases 
of  lost  or  invalid  money-orders,  the  owner  of  the  money-order  (whether  remittor, 
payee,  or  indorsee)  may  make  ajjplication,  through  either  the  issuing  or  the  paying 
]iostmaster,  for  a  duplicate ;  and  it  is  the  duty  of  the  i>ostmaster  to  whom  such  applica- 
tion shall  be  made  to  till  up  and  dispatch  the  proper  forms  therefor.  The  duplicate 
will  be  issued  agreeably  to  the  request  contained  in  the  postmaster's  letter — i.  c,  to  the 
remitter,  payee,  or  indorsee— and  made  payable  at  the  issuing  or  the  paying  post-ofhce, 
as  may  be  desired,  and  forwarded  to  the  address  specified  by  the  ai>plicant. 

Sec.  1035.  Repayment  of  Money-Order  to  Applicant— The  postina.ster  issu- 
ing a  money -order  shall  repay  the  amount  of  it  upon  application  of  the  per- 


212  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

son  who  obtained  it,  and  the  return  of  the  order;  but  the  fee  paid  tor  it 
shall  not  be  returned.     (R.  S.,  §  4039.) 

Sec.  1038.  Rules  for  Eepaying  Money-Orders. — A  postmaster  may  repay  a 

money-order  issued  at  his  own  post-office,  provided  the  money-order  is  presented  to  him 
for  that  i^urpose,  and  is  less  than  one  year  old,  and  does  not  bear  more  than  one  indorse- 
ment ;  bntthe  repayment  must  be  made  to  the  person  who  obtained  the  money-order, 
except  in  special  cases.  (See  section  1038.)  If  the  advice  has  gone  forward  to  the 
poet-office  upon  which  the  money-order  was  drawn,  the  postmaster  will,  by  the  first 
mail,dispatch  a  special  advice  (Form  No.  6036)  notifying  that  post-office  of  the'repay- 
ment.  If  the  advice  has  not  gone  forward,  it  is  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Superintend- 
ent of  the  Money-Order  Sj'^stem,  inclosed  with  the  corresponding  repaid  money-order  in 
the  weekly  account.     The  fee  must  not  in  any  case  be  refunded. 

Sec.  1037.  Repaid  Money-Orders  to  be  so  Stamped. — The  word  Repaid  (and 
the  date)  must  be  written  or  stamped  on  the  face  of  every  repaid  money-order,  and  a 
corresponding  entry  made  in  the  register  of  money-orders  issued,  against  the  par- 
ticulars of  the  money-order  and  in  the  column  headed  "Remarks." 

Sec.  1033.  Repaid  Money-Orders  to  be  Signed,  by  Whom. — Every  money- 
order  repaid  must  be  signed  by  the  remitter  or  jierson  who  procured  it.  But  if  he 
should  be  unable  to  make  application  for  such  repayment  in  person,  it  can  be  made  to 
another  party,  in  which  case  the  remitter  will  fill  up  the  indorsement  upon  the  back 
with  the  name  of  the  person  to  whom  he  wishes  the  payment  made,  and  sign  his  own 
name  thereto,  substituting  the  word  "remitter"  for  that  of  "payee,"  where  the  latter 
occurs.  But  postmasters  will  exercise  the  greatest  caution  in  repaying  a  money-order 
to  a  second  person.  It  may  occasionally  ha|ipen  that  a  money-order  is  presented  for 
payment  at  the  post-office  of  issue  by  the  payee.  The  issuing  postmaster  is  at  liberty 
to  pay  the  money-order  in  such  case,  and  treat  it  as  "repaid,"  provided  he  is  satisfied 
as  to  the  identity  of  the  payee,  and  that  the  latter  has  good  reasons  for  presenting  the 
order  at  his  post-office.  Across  the  face  of  the  order  should  be  written  these  words, 
viz:  Repaid  to  thk  payee,  and  a  "special  advice  of  repayment"  should  be  forwarded 
to  the  post-office  on  which  the  mdfney-order  was  drawn. 

Sec.  1039.  Repayment  by  Duplicate. — When  a  money-order  is  repaid  by 

duplicate,  the  fact  must  be  noted  in  the  register  of  money-orders  issued,  by  writiiig 
opposite  the  entry  of  the  original  money-order,  in  the  column  of  "Remarks,"  the  words 
Repaid  by  duplicate  No.  —  (adding  the  number  and  the  date  of  repayment).  Special 
notice  must  also  be  sent  to  the  post-office  on  which  the  original  money-oixler  was  drawn. 
In  taking  credit  for  such  repayment  in  the  sunniiary  of  the  weekly  statement,  the 
postmaster  will  enter  the  number  of  the  original  monej^-order,  and  also  that  of  the  dupli- 
cate, thus,  "By  money-order  No.  1286  (repaid  by  duplicate  120),  ^19.25." 

Sec.  1040.  Special  Notice  of  Repayment,  how  Entered. — When  a  post- 
master receives  a  special  notice  of  the  repayment  of  a  money-order  by  the  issuing  post- 
master, he  will  write  the  words  Repaid  at (naming  the  place  and  date)  oppo- 
site the  entry  in  the  register  of  advices  received,  and  also  upon  the  original  advicei 
which,  .after  having  attached  the  special  notice  thereto,  he  will  pl.ace  on  lil(^ 

Sec.  1041.  Postmasters  Pay  only  Money-Orders  on  their  Post-Offices. — jS^o 

postmaste)'  will  be  permitted  to  pay  a  money-order  which  is  not  drawn  upon  his  post- 
office.  This,  however,  does  not  preclude  the  repayment  of  a  money-order  at  the  post- 
office  where  it  was  drawn,  .as  s{)ecified  in  section  1036.  The  postmaster  at  the  post- 
office  drawn  upon  m.ay  also  jiay  a  money-order  to  the  remitter  thereof,  but  such  Jiair- 
menti  should  be  mad(^  with  great  caution,  as  prescribc'd  in  section  WAS. 

Sec.  1042.  Notice  to  be  Sent  to  Payee  of  Duplicate. — The  postmaster  who 

receives  from  the  Departnumt  a  duplicate  payable  by  him  must  forthwith  send  notice 
to  the  ijayco  of  such  duplicate  to  call  for  payment.  In  jtaying  a  duplicate  order  the 
postmaster  is  iHsquirod  to  exercise  the  same  precautions  as  in  paying  an  original  order. 

Sec.  1043.  Postmaster-General  may  Stop  Payment  of  Money-Orders,  when. — 


TITLE    VI — THH    MONEY-ORDER    SYSTEM.  218 

The  Postmaster-General  may,  upon  evidence  satisfactory  to  liim  that 
any  person  is  (Mi^;i<;e«I  in  coiKliictinj;  any  fraudulent  lottery,  j^ilt  enter- 
prise, or  scheme  for  the  distribution  of  money,  or  of  any  real  or  jiersonal 
property,  by  lot,  chance,  or  drawing  of  any  kind,  or  in  conducting  any 
other  scheme  or  device  for  obtaining  money  through  the  mails  by  means 
of  false  or  irau<lulent  pretenses,  representations,  or  promises,  forbid  the 
payment,  by  any  postmaster,  to  any  such  person  of  any  ])ostal  money- 
order  drawn  to  his  order  or  in  his  favor,  and  may  provide  by  regulations 
for  the  return,  to  the  remitter,  of  the  sums  named  in  such  money-orders. 
But  this  shall  not  authorize  any  person  to  open  any  letter  not  addressed 
to  himself.     (K.  S.,  §  4041.) 

Sec.  1044.  Payment  of  Money-Orders  to  be  Withheld,  When, — {a)  Pay- 
ment of  a  money-order  may  be  with  hcklby  the  paying  postmaster,  upon  the  re(;eipt  of  a 
written  retinest  from  the  issuing  postmaster  or  the  remitter,  for  a  sufficient  time  to  ena- 
ble the  remitter  to  furnish  the  paying  postmaster  with  proof  that  the  money-order  wa8 
procured  bVihim  through  false  representations,  or  other  fraudulent  action  of  the  payee, 
who  is  fnrthermore  alleged  by  him  to  be  engaged  in  conducting  a  scheme  or  deviw 
for  obtaining  money  through  the  mails  by  means  of  false  or  fraudulent  pretenses, 
representations,  or  promises.  The  case,  together  with  the  proof  furnished,  must  be 
referred  to  the  Department,  in  order  that  the  Postmaster-General  may,  under  the 
authority  given  him  by  the  preceding  section,  if  the  evidence  is  satisfactory  to  him, 
forbid  the  payment  of  the  money-order,  and  direct  the  return  of  the  amount  thereof 
to  the  remitter  upon  api)lication  of  the  latter  for  a  duplicate. 

(b)  In  cases  in  which  payment  of  a  money-order  to  the  payee  is  not  forbidden  by 
the  Postmaster-General  under  the  conditions  above  mentioned,  the  payee  is  entitled 
to  payment,  ''  notwithstanding  the  protest  of  the  remitter  of  the  money-order;  and  the 
remitter  of  a  money-order  cannot  forbid  the  payment  of  it  by  any  notice  to  the  post- 
office  at  which  it  is  made  payable  before  it  has  been  paid."  The  above  quotation  is 
from  volume  xiv,  page  110,  Official  Opinions  of  the  Attorneys-General  of  the  I'uited 
States.  The  possession  of  a  money-order  by  the  remitter,  payee,  or  indorsee  thereof  is 
prima-fade  evidence  of  ownership. 

(c)  When  a  postmaster  receives  by  mail  a  letter  containing  a  money-order  drawn  upon 
him,  purporting  to  be  receipted  on  the  face  bj-  the  payee  thereof,  or  to  be  made  pay- 
able to  such  postmaster  by  the  indorsement  of  the  payee,  with  a  request  to  transmit 
to  the  payee  by  mail,  iu  money  or  by  draft,  the  amount  of  the  money-order,  the  post- 
master should  decline  to  comply  with  this  request,  and  should  notify  the  payee  that 
he  will,  if  the  latter  consents,  forward  to  him  a  new  money-order,  drawn  upon  any 
money-order  post-office  which  the  payee  may  designate,  for  an  amount  eqiial  to  the 
money-order  received,  less  the  fee  for  the  new  money -order.  If  the  payee  declines,  in 
a  ease  of  this  kind,  to  give  his  consent  to  the  issue  of  a  new  money-order,  the  post- 
master will  send  back  to  him  the  receipted  or  indorsed  money-order. 

(d)  When  a  motiey-order  is  presented* for  payment,  in  which  the  t)nly  defect  is  that 
the  name  of  the  State  in  which  the  paying  post-otlice  is  situated  is  eiTone(msly  given, 
the  postmaster  is  at  liberty  to  jiay  such  money-order  at  his  own  risk,  provided  there 
is  no  other  obstacle  to  payment,  and  that  he  has  on  hand  the  corresponding  advice  of 
the  same  number  and  date,  which  advice  gives  correctly  the  name  of  his  post-office 
and  of  his  State.  After  having  paid  a  money-order  of  this  description,  the  postmaster 
will  write  across  the  face  thereof  the  following  statement :  Thk  corkkspoxding 

ADVICE   OF   THIS   MOXEY-ORDEK   IS   CORRECTLY   DRAWN   ON   THIS    POST-OFKICE,    whlch 

statement  he  will  duly  si^rn  and  date. 


214 


POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


CHAPTER    FOUR. 
ISSUE  AND  PAYMENT  OF  FOREIGN  MONEY-ORDERS. 


Sec. 

1045.  Exchange  of  money-orders  witli  Great  Brit- 

ain. 

1046.  International  money-order.s,  how  drawn. 

1047.  Form  of  application  for  international  money. 

order. 

1048.  Issuing  postmaster  not  to  decide  coin  value 

of  currency. 
1043.  Postmaster  at  New  York  decides  coin  value 
of  currency. 

1050.  Lists  of  international  money-orders. 

1051.  Payment  of  international  money-orders. 

1052.  Inquiry  for  missing   international   money- 

orders. 

1053.  Repayment  of  international  money-orders. 

1054.  Issue     of    duplicate    international    money - 

orders. 

1055.  Exchange  of  money-orders  with   Gei-manyi 

Switzeiland,  and  Italy. 

1056.  Fees  for  money-orders  on  Switzerland  and 

Italy. 


Sec. 

1057.  Fees  for  money-orders  on  Germany. 

1058.  Special  rules  for  money-orders  on  Gei-many. 

Switzerland,  and  Italy. 

1059.  Interchange  of  money-orders  with  Canada. 

1060.  Issue  of  money-orders  on  Canada  and  New- 

foundland; inland  offices. 

1061.  Postmasters  not  to  decide  value  of  currency 

in  Canadian  money. 

1062.  Applications  for  Canadian  money-orders. 

1063.  Payment  of  Canadian  money -oiders. 

3064.  Daily  report  of  premium  on  gold  to  be  filed. 
1065.  Canadian  money-orders   to    be  stamped   on 

receipt. 
1006.  Repayment  of  Canadian  money-orders. 

1067.  Invalid  Canadian  money-orders. 

1068.  Inquiry  about  Canadian  money-orders. 

1069.  Issue  of  duplicate  Canadian  money -orders. 

1070.  General  rules  for  international  money -order 

business. 

1071.  "When  gold  and  paper  are  at  par. 


Sec.  1045.  Exchange  of  Money-Orders  with  Great  Britain. — The  exchange 

of  money-orders  between  the  United  States  and  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain 
and  Ireland,  i.s  to  be  effected  through  the  agency  of  two  post-offices,  termed  "inter- 
national exchange  post-offices."  The  international  exchange  post-office  on  the  part 
of  the  United  States  is  New  York,  and  that  on  the  part  of  the  United  Kingdom  is 
London. 

Sec.  1046.  International  Money-Orders,  how  Drawn. — Certain  money-order 

post-offices  in  this  country,  designated  for  the  purpose  by  the  Postmaster-General,  are 
authorized  to  issue  money-orders  on  the  postmaster  at  New  York,  payable  to  bene- 
ficiaries in  the  United  Kingdom,  and  to  pay  money-orders  i.ssned  bj'  that  ])osf  master 
for  sums  remitted  by  the  Postal  Department  of  the  United  Kingdom  for  payment  to 
beneficiaries  in  the  United  States.  Hence,  a  postma.ster  in  either  country  cannot 
draw  an  international  money-order  for  an  amount  deposited  with  him  directly  upon 
a  postmaster  in  the  other,  but  must  draw  the  same  upon  the  international  exchange 
post-office  of  his  own  country.  An  intei'uational  money-order  must  not  be  drawn  for 
a  larger  .sura  than  $50  in  United  States  currency,  and  must  not  contain  a  fractiimal 
part  of  a  cent.  The  fees  for  the  issue  of  interuational  money-orders  are  as  follows, 
viz:  On  money-orders  not  exceeding  $10,  25  ceuts;  over  $10  and  not  exceeding  $20,  50 
cents ;  over  $20  and  not  exceeding  $30,  75  cents ;  over  $30  and  not  exceeding  $40,  $1 ; 
over  $40  and  not  exceeding  $50,  $1.25.  Postmasters  are  not  permitted  to  receive  in 
payment  for  international  money-orders  issued  by  them,  or  to  pay  for  snch  money- 
orders  drawn  upon  them,  anj-  money  that  is  not  a  legal  tender,  except  national-bank 
notes. 
Sec.  1047.  Form  of  Application  for  International  Money-Order. — A  special 

form  of  api)liciition  (Form  No.  (J201)  must  Ik- furnished  to  the  api)licant  for  an  inter- 
national money-order  payable  in  Great  Britain.  On  this  form  he  must  enter  all  the 
particulars  of  the  amount,  names,  iiddress,  etc.,  .and  must  state  the  full  n.ame  and 
exact  residence  of  the  payee,  giving  the  town  or  village,  and  county.  From  the 
items  contained  in  such  application,  the  issuing  postmaster  will  fill  up  the  internation.al 
money-order  and  coupon,  both  of  which  he  will,  by  the  next  outgoing  mail,  dispatch. 
without  separating  them,  to  the  postmaster  at  New  York.     The  corresponding  cortifi- 


TITLE    VI THE    MONEY-ORDER    SYSTEM.  215 

cate  of  th(>  samo,  number  and  date  lio  will  di'livcr,  when  completed,  to  tin-  rf-ntittcr, 
as  a  rot'cipt  for  tho  amount  paid  in  by  tlic  latter.  No  ''advice"  is  used  at  the  issuing 
post-oHice  in  this  interuatioiial  system,  inasmuch  as  the  money-order,  insteail  of  being 
delivered  to  the  remitter  for  transmission,  is  forwarded  directly  by  the  issuing  post- 
master to  tiic  ''exihange"  post-oflice  at  New  York.  The  particulars  of  the  money- 
order  are  to  hci  entered  in  tlie  register  of  international  nion«'y-cM(b'rs  issued,  and  the 
apjilication  must  be  retained  on  tile.  The  general  rules  in  regard  to  issuing  domesti* 
money-orders  contained  in  the  domestic  money-order  instructions  are  to  be  observed 
in  the  issue  of  international  money-orders,  in  so  far  as  these  rules  are  applicable. 
The  postmaster,  however,  must  ret'nse  to  issue  a  money-order  payable  to  any  person, 
if  the  surname  and  the  initial  hotter  of  that  person's  luimc^  are  not  furnished  by  the 
apjilicant,  unless  the  payee  be  a  peer  or  a  bishop,  in  which  case  his  ordinary  title 
is  sufticieut.  If  the  payee  be  a  tirm,  the  usual  designation  of  such  firm  will  suffice, 
such  as  "  Baring  Bros.,''  "  Smith  »&  Sou,"  ".Jones  &  Co." ;  but  the  mc're  term  "  Messrs.," 
such  as  "Messrs.  Rivington,"  or  the  name  of  a  company  trading  under  a  title  "which 
does  not  consist  of  the  names  of  the  persons  composing  such  company,  as,  for  example, 
"The  Carron  Company,"  must  not  be  accepted  as  suflftcieut  by  the  issuing  postmaster, 
who  will  decline  to  issue  a  money-order  on  the  United  Kingdom  in  favor  of  such  payee, 
as  i)aymeiit  thereof  would  be  refused  in  th.af  country. 

Sec.  1048.  Issuing  Postmaster  not  to  Decide  Coin  Value  of  Currency. — The 

issuing  postmaster  must  not  undertake  to  decide  detinitively  upon  the  actual  value  in 
United  States  gold  coin  of  a  certain  sum  in  currency  for  which  an  international  money- 
order  is  issued.  He  is  at  liberty,  h(nvever,  to  advise  the  remitter  as  to  its  ai)proximato 
value,  which  may  be  found  to  differ  materially  from  the  real  value,  as  the  latter  is  to 
be  comput(>d  upon  the  basis  of  the  premium  upon  gold  on  the  day  of  the  receipt  of 
the  money-order  l)y  the  postmaster  at  New  York.  Hence,  this  Department  cannot 
undertake,  on  behalf  of  a  remitter  in  this  country,  to  pay  a  determinate  sum  in  gold 
in  the  United  Kingdom.  As  the  pren'ium  on  gold  is  variable,  it  is  evident  that  an  in- 
ternational money-order  issued  for  a  sum  in  United  States  currency  may,  when  received 
at  the  exchange  post-office  at  Now  York,  yield  a  sum  in  gold  greater  or  less  than  that 
considered  at  the  post-otfice  of  issue  as  the  equiA\ilent  of  such  money-order.  For  the 
same  reason,  the  value  in  United  States  currency  of  a  money-order  in  gold,  certified 
by  the  exchange  office  at  London  to  the  exchange  post-office  at  New  York,  would  depend 
upon  the  premium  on  gold  on  the  day  of  the  receipt  of  the  list  containing  such  certified 
ordei-.  This  Department,  therefore,  cau  only  agree  to  cause  a  payment  to  be  made  to 
a  beneficiary  in  Great  Britain  of  the  gold  value  of  any  international  money-order 
issued  for  an  amount  in  United  States  currency,  and  to  pay  to  a  beneficiary  in  this 
country  the  currency  value  of  an  international  money-order  in  gold  from  Great  Britain. 
To  guard  against  misapprehension,  postmasters  will  l)c  careful  to  exjilain  this  point 
fully  to  remitters  and  to  payees. 

Sec.  10i9.  Postmaster  of  New  York  Decides  Coin  Value  of  Currency. — Wlieii 

the  international  money-order  and  coupon  are  received  by  the  postmaster  at  New  York, 
the  latter  will  stamp  thereon  the  date  of  receipt,  and  insert  the  items  to  be  filled  iuby 
him,  viz:  "Premium  on  gold  the  day  of  receipt  at  New  York";  "Value  of  money- 
order  in  United  States  gold";  "Value  of  nnmey-order  in  sterling";  "Date  and  number 
of  list  in  which  money-order  was  certified  to  the  United  Kingdom  ";  "  Current  number 
of  certified  money-order."'  When  the  coupon  has  been  c(uni)leted  by  the  postmaster 
at  New  York,  he  will  return  it  to  the  issuing  postmaster,  who  will  place  it  on  file  with 
the  corr(!sponding  application  for  reference,  in  case  the  remitter  of  the  money-order 
desires  information  as  to  the  value  thereof  in  gold  when  received  at  New  York,  the 
amount  transmitted,  or  the  date  of  transmission.  It  is  expected  that  the  issuing  post- 
master will  cheerfully  and  promptly  comply  with  a  reiiuest  of  the  remitter  for  infor- 
mation as  to  any  of  these  points. 

Sec.  1850.  Lists  of  International  Money-Orders. — It  is  tbe  duty  of  the 

postn'iaster  at  New  York  to  enter  the  particulars  of  each  British  international  money- 


216  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

order  issued  in  this  country  and  received  by  him  since  his  last  previous  dispatch  to 
Great  Britain  in  a  blank  form  called  a  "List  of  international  jiostal  orders,"  which 
list  he  transmits  by  the  next  transatlantic  mail  to  the  exchange  post-office  at  London, 
together  with  his  certificate  that  the  several  amounts  of  these  money -orders  have  been 
duly  received  in  the  United  States  for  payment  in  the  United  Kingdom  to  the  persons 
named  in  that  list.  He  also  forwards  at  the  same  time  a  money-order  drawn  by  him, 
in  sterling,  in  favor  of  and  addressed  to  each  payee  mentioned  in  the  list,  which  order 
the  exchange  office  at  London  undertakes  to  send,  free  of  postage,  to  the  payee.  The 
postmaster  at  New  York,  therefore,  retains  on  file  all  international  money-orders  drawn 
on  him  by  postmasters  in  the  United  States,  but  forwards  to  the  United  Kingdom  a 
descriptive  list  thereof,  together  with  corresponding  money-orders,  payable  in  sterling, 
made  out  by  him  in  favor  of  the  several  beneficiaries.  The  exchange  post-office  at 
London,  in  like  manner,  transmits  by  each  transatlantic  mail  to  the  postmaster  at  the 
exchange  i)ost-office  at  New  York  a  similar  list  of  international  money-orders  for  sums 
received  in  the  United  Kingdom  for  payment  to  beneficiaries  in  the  United  States. 
The  receiving  exchange  post-office  at  New  York  immediately  issues  a  money-order  in 
favor  of  each  beneficiary  for  an  amount  in  United  States  currency  equivalent  to  that 
in  gold  mentioned  in  the  certified  list,  which  money-order  is  payable  by  the  money- 
order  post-office  nearest  his  place  of  residence,  and  is  transmitted  to  the  postmaster 
at  such  post-office.  It  is  provided  by  the  Convention  that  each  exchange  post-office 
shall,  in  the  certified  lists,  state  the  amounts  of  the  money-orders  in  the  denominations 
of  the  money  of  the  dispatching  and  of  the  receiving  country,  and  that,  in  the  trans- 
action of  the  international  money-order  business,  the  pound  sterling  of  Great  Britain 
.shall  be  considered  as  equivalent  in  value  to  four  dollars  and  eighty-six  cents  of  the 
gold  coin  of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  1051.  Payment  of  International  Money-Orders. — Upon  the  receipt  of 

an  international  money-order,  issued  by  the  postmaster  at  New  York  upon  the  post- 
master of  a  money-order  post-office  in  this  country,  the  latter  will  enter  the  particulars 
thereof  in  his  register  of  international  money-orders  received.  He  will  then  send  a 
notification  (Form  No.  6704)  to  the  payee  to  apply  for  payment  of  the  order  in  person 
or  by  his  duly  authorized  agent,  who  must  file  with  the  paying  postmaster  his  written 
authority  from  the  payee  to  receive  payment  of  the  money-order  and  execute  a  receipt 
therefor,  and  must  prove  his  identity  if  required  to  do  so.  Such  written  authority, 
when  given  by  a  payee  who  does  not  reside  within  the  delivery  of  the  post-office  of 
payment,  should  be  executed  in  the  in^esence  of  the  postmaster  of  his  locality,  and 
should  bear  a  certificate  from  the  latter  to  that  effect,  as  well  as  the  impression  of  his 
post-office  stamp.  The  date  of  payment  must  immediately  be  stamped  upon  the  in- 
ternational money-order  and  likewise  entered  opposite  the  record  thereof  in  the 
register,  and  the  paid  money-order  imist  be  forwarded  to  the  Department  as  a  voucher 
with  the  weekly  statenuMit  of  international  money-(n-der  business. 

Sec.  1052.  Inquiry  for  Missing  International  Money-Order. — Should  inquiry 

be  made  at  the  post-office  for  a  money-order  from  Great  Britain,  notice  of  which  had 
been  received  by  the  jjayee  from  the  remittci',  but  wliich  had  not  reached  the  post- 
master, he  will  send  a  letter  of  inquiry  upon  the  subject  to  the  postmaster  at  New 
York.  The  latter,  in  case  an  international  money-order  luid  been  drawn  by  him 
upon  the  postmaster  in  favor  of  the  payee  and  had  been  lost  in  transmission,  will  take 
measures  to  furnish  a  duplicate  thereof. 

Sec.  1053.  Repayment  of  International  Money-Orders. — Whenever  the  re- 
mitter of  an  international  money-order,  i)ayable  in  tin;  United  Kingdom,  makes  appli- 
cation to  the  issuing  postmaster  for  repayment  of  the  amount  thereof,  the  latter  should 
immediately  communicate  the  fact  to  this  Department,  whereupon,  if  the  money-order 
has  not  already  been  certified  by  the  exchange  post-office  at  New  York  to  the  exchange 
post-office  at  London  for  payment,  the  issuing  postmaster  will  be  authorized  to  repay 
the  amount  of  such  money-order.  But  if  it  has  been  so  certified,  this  Department  will 
notify  the  Postal  Department  of  Great  Britain  that  application  has  been  made  for  its 


I 


TITLE    VI — TIIK    MONEY-ORDER    SYSTEM.  217 

repaymoiit,  iiiid,  should  it  not  li.ivc  lutii  paid  in  that  country  at  tlio  date  of  the  r<!Cf'ipt 
of  tho  notilicatioii,  it.  will  hr  n-critirKMl  to  tli<-  cxchanj:!'  post-ortif*?  at  Now  York,  in 
duo  coui-S(^  of  liiisiucss,  for  rcimymriit.  Authority  will  thru  he  jjiveu  flu-  iHnuiuji  jmst- 
master  to  repay  t  lie  s:uni'.  All  nuuicy-onU-rs  (u-rtifiid  to  th»5  Postal  Df-partiui-ut  of 
cither  country,  which  for  any  reason  cannot  he  paid  within  twelve  niontliH  from  tlie 
njoi\th  of  issu(>,  hecome  invalid,  and  will  he  recertilied  to  the  country  of  issin-  for  re- 
payment, or  other  disposal,  in  accordance  with  the  hiws  ami  rt  fiulations  of  that 
country.  Postmasters  will  therefore  take  care  to  forward  proini>tly  to  this  ])fi»art- 
nuuit  all  invalid  money-orders  of  this  kind,  with  their  weekly  stat<'iiients  containing,'  a 
d(^scrij)lioii  lliereot". 

Sec.  1054.  Issue  of  Duplicate  International  Money-Orders. — In  ea.s(;  the 

postmaster  who  issues  an  international  money-order  does  not  receive,  after  a  snflicient 
lapse  of  time,  the  correspondinj;  coupon  thereof,  duly  filled  up  and  stamped  hy  the 
postmaster  at  New  York,  the  former  should  mm\  him  a  letter  of  inquiry  on  the  suhject, 
with  the  recjuest  that,  if  the  money-order  had  not  heen  received  at  the  exchange  post- 
ottice  at  New  York,  the  latter  would  transmit  to  the  issuing  post-oflHce  a  certiticate 
to  that  ertect.  Ui)on  the  receipt  of  such  a  document,  the  postmastcir  who  issued  the 
original  should  draw  and  transmit  a  new  money-order  in  liini  thereof,  for  the  same 
amount,  and  should  write  across  its  face,  and  across  the  coupon,  in  red  ink,  the  wonls 
In  lieu  of  Bkitisii  ixtiorxatioxai.  moxey-ordkr  No.  — ,  not  rkceivkd  ijy  tiik 
POSTMASTER  AT  New  York.  Th(^  certificate  of  loss  should  he  carefully  tiled,  hut  it  is 
not  necessary  to  make  out  and  deliver  a  second  receipt;  to  the  remitter. 

Sec.  1055.  Money-Orders  on  Germany,  Switzerland,  and  Italy. — The  in- 
ternational post-otHce  of  exchange  with  the  United  States,  on  the  part  of  the  Ger- 
man Empire,  is  Cologne,  and  on  the  part  of  Switzerland,  is  IJasle,  and  on  the  part  of 

Italy,  is  Turin. 

Sec.  1056.  Fees  for  Money-Orders  on  Switzerland  and  Italy. — ^The  forego- 
ing instructions  relative  to  the  international  money-order  system  between  Great  Brit- 
ain and  this  country  are,  except  as  provided  in  section  1058,  to  he  strictly  followed 
hy  postmasters  in  the  issue  of  international  money-orders  payable  in  Switzerland, 
Germany,  or  Italy,  and  in  the  payment  of  money-orders  for  sums  delivered  to  the 
postal  administration  of  either  of  those  countries,  for  transmission  to  the  United 
States.  The  fees  or  rates  of  commission  for  the  issue  of  international  numey-orders, 
payable  in  Switzerland  or  Italy,  are  the  same  as  are  charged  for  issuing  international 
money-orders  on  Great  Britain. 

Sec.  1057.  Fees  for  Money-Orders  on  Germany. — The  fees  for  the  issue  of 

international  money-orders  jiayable  in  Germany  are  as  follows,  viz:  On  money-orders 
not  exceeding  $.5,  15  cents  ;  over  $5  and  not  exceeding  $10,  25  cents ;  over  $10  and  not 
exceeding  $20,  50  cents ;  over  |20  aiul  not  exceeding  $30,  75  cents;  over$:?0  and  not 
exceeding  $40,  $1 ;  over  $40  and  not  exceeding  $50,  $1.25. 

Sec.  1058.  Rules  for  Money-Orders  on  Germany,  Switzerland,  and  Italy. — 

In  the  issue  of  international  money-orders  payable  in  Germany,  Switzerhiml,  or  Italy? 
the  mode  of  procedure  differs  from  that  described  in  section  1047  of  the  instructions 
relative  to  British  international  money-orders,  in  this  respect,  viz  :  The  postnuister  at 
New  York  transmits,  at  stated  periods,  to  the  exchange  Y>ost-office  at  Cologne,  or  at 
Basle,  or  at  Turin,  as  the  case  may  require,  a  list  of  international  money-orders,  for 
sums  received  in  the  United  States,  for  payment  by  either  of  those  ])ost-ottice8  in  their 
respective  countries,  but  no  money-orders  are  drawn  by  him  in  favor  of  and  addressed 
to  the  payees,  and  transmitted  to  either  of  those  exchange  jiost-oftices  for  dtdivery, 
in  the  manner  detailed  in  section  1049.  On  the  receipt  of  a  "list"  from  New  York 
by  the  exchange  post-otHce  at  Cologne,  at  Basle,  or  at  Turin,  a  don\eatic  money- 
order  is  immediately  issued  in  favor  of  each  payee  mentioned  in  the  list,  which  omer 
is  j)ayaV)lo  at  the  money-order  post-oflice  nearest  his  place  of  residence,  and  is  sent  to 
him  or  to  the  postmaster  at  such  ])ost-ottice. 

Sec.  1059.  Interchange  of  Money-Orders  with  Canada.— The  exchange  of 


218  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

money-orders  between  tlie  United  S  tates  and  Canada  is  to  be  effected  througli  the  agency 
-of  certain  post-offices  in  the  United  States,  selected  for  that  purpose,  to  be  known  as 
''international  exchange  post-offices."  Sis  such  exchange  post-offices  have  been 
agreed  upon  in  the  convention  between  the  two  countries,  viz,  Bangor,  Me.,  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,  Detroit,  Mich.,  Saint  Paul,  Minn.,  Portland,  Oreg.,  Saint  Albans,  Vt. 

Sec.  1080.  Issue  of  Money-Orders  on  Canada  and  Newfoundland. — Certain 

•other  money-order  i>ost-offices  in  this  country,  specially  selected  for  this  service  by 
the  Postmaster-General,  and  to  be  known  as  "inland  post-offices,"  in  distinction  from 
(the  exchange  jjost-offices,  are  authorized  to  issue  money-orders  on  any  of  the  above- 
mentioned  international  exchange  post-offices,  payable  to  beneficiaries  in  the  Domin- 
ion of  Canada  and  in  the  province  of  Newfoundland,  and  to  pay  money-orders,  prop- 
erly certified  by  postmasters  of  such  exchange  jiost-offices,  for  sums  remitted  by  post- 
masters in  the  Dominion  of  Canada  and  in  the  province  of  Newfoundland,  for  payment 
to  beneficiaries  in  the  United  States  ;  but  each  exchange  post-office  shall  also  be  an 
inland  post-office,  the  postmaster  at  which  shall  have  the  right  to  draw  orders  on  his 
own  or  on  any  other  exchange  post-office  for  certification  in  the  usual  manner.  Hence, 
a,  postmaster  in  either  country  cannot  draw  an  international  money-order,  for  an 
amount  deposited  with  hiin,  directly  upon  a  postmaster  in  the  other,  but  must  draw  the 
same  upon  some  one  of  the  designated  "exchange  post-offices"  most  convenient  to  the 
residence  ef  the  payee  or  beneficiary  for  whom  the  money  is  intended.  An  interna- 
tional money-order  must  not  be  drawn  for  a  larger  sum  than  fifty  dollars  in  United 
States  currency,  and  must  not  contain  a  fractional  part  of  a  cent.  The  fees  for  the 
issue  of  international  money-orders  are  as  follows,  viz  :  On  naoney-orders  not  exceeding 
.$10,  twenty  cents;  over  $10  and  not  exceeding  $20,  forty  cents;  over  $20  and  not 
exceeding  $30,  sixty  cents ;  over  $30  and  not  exceeding  $40,  eighty  cents ;  over  $40 
and  not  exceeding  .$50,  one  dollar.  No  other  money  can  be  received  or  paid  for 
Canadian  money-orders  than  that  which  is  a  legal  tender,  except  national-bank  notes- 
Sec.  1061.  Postmasters  not  toDecide  Value  of  Currency  in  Canadian  Money. — 

Tlie  Canadian  dollar  is  equivalent  in  value  to  the  gold  dollar  of  the  United  States, 
but  the  issuing  postmaster  must  not  undertake  to  decide  definitely  upon  the  actual 
value,  in  United  States  gold  coin  (or  Canadian  money),  of  a  certain  sum  in  currency 
for  which  an  intexnatioual  money-order  is  issued  by  him.  He  is  at  liberty,  however,  to 
advise  the  remitter  as  to  its  approximate  value,  which  may  be  found  to  differ  materi- 
ally from  the  real  value,  as  the  latter  is  to  be  computed,  on  the  day  the  order  is  received 
by  the  exchange  post-office,  upon  the  basis  of  the  premium  on  gold  in  New  York,  as 
last  advised  by  the  postmaster  of  that  city.  Hence,  this  Department  cannot  under- 
take, on  behalf  of  a  remitter  in  this  country,  to  pay  a  determinate  sum  in  gold  (or 
Canadian  money)  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada.  As  the  premium  on  gold  is  variable,  it 
is  evident  that  an  international  money-v)rder  issued  for  a  sum  in  United  .States  currency 
may,  when  received  at  such  "exchange  post-office,"  yield  a  sum  in  gold  greater  or  less 
than  that  considered  at  the  post-office  of  issue  as  the  equivalent  of  such  money-order. 
For  the  same  reason,  the  value  in  United  States  currency  of  a  money-order  in  gold, 
when  received  for  certification  by  any  "exchange  j)ost-office,"  would  depend  ujion  the 
premium  on  gold  in  New  York  on  the  day  of  the  receipt  of  the  money-order,  as  shown 
by  the  last  telegraphic  advices  from  the  postmaster  thereof  to  such  "exchange  post- 
office."  This  Department,  therefore,  can  only  agree  to  cause  payment  to  be  made  to 
a  beneficiary  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada  of  the  gold  value  of  any  international 
nionej'-order  issued  for  an  amount  in  United  States  currency,  and  to  pay  to  a  ben- 
eficiary in  this  country  the  currency  value  of  an  international  monej'-order  in  gold 
from  the  Dominion  of  Canada.  To  guard  against  misapprehension,  postmasters  will 
be  careful  to  explain  this  point  fully  to  remitters  and  to  j)ayees. 

Sec.  1082.   Application  for  Canadian  Money-Order. — A  S]iocial  form  of 

a})plication,  form  "No.  G4U1,  Canadian,"  must  be  furnished  to  each  appli<'ant  for  an 
international  monc^y-order  payable  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada.  On  this  form  he 
must  enter  all  the  particulars  of  the  amount,  names,  address,  &c.,  and  must  state 


TITLE    VI — THE    MONEY-ORDER    SYSTEM.  219 

the  lull  iiiiiiKi  and  exact.  rosiilotu'O  of  lln-  i>;iye«i,  K'^i"^  tlui  (<»\vii  or  village  an«l 
county.  Fruiu  tliu  items  coiitainod  in  .smli  ai)pUcatioii  the  (iulimd)  ihHuin)r  iioHtiiiaH- 
ter  will  till  up  a  Canadian  international  money-order,  the  advi(;e  of  the  .same,  the 
coupon,  and  tho  receipt,  all  of  which,  afler  haviuj;  been  jiroperly  da^ed,  and  slaiiiix-d 
wilii  the  money-order  Htamj)  of  hi.s  ])().st-oHice,  he  will  loiwaid,  without  separatin;c 
them,  to  the  international  exehan;^*!  jio.st-otlice  nearest  the  residence  of  t  lie  jiayee,  but 
ho  will  iu)t  undertake  to  enter  upon  either  of  them  the  name  of  the  post-olHce  in  the 
Dominion  of  Canada  at  which  .such  money-order  is  to  be  paid.  Ih' will  also  fill  up, 
detach,  and  deliver  to  the  rtMuitter  of  .such  money-order  the  certificate.  Upon  th<- 
return  to  him,  from  the  exchan<^e  post-olliee,  of  the  receipt  "  No.  \2(l,''  he  will  place  the 
same  on  tile  in  his  post-oHice  for  reference,  should  the  ren»itter  apply  for  information 
as  to  the  j^old  value  of  the  money-order.  lie  will  also  enter  in  his  "  coinldned  regis- 
ter" of  moni'v-orders  issued  the  particulars  of  such  money-order,  and  the  ajiplication 
must  be  retained  on  tile  at  the  issuing  pest-ol'tice. 

Sec.  1063.  Payment  of  Canadian  Money-Orders. — When  a  money-order, 

drawn  by  a  postmaster  in  the  Dominion  of  C'anada,  and  properly  numbered,  dated, 
certilied,  stamped,  signed,  and  addre.s.sed  to  Iiim  l>y  the  postmaster  a  ta  duly-author- 
ized international  exchange  post-otirtce,  is  jtresented  for  payment  to  the  jjostmaster  of 
an  inland  post-oftice,  authorized  to  transiict  Canadian  business,  he  wdll  compare  such 
money-oi-der  with  the  corresponding  advice,  which  should  previously  have  been  re- 
ceived by  him,  and  after  having  satisfied  himself,  in  the  manner  re(iuired  for  domestic 
money-orders  (see  sections  lUi:?  to  1044,  inclusive),  that  both  the  advice  and  niouey- 
order  are  correct,  and  that  the  person  presenting  the  money-order  is  legally  entitled 
to  receive  the  amount  due  thereon,  he  will  pay  the  same,  and  will  enter  all  such  paid 
money-orders  upon  his  combined  weekly  statement.  The  postmaster  issuing  a  Cana- 
dian money-order  should  bo  careful  to  instruct  tlie  sender  thereof  that  he  "should 
at  once  iuftu-m  the  iJayee,  in  Canada,  of  the  full  name  ant^  address  of  the  remitter,"' 
iiuismuch  as  payment  thereof  cannot  be  obtained  unless  the  payee  is  able  to  furnish 
that  information  to  the  paying  postmaster.  All  applications  for  duplicates  of  lost  or 
missing  advices,  or  for  corrections  of  advices,  must  be  made  to  the  exchange  post- 
master by  whom  such  advices  w^ei"e  certilied.  Postmasters,  however,  must  refuse  to 
issue  a  money-order  payable  to  any  i^erson,  if  the  surname  of  that  person,  and  hi.s 
given  name  or  names,  or  at  least  the  initial  letters  thereof,  are  not  furnished  by  the 
applicant. 

Sec.  103i.  Daily  Reports  of  Premium  on  Gold  to  be  Filed. — Tlie  postmas- 
ter at  New  York,  N.  Y.,  will  telegraph  at  3  p.  m.  daily,  except  Sunday,  the  rate 
of  premium  ou  gold  at  that  hour  in  New  York  to  each  of  the  exchange  post-otitices 
designated  for  the  cercihcatioa  of  international  money-orders  to  and  irom  Canada ; 
and  postmasters  at  exchange  post-offices  are  required  to  keep  on  file  in  their  po.st-o.*lice.s 
the  telegrams  received  daily  from  New  York  concerning  the  premiunx  on  gold. 

Sec.  1035.  Canadian  Money-Orders  to  be  Stamped  at  Exchange-Offices. — 

The  postmaster  at  each  of  .said  international  exchange  jxtst-offices  will,  whenever  he 
receives  a  money-order  with  its  corresponding  ''advice,"'  ''.coupon,"'  and  "receipt,"' 
stamp,  at  once,  upon  each  of  these  papers  the  current  iuternatioual  number  and  the 
date  of  its  receipt  at  his  post-office.  He  wall  al.so  enter  therein  the  vahie  of  the  same 
in  gold  (or  Canadian  currency),  if  such  money-order  originated  in  the  United  States,  or 
its  value  in  United  States  currency,  if  it  originated  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada,  as  a.scer- 
tained  by  calculation,  uiion  the  biisis  of  the  last  telegram  received  by  him  from  the  post- 
master at  Now  York,  aud  the  name  of  the  post-office  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada  or  in  the 
United  States,  as  the  case  may  be,  at  which  he  desires  the  sj^me  to  ba  paid,  which  shouhl 
be  the  post-office  nearest  the  residence  of  the  payee  or  most  access!  ble  by  him.  He  will 
then  forward  tlu  mouey-order,  inclosed  in  an  envelope,  to  the  payee,  aud  the  advice  to 
the  postmaster  instructed  to  pay  the  money-order,  and  will  seiul  back  the  receipt  to  the 
issuing  postmaster,  but  will  retain  the  coupon  on  tile  in  his  post-office  f  )r  future  reference. 
At  the  close  of  each  week  he  will  make  up,  in  duplicate,  from  the  coupons  on  tile  iu  his 


220  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

post-offiee  a  "  weekly  list  of  iuternatioual  money-orders  "  issued  in  the  United  States 
wliich  have  been  certified  by  him  during  the  week  for  payment  in  the  Dominion  of 
Canada,  and  "  weekly  list  of  international  money-orders"  issued  in  the  Dominion  of 
Canada  which  have  been  certified  by  him  during  the  week  for  payment  in  the  United 
States,  and  will  forward  such  duplicate  "  lists,"  with  his  weekly  statement,  to  the  Super- 
intendent of  the  Money-Order  System  at  Washington,  D.  C.  He  will  also  furnish,  upon 
the  application  of  postmasters  drawn  upon,  duplicates  of  lost  advices,  which  must  be 
made  up  from  the  corresponding  coupons  on  file  in  his  post-office.  When  the  postmaster 
at  an  exchange  post-office  receives  an  application  from  a  paying  postmaster  for  a  cor- 
rected advice,  the  former  will,  if  necessary,  apply  to  the  issuing  postmaster  for  precise 
information  in  the  premises,  and  will  communicate  the  same  to  the  postmaster  at  the 
post-office  of  payment. 

Sec.  108S.  Repayment  of  Canadian  Money-Orders. — When  a  remitter  of 

an  international  money-order,  payable  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada  or  in  the  United 
States,  makes  application  to  the  issuing  postmaster  for  repayment  of  the  amount 
thereof,  the  latter  should  immediately  communicate  the  fact  to  the  postmaster  of  the 
exchange  post-office  on  which  it  was  drawn,  Avhereupon,  if  he  has  not  already  certified 
and  forwarded  the  money-order  to  the  payee,  and  the  advice  to  the  paying  postmaster, 
he  will  return  them  to  the  issuing  postmaster  for  repayment.  But  if  the  money-order  (in 
case  it  is  payable  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada)  has  been  so  certified,  the  issuing  post- 
master, upon  the  receipt  of  notice  to  that  effect  from  the  exchange  post-office,  will 
apply  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System  at  Washington,  D.  C,  for 
repayment,  who  will  notify  the  Canadian  Postal  Department  of  such  application,  and 
request  authority  for  repayment  of  the  money-order.  When  that  authority  is  received 
by  him,  notice  will  at  once  be  sent  to  the  issuing  postmaster  to  repay  the  amount  of 
the  m one y-order. 

Sec.  1067.  Invalid  Canadian  Money-Orders. — All  money-orders  certified 

for  payment  in  either  country,  which  for  any  reason  cannot  be  paid  within  twelve 
months  after  the  month  of  issue  become  invalid,  and  will  be  recertified  to  the  country 
of  issue  for  repayment  or  other  disposal  in  accordance  with  the  laws  and  regulations 
of  that  country.  Postmasters  will  therefore  take  care  to  forward  promptly  to  this 
Department  the  advices  of  all  invalid  money-orders  of  this  kind  with  their  weekly 
statements  and  a  description  thereof. 

Sec.  1088.  Inquiries  about  Canadian  Money-Orders. — AH  inquiries  from 

inland  postmasters  in  the  United  States  concerning  the  issue  or  the  payment  in  Canada 
of  international  money-orders  should  be  addressed  to  the  postmaster  of  the  exchange 
post-office  by  whom  such  money-orders  were   certified. 

See.  1089.  Issue  of  Duplicate  Canadian  Money-Orders. — In  case  the  post- 
master who  issues  an  international  money-order  does  not  receive,  after  a  sufficient  lapse 
of  time,  the  corresponding  receipt  thereof,  duly  filled  up  and  stamped  by  the  postmaster 
at  the  exchange  post-office  drawn  upon,  the  former  should  send  him  a  letter  of  inquiry 
on  the  subject,  with  the  request  that  if  the  money-order  and  advice  have  not  been 
received  at  the  exchange  post-office  the  latter  Avould  transmit  to  the  issuing  post- 
office,  and  also  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System  at  Washington,  D. 
C,  a  certificate  to  that  effect.  Upon  the  receipt  of  such  a  document,  the  i)ostmaster 
who  issued  the  originals  should  at  once  draw  upon  and  transmit  to  the  same  exchange 
jjost-office  a  new  money-order,  advice,  coupon,  and  receipt  in  lieu  theerof  for  a  like 
amount,  after  having  written  across  the  face  of  each  of  them  in  red  ink  the  words 
In  lieu  of  Canadian  money-order  No.  — ,  not  ueceived  by  the  postmaster  at 

EXCHANGE  POST-OFFICE.     The  certiiicate  of  non-receipt  should  be  carefully 

filed  by  the  issuing  postmaster,  but  it  is  not  necessary  for  him  to  furnish  remitter 
with  a  second  receipt.  Great  caution  should  be  exercised  by  postmasters  at  exchange 
j)ost-offices  in  certifying  such  money-ord(^rs,  as  they  will  be  lield  responsil)le  for  all 
double  ])aynients  that  imiy  occur  thrdugli  their  negligenct>. 

Sec.  1070.  General  Rules  for  International  Money-Order  Business. — Post- 


TITLE    VI THE    MONEY-ORDER    SYSTEM,  221 

ma»tera  will  rocoivo  as  compensation  for  transacting  international  mon«*y-onlor  Vinsi- 
noss  one  fonrth  of  ono  per  cent,  on  the  gross  amount  of  international  money-onleri* 
issutMl  and  paid,  and  the  domestic  money-order  regnlations  in  regard  to  incidental 
expenses  and  to  the  transH^r  of  funds  and  blanks  from  a  late  to  a  newly  appoinU-d 
postmaster  an^  to  be  followed  in  the  transaction  of  all  international  money-order 
business. 

Sec.  1071.  When  Gold  and  Paper  are  at  Par. — While  tin-;  fr<>l«l  coin  ami 

the  paper  currency  of  the  United  States  are  of  equal  commercial  value,  so  much  of 
tlie^e  regulations  as  is  bivsod  upon  the  existence  of  a  ditference  in  their  value  is  void 
and  of  no  eftect. 


CHAPTER  FIVE. 

MONEY-ORDER  FUITDS  AND  ACCOUNTS. 

Sec.  I  See. 

1072.  Transfer  of  money-order  fiin(l.s.  |   1087.  Money-order  funds  not  suliject  to  rules  of 

1073.  Transfer  by  warrant  of  money-order  funds.      I  po.stal  funds. 


1074.  Wliat  are  money-order  funds. 

1075.  Postmasters'  weekly  reports  of  niont\y-()rder 

funds. 

1076.  Embezzlement  of  money-order  funds,  pen- 

alty, explanation. 

1077.  How  to  write  up  tbe  cash-Viook. 

1078.  Transferring  jiostage  funds  to  money-order 

account. 

1079.  Kntry  of  transferred  funds  in  cash-book. 

1080.  The  fixed  reserve. 

1081.  Daily  remittance  of  money-order  funds. 

1082.  Receipts  for  daily  remittances. 

1083.  No  credit  for  remittances  until   receipt  is 

obtained. 

1084.  Daily  reports  of  remittances  received. 

1085.  Postmastersmust  remit  and  d«'posit  promptly. 

1086.  Unpaid  advices  less  than  two  weeks  old  in 

weekly  statements. 


1088.  Weekly  statements  how  transmitted. 

1089.  Money-Older  t:a.sh  must  bo  kept  separately. 

1090.  Weekly  statements  to  be  numbered  con.secu 

tively. 

1091.  Make  up  weekly  statements  every  Saturday. 

1092.  Statements  of  "no  business." 

1093.  ^Veekly  stateinents  at  close  of  quarter  yenr. 

1094.  Vouchers  to  accom})any  weekly  statements. 

1095.  Credits  allowed  on  New  York. 

1096.  Drafts  against  credit.",  how  made. 

1097.  Special  drafts  for  emergencies. 

1098.  Drafts  must  always  be  on  forms  furnished. 

1099.  Special  insti-uctions  about  remittances. 

1100.  Postmasters  may  deposit  in  national  banks, 

when. 

1101.  Importance  of  promptly  transmitting  weekly 

statements. 


Sec.  1072.  Transfer  of  Money-Order  Funds.— All  payments  aiul  transfers 
to  and  from  money-order  ottices  shall  be  imder  tbe  direction  of  the  Post- 
master-General. He  may  transfer  money-order  funds  from  one  post- 
master to  another,  and  from  the  postal  revenue  to  the  money-order  funds ; 
and  he  may  transfer  money-order  funds  to  creditors  of  the  Department^ 
to  be  replaced  by  equivalent  transfers  from  the  postal  revenues.  {11.  S., 
§4042.) 

Sec.  1073.  Transfer  by  Warrant  to  Money-Order  Funds. — Tbe  Postmaster- 
General  may  transfer  to  the  postmaster  at  any  money-order  office,  by 
warrant  on  the  Treasury,  countersigned  by  tbe  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the 
Treasury  for  the  Post  Office  Department],  and  payable  out  of  the  ix>stal 
revenues,  such  sum  as  may  be  required  over  and  above  the  cuirent 
revenues  at  his  office  to  pay  the  money-orders  draAvn  upon  him.  (K.  S., 
§  4043.) 

Sec.  1074.  What  are  Money-Order  Funds.— All  money  received  for  the 
sale  of  money-orders,  including-  all  fees  thereon,  all  money  transferred 
from  the  postal  revenues  to  the  money-order  funds,  all  money  transferred 


222  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

or  paid  from  the  money-order  funds  to  the  service  of  the  Post-Office  De- 
partment, and  all  money-order  funds  transferred  from  one  postmaster  to 
another,  shall  be  deemed  and  taken  to  be  money-order  funds  and  money 
in  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
assistant  treasurer  of  the  United  States  to  open,  at  the  request  of  the 
Postmaster-G-eneral,  an  acoount  of  "money-order  funds"  deposited  by 
postmasters  to  the  credit  of  the  Postmaster-G-eneral,  and  of  drafts 
against  the  amount  so  deposited,  drawn  by  him  and  countersigned  by 
the  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department.] 
(E.  S.,  §4045.) 

Sec.  1075.  Postmasters'  Weekly  Reports  of  Money-Order  Funds. — The 
Postmaster  General  shall  require  each  postmaster  at  a  money-order 
office  to  reader  to  the  Post-Office  Deparcmeut  weekly,  semi-weekly,  or 
daily  accounts  of  all  money-orders  issued  and  paid ;  of  all  fees  received 
for  issuing  them;  of  all  transfers  and  payments  made  from  money-order 
funds ;  and  of  all  money  received  to  be  used  for  the  iiayment  of  money- 
orders  or  on  account  of  money-order  business.     (R.  S.,  §  4044.) 

Sec.  1076.  Emhezzlement  of  Money-Order  Funds,  Penalty,  Explanation. — 
Every  postmaster,  assistant,  clerk,  or  other  i^erson  employed  in  or  con- 
nected with  the  business  or  operations  of  any  money-order  office  who 
converts  to  his  own  use,  in  any  way  whatever,  or  loans,  or  deposits  in 
any  bank,  except  as  authorized  by  this  Title,  or  exchanges  for  other 
funds,  any  portion  of  the  money-order  funds,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of 
embezzlement ;  and  any  such  person,  as  well  as  every  other  person  advis- 
ing or  participating  therein,  shall,  for  every  such  offense,  be  imprisoned 
for  not  less  than  six  months  nor  more  than  ten  years,  and  be  fined  in  a 
sum  equal  to  the  amount  embezzled ;  and  any  failure  to  pay  over  or  pro- 
duce anj'  monej'-order  funds  intrusted  to  such  person  shall  be  taken  to 
be  prima-facie  evidence  of  embezzlement ;  and  upon  the  trial  of  any  in- 
dictment against  any  person  for  such  embezzlement,  it  shall  be  prima- 
facie  evidence  of  a  balance  against  him  to  i)roduce  a  transcript  from  the 
money-order  account-books  of  the  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for 
the  Post-Office  Department].  But  nothing  herein  containefl  shall  be 
construed  to  prohibit  any  postmaster  depositing,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Postmaster-General,  in  a  national  bank  designated  by  the  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury  for  that  purpose,  to  his  own  credit  as  jjostmaster,  any 
money-order  or  other  funds  in  his  charge,  nor  prevent  his  negotiating 
drafts  or  other  evidences  of  debt  through  such  bank,  or  through  United 
States  disbursing  officers,  or  otherwise,  when  instructed  or  required  to 
do  so  by  the  Postmaster-General,  for  the  purpose  of  remitting  suri)lus 
money-order  funds  from  one  post-office  to  another,  to  be  used  in  payment 
of  money-orders.  Disbursing  officers  of  the  United  States  shall  issue, 
under  regulations  to  be  prescribed  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
duplicates  of  lost  checks  drawn  by  tliem  in  favor  of  any  postmaster  on 
account  of  money-order  or  other  i)ublic  funds  received  by  them  from 
some  other  postmaster.     (R.  S.,  §  404G.) 


TITLE    VI THE    MONKY-ORDEU    SYSTEM. 


223 


Sec.  1077.  How  to  Write  up  the  Cash-Book. — In  writ  in;;  up  tlio  cash-book, 

the  biiliinn"  will  liist  In-  hroujjlit  loiwunl.  'I'lifii,  on  tin-  df\At  side  niunt  bw  iMitfred 
tho  ainoiiiit  loccivod  upon  a  <lr:ift  drawn  by  tin;  |>(>.sf,inast<T  und<T  antliority  of  flie 
Postinaster-dcnt'iars  credit,  tlii^  aiiionnt  n'e(Mved  for  picniinni  upon  tins  sann-,  the 
ainonut  roceivnd  on  deposit  from  other  i)o.stniaster.s,  and  the,  amount  transfericd  from 
'the  postajjfo  to  the  money-order  acc^ount,  should  any  of  those  transactions  have  taken 
idacc ;  then  the  amount  received  from  the  issue  of  money-orders,  the  amount  of  fees 
thereupon,  and,  lastly,  the  Ijahiuce,  should  there  he  one.  The  cn.'dit  side  must  em- 
hrace  the  am()unt  transferred  to  the  posta;i;o  ac(-ouut,  the  amount  remitted  or  depos- 
ited, the  amount  |Kii(l  on  account  of  incMih^ntal  pximmisch  (such  as  cltuk-lkire,  station- 
ery, etc.),  and  the  amount  repaid  on  mouey-orders,  should  any  of  tlieso  transaction* 
have  taken  phice;  then  the  amount  paid  for  money-orders  cbawn  upontlio  post-otlice, 
and,  histly,  the  balance.  The  cash-book  must  be  written  up  and  balanced  daily  at 
every  post-office. 

FOKM   OF   CASH-BOOK. 


-,  postmaster  at 


,  in  account  with  the  money-order  office,  Post-Office  De- 
partment, the day  of ,  187- 


Dr. 

Cr 

$40 

100 
118 

60 

00 

22 
90 

By    amount    paid    for   money-orders 

$250 
00 

9 

To  amount  trausferred  fi-om   posti^ge 

By  certiricate  of  dei)osit.  No.  — . .   

To  amount  received  for  money-orders 
issued,  No.  —  to  Xo.  — ,  inclusive 

7-' 

259 

72 

259 

72 

Sec.  1078.  Transferring  Postage  Funds  to  Money-Order  Account. — It  is  to* 

be  expected  that  occasionally  at. some  jjost-offices  the  postmaster  will  be  called  upon 
to  pay  money-orders  to  an  amount  exceeding  that  of  the  money-order  funds  in  his 
hands.  In  every  such  event  he  will  transfer  from  the  jiostage  to  the  money -order  ac- 
count a  sum  of  money  large  enough  to  enable  him  to  pay  these  orders.  In  case  the 
postage  funds  are  insufficient  for  such  ti-ansfer  the  postmaster  will  transfer  as  large  an 
amount  as  practicable  (provided  it  be  sufficient  to  pay  even  one  money-order),  and 
must  immediately  notify  the  Department  (see  Form  No.  GU34),  when  he  will  be  furnished, 
■with  a  draft  for  the  amount  reciuired.  Should  the  payments  at  any  post-office  continue 
to  exceed  the  receipts  thereat,  the  postmaster  at  such  post-office  will  be  furnished  with  a 
letter  of  credit,  to  be  used  only  when  ab.solutely  retj^uired  for  the  payment  of  mouey- 
orders. 

Sec.  1079.  Entry  of  Transferred  Funds  in  Cash-Book. — ^luinaking  a  traus- 

fer  of  funds  (which  must  in  all  cases  consist  of  complete  dollars  only,  the  introduction 
of  cents  into  transfers  being  prohibited),  if  from  the  "  postage  "  to  the  "  monej'-order  ' 
account,  postmasters  will  tir.st  take  credit  for  the  amount  of  said  tran.sfer  in  their 
general  account  w^th  the  Po.st-Office  Department.  They  will  then  debit  themselves 
therewith  in  the  money-order  cash-book,  and  enter  the  transaction  under  its  projter 
head  in  the  weekly  statement  following  such  transfer.  If  from  the  "money-order'' 
to  the  "postage"  account,  the  amount  must  be  entered  on  the  credit  side  of  the 
money-order  cash-book  and  a  corresponding  entry  made  on  the  debit  side  of  the  g<'n- 
eral  account,  the  transfer  to  be  noted  in  the,  Aveekly  statement  as  before.  A  notilica- 
tion  (Form  t)024)  is,  in  all  cases,  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Mouey- 
Order  System  immediately  after  a  tran.sfer  of  funds  from  either  acctnint.  A  transfer 
trom  the  money-order  to  the  postage  account  is  only  to  be  made  when  expressly 
directed  by  the  Department.  No  entry  of  a  transfer  to  the  money-order  account 
should  be  made  by  a  iiostmaster  in  liis  quarterly  account  of  i)OstaI  bnsines.s.  The 
proper  credit  for  such  transfers  will  be  allowed  him  by  the  Auditor  upon  the  settle- 
ment of  his  postal  accounts.  In  order  to  avoid  mistakes  the  strictest  attention  should 
be  given  to  the  directions  contained  in  this  section. 


224  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  1080.  The  Fixed  Eeserve. — At  certain  money-order  post-offices  the 

fluctuating  character  of  the  husiuess  makes  it  necessary  that  a  limited  sum  of 
money  be  kept  constantly  on  hand  to  insure  the  prompt  payment  of  mnnej^-orders  when 
presented.  This  sum  is  siiecified  in  each  instance  by  direction  of  the  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral, and  is  known  as  the  "  fixed  reserve."  Its  amount  is  determined  by  the  nature  and 
extent  of  the  business  of  the  post-office  to  which  it  is  allowed,  and  may  be  changed 
from  time  to  time  by  order  of  the  Department. 

Sec.  1081.  Daily  Remittance  of  Money-Order  Funds. — The  money-order 

accounts  must  be  kept  separately  from  all  other  accounts,  and  must  be  adjusted  at  the 
close  of  each  day's  business,  in  order  that  the  balance  of  money-order  funds  on  hand 
may  be  aecur.ately  ascertained.  Every  dollar  of  money-order  funds,  in  excess  of  a 
sum  equal  to  the  amount  of  the  unpaid  advices  on  hand  less  than  two  weeks,  must  be 
remitted  daily  to  the  designated  post-office  of  the  first  class,  where  the  postmaster  shall 
have  been  instructed  to  make  his  deposits  ;  but  postmasters  to  whom  a  "  fixed  reserve  " 
is  allowed  may  retain  the  amount  of  the  "  fixed  reserve,"  and  no  more,  except  when 
the  amount  of  such  unpaid  advices  exceeds  the  "fixed  reserve,"  in  which  event  the 
postmaster  may  retain  a  sum  which,  when  added  to  the  "  fixed  reserve,"  will  equal 
the  amount  of  his  unpaid  advices  on  hand  less  than  two  weeks.  For  instance,  sup- 
pose the  postmaster's  fixed  reserve  is  $100,  and  that  he  has  advices  on  hand  less 
than  two  weeks  to  the  amount  of  $175  ;  in  this  case  he  will  be  at  liberty  to  withhold 
from  deposit  only  $75  in  addition  to  his  fixed  reserve  of  $100.  He  will  thus  have  $175 
to  meet  the  amount  of  such  unpaid  advices. 

In  the  total  of  unpaid  advices  on  hand  less  than  two  weeks  is  to  be  included  the 
amount  of  money-orders,  payment  of  which  has  been  refused,  for  the  reason  that  the 
corresponding  advices  have  not  been  received,  but  for  which  second  advices  have  been 
requested  from  the  issuing  postmaster  by  the  postmaster  drawn  upon. 

Sec.  1082.  Receipts  for  Daily  Remittances. — The  postmaster  at  the  post- 
office  of  the  first  class  who  receives  these  deposits  will  fill  up  and  number  consecu- 
tively certificates  therefor  in  duplicate,  one  of  which  he  will  transmit  to  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Money-Order  System,  and  the  other  to  the  depositing  postmaster,  who 
will  take  credit  therefor  iu  his  weekly  statement,  entering  therein  its  proper  number, 
date,  and  amount. 

Sec.  1083.  No  Credit  for  Remittances  until  Receipt  is  Obtained. — Post- 
masters are  prohibited  from  taking  credit  in  their  money-order  cash-books  or  in  their 
weekly  statements  for  the  amount  of  any  remittance  until  they  shall  have  received  a 
certificate  of  deposit  therefor  from  the  designated  post-office  of  the  first  class  to  which 
it  was  sent.  The  amount  of  each  remittance  for  which  no  certificate  has  been 
received,  must  appear  in  the  money-order  cash-book  and  in  the  summary  of  the 
weekly  statement,  as  a  part  of  the  "cash  balance  on  hand,"  exactly  as  though  no 
remittance  had  been  made;  but  it  should  be  entered  with  its  ])roper date  in  the  blank 
space,  provided  for  such  entries,  at  the  bottom  of  the  weekly  statement.  A  failure  to 
comjjly  with  this  requirement  will  be  deemed  sufficient  cause  for  the  removal  of  the 
offending  postmaster. 

Sec.  1084.  Daily  Reports  of  Remittances  Received. — Postmasters  at  all 

money-order  offices  of  the  first  class  are  required  to  forward  daily  to  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Money-Order  System  a  list  of  the  remittances  received  by  them  during 
the  day,  by  which  means  the  Saperinteudent  is  enabled  to  know  precisely  the  exact 
date  and  amount  of  eat-h  remittance  of  nioiiey-ordcr  funds  made  in  the  United  States. 

Sec.  1085.  Postmasters  must  Remit  and  Deposit  Promptly. — The  dates  of 

the  issues  of  the  several  money-orders,  and  also  of  the  deposits,  entered  in  the  weekly 
statements,  will  clearly  show  to  the  Deitartnient  when  the  moneys  received  for  such 
issues  and  deposits  should  have  been  remitted;  and  postniasters  will  beheld  strictly 
accountable  for  any  failuri'  to  remit  or  to  dei>osit  promptly  in  obedience  to  these 
instructions 

Sec.  1086.  Unpaid  Advices  Less  than  Two  Weeks  Old  in  Weekly  Statements. 


TITLE    VI — TIIH    M(J.\I:V-0K1)I:K    SVS'IKM.  225 

Kvory  postiiiastor  is  it>(|iiirrii,  in  iiiai<iii^  iiji  liis  wrckly  statfintiitH,  to  oimiiMTato,  in 
detail,  <aiclull.v  uiul  accuratt-ly,  all  tin-  unpaid  advices  which  have  liccn  in  his  handH 
less  than  two  weeks,  lint  he  will  take  no  account  whatever  of  un|>airl  advices  tliat  liav'o 
been  on  hand  two  weeks  or  more.  If  tliere  is  not  space  enou;fh  to  include  in  the  weekly 
statement  all  the  )ini>aid  advices  on  hand  less  than  two  weeks,  he  will  enter  only  the 
aggregate  amount  thereof,  hut  will  make  a  detailed  enumeration  of  these  advices  ou 
a  separate  paper,  which  must  he  inclosed  with  the  weekly  statement,  as  a  vouclier 
for  funds  withheld  from  deposit.  A  blank  form  for  this  enumeration  of  a<lvice8  will 
be  fuiliished  postmasters  wlio  need  it,  on  application  to  the  Dejiartmeiit.  Postmas- 
ters who  fail  to  comply  with  these  requirements  will  be  considered  as  having  improperly 
withhehl  the  money.  In  case  no  unpaid  advices  are  on  hand  at  the  close  of  the  week, 
the  fact  should  l)e  noted  in  the  statement  by  writing  the  words  Ni)XK  o\  hand,  under 
the  projiei-  headin;^. 

Sec.  1087.    Money-Order  Funds  not  Subject  to  Rules  of  Postal  Funds. — 

Postmasters  will  take  notice  that  the  standing  instructions  which  they  may  receive 
from  the  Post-Ottice  Department  with  respect  to  the  disposal  of  (juarterly  balances 
ai'ising  from  the  sale  of  postage-stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  etc.,  due  from  them  to 
the  United  States,  do  not  apjtly  to  money-order  funds  in  their  hands,  but  only  to 
postal  funds. 

Sec.  1088.  Weekly  Statements,  how  Transmitted. — The  weekly  statement 
for  each  week,  together  with  all  vouchers  and  other  papers  appertaining  thereto,  and 
all  correspondence  with  the  Post-Ottice  Department  relative  to  the  money-order  busi- 
ness, must  be  addressed  to  the  "Superintendent  of  the  Moxey-Ohdek  System, 
Washington,  D.  C."  It  is  desirable  that  each  communication  should  relate  to  one 
sul)ject  only,  and  that  a  memorandum  should  lie  written  on  each  envelope  stating  the 
nature  of  its  contouts. 

Sec.  1089.  Money-Order  Cash  must  be  Kept  Separately. — Postmasters 
should  keep  their  money-order  cash  aiiart  from  all  other  cash  whatsoever,  and  with 
this  view  a  special  drawer  should  be  provided  for  it.  All  receipts  of  cash  on  money- 
order  account,  whether  for  money-orders  issued  and  for  fees  for  remittances  from  other 
postmasters,  or  for  postage-money  transferred,  should  be  deposited  therein ;  and  all 
disbursements,  whether  payments  of  money-orders,  remittances  made  to  other  post- 
masters, or  transfers  to  postage  acconnt.  shoubl  be  made  therefrom. 

Sec.  1090.  Weekly  Statements  to  be  Numbered  Consecutively. — Postmas- 
ters must  not  fail  to  numlier  their  weekly  statements  consecutively,  lieginuing  with 
No.  1  for  the  iirst  statement  made  in  the  month  of  January  of  each  year.  The 
greatest  care  must  be  taken  to  write  the  names  of  the  remitters  and  payees  of  the 
money-orders  so  i)laiiily  in  the  statements  that  they  may  be  easily  read. 

Sec.  1091.  Make  up  Weekly  Statements  Every  Saturday. — Ou  Saturday 

evening  of  each  week  every  postmaster  will  make  up  his  weekly  statement,  being 
careful  to  state  therein  all  the  particnlai"s  required  by  the  headings,  and  to  compare 
the  seA-eral  items  with  those  contained  in  the  registere  and  cash-book  before  the 
statemeiit  is  forwarded  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System,  which  must 
be  done  by  the  first  mail  after  the  accounts  of  the  week  have  been  closed. 

Sec.  1092.  Statements  of  "No  Business." — If  no  business  has  been  trans- 
acted during  the  week  the  jtostmaster  will  be  required  to  send  forward  the  usual  form, 
Avith  a  statement  of  the  last  balance,  and  the  words  Xo  nrsiNESS  written  across  the 
face  of  the  blank.  Co]ties(>f  the  weekly  sTatement  should  not  be  retained  by  the  jiost- 
master. 

Sec.  1093.  Weekly  Statements  at  Close  of  Quarter. — Postmasters  Avill  l)e 

careful  to  enter  into  their  weekly  statements  neither  more  nor  less  than  the  trans- 
actions of  one  week,  and  the  week  must  be  understood  to  counnence  on  Monday  and 
to  end  on  Saturday.  Bnt  at  the  ex]»iratifm  of  each  (jnarter  of  the  year,  Aiz,  31st 
:March,  30th  June,  30th  September,  and  31st  December,  should  either  of  these  days 
not  fall  on  Saturday  or  Sunday,  a  statement  must  be  made  up  and  forwarded  of  the 
1.3  r  L      ' 


226  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

business  transacted  from  the  last  Saturday  but  one  in  the  montb,  up  to  the  close  of  the 
last  day  of  that  month  and  quarter.  The  next  succeeding  statement  must  embrace  all 
the  business  transacted  since  the  first  day  of  the  first  month  of  the  next  quarter  up  to 
the  close  of  the  second  Saturday  of  said  mouth.  For  example,  the  30th  of  September, 
1879,  falls  on  Tuesday ;  hence  no  statement  is  to  be  made  on  Saturday,  the  27th  of  that 
month,  but  a  statement  must  be  made  on  Tuesday,  the  last  day  of  the  month,  to  in- 
clude all  the  biisiness  transacted  since  Saturday,  the  20th  of  the  month.  In  like  man- 
ner, no  statement  should  be  made  on  Saturday,  October  4,  1879,  but  the  statement 
of  the  next  Saturday,  October  11,  must  embrace  all  the  business  transacted  since  the 
first  day  of  that  month.  The  object  of  this  regulation  is  to  facilitate  the  quarterly  set- 
tlement of  the  accounts  of  i)o-5tmasters,  and  also  to  disj)ense  with  statements  for  frac- 
tional iiarts  of  a  week. 


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II 


228  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  1094.  Vouchers  to  Accompany  Weekly  Statements. — The  paid,  repaid, 
and  "not  issned"  money-orders,  and  the  voncliers  for  mcideutal  expenses  must  in- 
variably accompany  the  statements,  which  will  not  be  considered  complete  without 
them. 

Postmasters  at  first-class  post-offices  are  required  to  send  with  each  weekly  statement 
a  transcript  of  theii-  cash  account  for  the  week  (Form  No.  6018),  giving  therein 
the  business  of  each  day  in  detail.  Postmasters  who  remit  their  suridus  money-order 
funds  to  the  postmaster  at  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  are  required  to  send  him  a  similar 
transcript,  using  Form  No.  6020,  and  those  who  deposit  at  Portland,  Oreg.,  must  for- 
ward such  transcripts  weekly  to  the  postmaster  of  that  city. 

Sec.  1095.  Credits  Allowed  on  New  York. — AVhenever  it  is  found  neces- 
sary, in  order  to  prevent  delay  or  enil>arrassment  in  the  payment  of  money-orders, 
the  postmasters  at  certain  post-offices  will  be  allowed  a  credit  for  a  specific  amount  with 
the  postmaster  at  New  York,  or  at  some  other  first-class  post-office  designated  for  the  pur- 
pose, which  credit  will  be  used  in  the  following  manner :  When  at  anj^  post-office  having 
such  credit  the  funds  arising  from  the  money-order  business  are  insufficient  to  pay 
the  money-orders  presented,  the  postmaster  will  thereupon  be  permitted  to  draw  a 
draft,  payable  to  his  own  order,  against  the  amount  placed  to  his  credit,  for  such  a  sum, 
and  no  more  as  may  be  necessary  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  case.  It  is 
therefore  apparent  that  this  credit  anust  be  drawn  by  installments  ;  for  example,  $100, 
$200,  etc.,  as  may  be  required,  and  not  in  one  gross  sum.  The  amounts  so  drawn  from 
time  to  time  must  be  entered  by  the  postmaster  to  his  debit  in  the  cash-book  upon 
the  day  they  are  drawn,  and  also  in  the  weekly  statement.  Should  the  amount  of 
money-orders  paid  at  any  one  of  these  post-offices  continue  to  exceed  consideraldy 
the  amount  of  money-orders  issued,  this  credit  will,  of  course,  become  exhausted.  In  that 
event  the  postmaster  having  a  credit  should  make  timely  aiiplicatiou  to  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Money-Order  System  for  a  renewal  thereof  (Form  No.  6035). 

Sec.  1096.  Drafts   against   Credits,  how  Made. — Special  drafts  will  be 

supplied  to  postmasters  having  these  credits,  who,  in  the  margin  provided  for  their 
own  use,  will  state  the  amount  of  the  credit,  and  enter  and  deduct  from  it  the 
amount  drawn  by  the  corresi)onding  draft,  by  which  means  tliey  will  be  constantly 
reminded  of  the  condition  of  the  fund.  Each  of  these  drafts  bears  a  coupon,  which 
the  postmaster  drawing  the  draft  will  fill  up,  date,  and  sign,  and  which  the  postmaster 
at  the  post-office  drawn  upon  will  transmit  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money- 
Order  System  Avhencver  the  draft  is  xiaid.  It  rarely  happens  that  any  difficulty  is 
experienced  by  a  postmaster  in  negotiating  a  draft  of  this  descripti*)n.  For  this 
purpose  a  form  of  indorsement  is  printed  upon  the  back.  Should  he  be  unable  to 
obtain  the  amount  of  such  draft  in  his  vicinity,  he  will  promptly  notify  the  Depart- 
ment. In  the  negotiation  of  these  drafts,  the  postmaster  is  not  at  liberty  to  receive 
any  money  that  is  not  a  legal  tender,  except  national-bank  notes,  inasmuch  as  lie  is 
prohibited  from  paying  out  any  other  money  for  money-orders  presented.  If  a  in-emium 
be  recei\'ed  foi'  a  draft,  the  postmaster  must  cliarge  himself  therewith. 

Sec.  1097.  Special  Drafts  for  Emergencies. — In  case  of  S])ecial  exigency, 

where  assistance  is  needed  at  a  post-office  tht;  business  of  which  does  not  re(|uire  a  stand- 
ing credit,  a  draft  for  a  designated  sum  sufficient  to  meet  the  unpaid  advices  will  be 
sent  u])on  application  to  the  Su|teriiiten(lent  of  the  Money-Order  System. 

Sec.  1098.  Drafts  must  always  be  on  Forms  Furnished. — Postmasters  are 
prohibited  from  drawing  drafts  in  manuscript  or  upon  any  other  forms  than  those  sTip- 
.plied  by  the  Department,  and  they  must  invariably  sign  the  drafts  themselves,  except 
in  the  cases  mentioned  in  sciction  9G2. 

Sec.  1099.  Special  Instructions  about  Remittances. — The  postmaster  at 

every  money-order  post-otlice  will  make  the  deposits  leciuired  by  these  instructions(see 
section  1081)  by  transmitting  the  amount  to  be  deposited  in  a  registered  package  ad- 
dressed to  the  postmaster  of  tlio  post-oliice  named  as  his  depository.  Inclosed  in  this 
package  he  will  also  send  a  letter  (Form  6U21),  giving  in  detail  ;ni  accni ate  description 


TITLE  VI — mi:  M()m:v-(irj)i:i;  systkm.  2"J0 

of  tho  iiKMicy  tlitTiiii  icmiiti'd.  Ft)!'  tlio  sako  <it"  ('(luvcnifin'f  ami  si'ciiiity,  tin-  iiutfs  re- 
mitted slioiilil  Ix' of  thf  liif^ln'st  tlcnoiiiiiiatioiis  pioiiiiahlf.  anil  tiic  iiostinastiT  iiiiist 
keep  ail  exact  reeonl  of  tlio  series,  uuiiiliers,  dciKiiiiiiiations,  and  dates  of  all  notes 
remitted  by  him  in  compliance  with  these  instructions.  In  every  case  of  a  remittance 
of  money-order  funds  made  l)y  means  of  iia]ier  money,  sent  throu^^htlu!  m.-iils,  the  jiost- 
master  should  he  aide  to  jnove  hy  at  least  one  disinterested  Avitness,  wlio  should,  if  prac- 
ticable, he  a  jterson  not  emi)loyed  in  his  ])ost-oHice,  that  the  numey  was  actually  in- 
closed in  a  ])roperly  rej^istered  package,  addressed  to  the  postmaster  at  the  post-ot^ico 
of  the  fust  class,  designated  to  receive  the  deposit,  and  furthermore,  that  said  pack- 
age, with  the  money  inclosed  therein,  was  securely  locked  in  the  mail-poiuh,  and  was 
taken  from  the  post-office  out  of  the  postmaster's  possession  hy  the  contractor,  employe 
of  the  railway-mail  service,  mail-carrier,  or  other  person  duly  authorized  to  dispatch 
the  same  to  destination.  Should  the  remitting  postmaster  fail  to  comply  with  the  fore- 
going instructions,  he  will  he  required,  if  the  money  is  lost,  to  make  good  the  amount. 
If  the  remitting  postmaster  does  not  receive  in  dvic  time  an  acknowledgment  of  the 
receipt  of  the  registered  package  and  a  certificate  of  deposit  for  its  contents,  he  will 
report  the  fact  to  the  nearest  Special  Agent  and  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money- 
Order  System.  These  deposits  may  likewise  he  made  l»y  means  of  iliafts  drawn  hy  one 
national  hank  upon  another  national  bank  of  the  locality  where  the  first-class  post-office 
named  as  the  depository  is  situated,  provided  such  drafts  can  be  obtained  without  cost. 
Postmasters  are  instructed  that  the  unauthorized  use  of  any  portion  of  the  money- 
order  funds,  for  which  they  are  accountable,  or  any  failure  to  remit,  or  to  pay  over 
their  suri)lu8  money-order  funds  to  the  person  duly  authorized  hy  the  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral to  receive  the  same,  will  subject  them  to  the  penalties  prescribed  hy  law  for  such 
offenses.  If  a  remittance  of  surjilus  money-order  funds  should  contain  any  notes  which 
appear  to  the  receiving  postmaster  to  he  counterfeit,  he  should  submit  such  notes  to 
the  nearest  assistant  treasurer  of  the  United  States,  or  to  the  proper  officer  of  any 
national  bank,  for  examination,  who  will,  in  accordance  with  instructions  from  the 
Treasury,  stamp  or  brand  the  notes  as  counterfeit  if  they  should  prove  to  he  so.  They 
should  then  be  returned,  with  a  certificate  of  deposit  for  the  renuiinder  of  the  remit- 
tance, to  the  postmaster  who  forwarded  them.  In  case  a  remittance  should  contain 
any  notes  or  drafts,  other  than  those  of  national  banks,  the  receiving  postmaster  should 
rei)ort  the  fact  to  the  Superintendent  of  the  Money-Order  System. 

Sec.  1100.  Postmasters  may  Deposit  in  National  Banks,  when. — Postinaisters 

are  also  strictly  prohibited  by  law  fium  depositing  momy-order  funds  in  their  charge 
in  any  hank  except  a  national  bank.     See  section  73. 

Sec.  1101.  Importance  of  Promptly  Transmitting  "Weekly  Statements. — 

Negligence  or  delay  in  transmitting  the  weekly  statements,  forwarding  advices,  or  in 
remitting  funds  for  deposit,  according  to  instructions,  are  serious  obstacles  to  the 
successful  workiugof  the  money-order  system,  and  postmasters  must  be  cantioirs  in  these 
respects.  As  intimated  elsewhere,  the  withholding  of  money  in  violation  of  the  regu- 
lations, and  the  illegal  use  thereof,  will  suljject  the  offender  to  severe  penalties. 


TITLE    YII. 

EXCHANOE     OF    COllRESPONDENCE    WITH 
FOREIGN    COUNTRIES. 


CHAPTER  ONE. 


THE  UNIVERSAL  POSTAL  UNION. 


Sec. 

1102.  Tho  Convention  of  Paris. 

1103.  Eojiulations  of  detail  ami  order  under  Pari.s 

Convention. 
t^^  This  Convention  and  the  repilation.s  of  do- 
tail  and  order  as  signed  were  in  the  French  lan- 
guage only.    The  English  translation  was  made  in 
"Washington. 

1104.  Postage  and  registration  fee  to  Postal  Union 

countries. 

1105.  The  metric  system  of  weights  used  for  for- 

eign  mails. 

1106.  Countries  and  colonies  of  the  Union. 

1107.  Paris  Convention  does  not  govern  exchange 

of  mails  with  Canada. 

1108.  Kates  of  postage  and  conditions  of  prepay- 

ment. 

1109.  Mode  of  prepayment. 

1110.  Franking  of  postal  correspondence. 


Sec. 

1111.  Postmarking. 

1112.  Registration. 

1113.  Conditions  of  fonn  and  weight. 

1114.  Printed  matter  defined. 

1115.  Commercial  papers  defined. 

1116.  Articles  excluded  from  reduced  postage. 

1117.  Arti(-les  excluded  from  Postal  Union  mails. 

1118.  Special  anangements  with  certain  countries. 

1119.  International  postal  card. 

1120.  Reforwarding. 

1121.  Articles    not    transmissible    or    limited    in. 

weight  to  Italy. 

1122.  Addressing  correspondence  to  Russia. 

1123.  Newspapers  for  Russia,  restrictions. 

1124.  Letters  of  declared  value  not  admissible  to 

Union  mails. 

1125.  List  of  exchange  post-oftices. 


Sec.  1102.  The  Convention  of  Paris. — Uiiiversal  Postal  Unioii  concluded 
between  Germany,  the  Argentine  llepnblic,  Anstria-Hnnoary,  lielgiiim, 
Brazil,  Denmark  and  the  Danish  Colonies,  Egypt,  Spain  and  tlie  Span- 
ish Colonies,  the  United  States  of  North  America,  France  and  the  French 
Colonies,  Great  Britain  and  certain  British  Colonies,  British  India,  Can- 
ada, Greece,  Italy,  Jai)an,  Luxemburg,  Mexico,  Montenegro,  Norway, 
the  Netherlands  and  the  Netherland  Colonies,  Peru,  Persia,  Portugal  and 
the  Portuguese  ('olonies,  Roumania,  Russia,  Servia,  Salvatlor.  Sweden, 
Switzerland,  and  Turkey. 

COXYEXTIOX. 

Tlie  undersigned,  plenii^otentiaries  of  the  governments  of  tlie  coun- 
tries above  enumerated,  being  assembled  in  congress  at  Pari.s,  by  virtue 
of  Article  18  of  the  Treaty  con.stituting  the  General  Po.stal  rnion,  con- 
cluded at  Berne  on  the  9th  of  October,  1874,  have,  by  mutual  agirement, 
and  subject  to  ratification,  revised  the  said  Treaty,  conformably  to  the 
following  stipulations : 

231 


232  postal  laws  and  regulations. 

Article  1. 

The  countries  between  which  the  present  Convention  is  conckided,  as 
Avell  as  those  which  may  join  it  hereafter,  form,  under  the  title  of  Uni- 
versal Postal  Union,  a  single  postal  territory  for  the  reciprocal  exchange 
of  correspondence  between  their  i)ost-offices. 

Article  2. 

The  stipulations  of  this  Convention  extend  to  letters,  post-cards, 
printed  matter  of  all  kinds,  commercial  documents  and  samples  of  mer- 
chandise, originating  in  one  of  the  countries  of  the  Union  and  intended 
for  another  of  those  countries.  They  also  apply,  so  far  as  regards  con- 
Abeyance  within  the  Union,  to  the  exchange  by  mail  of  the  articles  above 
mentioned  between  the  countries  of  the  Union  and  countries  foreign  to 
the  Union,  whenever  that  exchange  makes  use  of  the  services  of  two  of 
the  contracting  parties  at  least. 

Article  3. 

The  Postal  Administrations  of  neighboring  countries,  or  countries  able 
to  correspond  directly  with  each  other  without  using  the  intermediary 
of  the  services  of  a  third  Administration,  determine,  by  mutual  agree- 
ment, the  conditions  of  the  conveyance  of  their  reciprocal  mails  across 
the  frontier,  or  from  one  frontier  to  the  other. 

Unless  there  be  a  contrary  arrangement,  the  direct  sea  conveyance 
performed  between  two  countries  by  means  of  packets  or  vessels  depend- 
ing upon  one  of  them,  shall  be  considered  as  a  third  service  ;  and  such 
conveyance,  as  well  as  any  performed  between  two  offices  of  the  same 
country,  by  the  intermediary  of  maritime  or  territorial  services  main- 
tained by  another  country,  is  regulated  hj  the  stipulations  of  the  follow- 
ing article. 

Article  4. 

The  right  of  transit  is  guaranteed  throughout  the  entire  territory  of 
the  Union. 

Consequently,  the  several  Postal  Administrations  of  the  Union  may 
send  reciprocally  through  the  intermediary  of  one  or  of  several  of  them, 
as  well  closed  mails  as  correspondence  in  open  mails,  according  to  the 
requirements  of  trade  and  the  convenience  of  the  postal  service. 

The  correspondence  exchanged,  whether  in  open  or  in  closed  mails, 
between  two  administrations  of  the  Union,  by  means  of  the  services  of 
one  or  of  several  other  administrations  of  the  Union,  is  subject  to  the 
following  transit  charges,  to  be  pjiid  to  each  of  the  countries  traversed, 
or  whose  services  participate  in  the  conveyance,  viz : 

1st.  For  territorial  conveyance,  2  francs  i>er  kilogramme  of  letters  or 
post-cards,  and  25  centimes  per  kilogramme  of  other  articles ; 

2d.  For  sea  conveyance,  15  francs  per  kilogramme  of  letters  or  post- 
cards, and  1  franc  per  kilogramme  of  other  articles; 


TITLE    VII FOIJHKiN    CORRESPOND KNX'E.  233 

It  is,  liowevor,  uiukMstood — 

1st.  That  wheicvcr  th«'  transit  is  alioady  jL;rat nitons  at  pirscnt,  oi 
subject  to  more  advantaj^eons  condilions,  snt-ii  <'on<lifion  is  maintained, 
except  in  the  case  provided  for  hi  paragraph  .'>,  following; 

2d.  That  wherever  the  rate  of  sea-transit  lias  hitherto  been  fixed  at  <» 
francs  50  centimes  per  kiloynimme  of  letters  or  post-cards,  snch  rate  is 
reduced  to  5  fraucs  ; 

3d.  That  every  sea-conveyance  not  exceeding  oOO  nautical  miles  is 
gratuitous  if  the  administration  concerned  is  already  entitled,  on  account 
of  nuiils  or  corrcs]»ondenco  benefiting  by  this  conveyance,  to  the  rtMiiu- 
neration  applicable  to  the  territorial  transit ;  in  the  contrary  case  pay- 
ment is  made  at  the  rate  of  2  francs  i)er  kilogramme  of  letters  or  post- 
cards, and  25  centimes  per  kilogramme  of  other  articles ; 

4th.  That  in  the  case  of  sea-conveyance  effected  by  two  or  more  admin 
istrations,  the  expenses  of  the  entire  transportation  cannot  exceed  15 
francs  i)er  kilogramme  of  letters  or  i)ost-cards,  and  1  franc  per  kilo- 
gramme of  other  articles.  These  expenses  are  in  such  case  shared 
between  the  administrations ^ro  rata  for  the  distances  traversed,  without 
prejudice  to  other  arrangements  between  the  parties  interested  ; 

5th.  That  the  rates  specified  in  the  present  article  do  not  apply  either 
to  conveyance  by  means  of  services  depending  upon  administrations 
foreign  to  the  Union,  or  to  conveyance  within  the  Union  l)y  means  of 
extraordinary  services  specially  established  or  maintained  by  one  admin- 
istration in  the  interest  or  at  the  request  of  one  or  several  other  admin- 
istrations. The  conditions  of  these  two  categories  of  conveyance  are 
regulated  by  mutual  agreement  between  the  administrations  interested. 

The  expenses  of  transit  are  borne  by  the  administration  of  the  country 
of  origin. 

The  general  settlement  of  these  expenses  takes  place  on  the  basis  of 
statements  prepared  every  two  years,  during  a  month  to  be  determined 
on  in  the  Regulation  of  Execution  referred  to  in  Article  l-Jt  hereafter. 

The  correspondence  of  the  postal  administrations  with  each  other, 
articles  reforwarded  or  misseut,  undeliverable  articles,  acknowledgments 
of  delivery,  post-ofdce  money-orders  or  advices  of  the  issue  of  orders, 
and  all  documents  relative  to  the  postal  service,  are  exempt  from  all 
transit  charges,  whether  territorial  or  maritime. 

Akticle  5. 

The  rates  of  postage  for  the  conveyance  of  postal  articles  throughout 
the  entire  extent  of  the  Union,  including  their  delivery  at  the  residence 
of  the  addressees  in  the  countries  of  the  Union  where  a  delivery  service 
is  or  shall  be  organized,  are  fixed  as  follows : 

1st.  For  letters,  25  centimes  in  case  of  prepayment,  and  double  that 
amount  in  the  contrary  case,  for  each  letter  and  for  every  weight  of  15 
grammes  or  fraction  of  15  grammes; 

2d.  For  post-cards,  10  centimes  per  card ; 


234  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

3d.  For  printed  matter  of  every  kind,  commercial  papers,  and  samples 
of  merchandise,  5  centimes  for  each  article  or  packet  bearing  a  particn- 
lar  address;  and  for  every  weight  of  50  grammes  or  fraction  of  50 
grammes,  provided  that  such  article  or  package  does  not  contain  any 
letter  or  manuscript  note  having  the  character  of  an  actual  and  personal 
correspondence,  and  that  it  be  made  up  in  such  a  manner  as  to  admit 
of  its  being  easily  examined. 

The  charge  on  commercial  papers  cannot  be  less  than  25  centimes  per 
packet,  and  the  charge  on  sami)les  cannot  be  less  than  10  centimes  pBr 
packet. 

In  addition  to  the  rates  and  minima  fixed  bj'  the  preceding  paragraphs, 
there  may  be  levied : 

1st.  For  every  article  subjected  to  the  sea  transit  rates  of  15  francs 
per  kilogramme  of  letters  or  post-cards  and  1  franc  per  kilogramme  of 
other  articles,  an  additional  charge,  which  may  not  exceed  25  cen- 
times per  single  rate  for  letters,  5  centimes  i^er  i)ost-card,  and  5  centimes 
per  50  grammes  or  fraction  of  50  grammes  for  other  articles.  As  a  tem- 
j)orary  arrangement,  there  may  be  levied  an  additional  charge  up  to  10 
centimes  per  single  rate  for  the  letters  subjected  to  the  transit  rate  of  5 
francs  per  kilogramme. 

2d.  For  every  article  conveyed  by  services  maintained  by  administra- 
tions foreign  to  the  Union,  or  conveyed  by  extraordinary  services  in  the 
Union  giving  rise  to  special  expenses,  an  additional  charge  in  propor- 
tion to  these  expenses. 

In  case  of  insufficient  prepayment,  articles  of  correspondence  of  all 
kinds  are  liable  to  a  charge  equal  to  double  the  amount  of  the  deficiency, 
to  be  paid  by  the  addressees. 

Circulation  shall  not  be  given — 

1st.  To  articles  other  than  letters  which  are  not  prepaid  at  least  partly, 
or  which  do  not  fulfill  the  conditions  required  above  in  order  to  enjoy  the 
reduced  rate ; 

2d.  To  articles  of  a  nature  likely  to  soil  or  injure  the  correspondence; 

3d.  To  packets  of  samples  of  merchandise  which  have  a  salable  value, 
or  which  exceed  250  grammes  in  weight,  or  measure  more  than  20  centi- 
meters in  length,  10  in  breadth,  and  5  in  depth. 

4th.  Lastly,  to  packets  of  commercial  pai)ers  and  printed  matter  of  all 
kinds,  the  weight  of  which  exceeds  2  kilogrammes. 

Article  G. 

The  articles  specified  in  Article  5  maylje  registered. 

Every  registered  article  is  liable,  at  the  charge  of  the  sender — 

1st.  To  the  ordinary  prepaid  rate  of  i)ostage  upon  the  article,  accord- 
ing to  its  nature ; 

2d.  To  a  fixed  registration  fee  of  25  centimes  at  the  maximum  in  the 
European  states,  and  of  50  centimes  at  the  maximum  in  the  other  coun- 
tries, including  the  issue  to  the  sender  of  a  bulletin  of  i>osting. 


TITLE    VII — FOREIGN    COKKESPONDENCE.  235 

The  seiidci'  of  a  rc^iistcicd  article  may  ol»taiii  an  ackiiowh  dfj^inent  of 
drlivt'iy  ofsiu'li  article  l»y  jtayin;:  in  aihaiicc  a  fixed  fee  of  !'."»  eeiitiiiies 
at  tlie  iiiaxiiiiiini. 

In  case  of  the  loss  of  a  registered  article,  and  exce[)t  in  ease  oi  force 
majruir,  ther<'  is  to  l)e  i)aid  an  indemnity  of  50  francs  to  the  sender,  or, 
at  his  re<]uest,  to  the  addressee,  by  the  administiation  npon  wiiose  ter- 
ritory or  ill  whose  maritime  service  the  loss  has  occurred  ;  that  is  to  say, 
where  the  trace  of  the  article  lias  ceased. 

Asa  temporary  measure, the  administrations  of  the  countries  beyond 
Europe,  whose  legislation  is  at  present  opposed  to  the  principle  of 
responsibility,  are  permitted  to  ])ostpone  the  ai)plication  of  the  preced- 
ing clause  until  the  time  wlien  they  sliall  have  obtained  from  the  legis- 
lative power  authority  to  subscribe  to  it.  Up  to  that  time,  the  other 
administrations  of  the  Union  are  not  bouud  to  pay  an  indemnity  for  the 
loss,  in  their  respective  services,  of  registered  articles  addressed  to  or 
originating  in  the  said  countries. 

If  it  is  impossible  to  discover  the  service  in  which  the  loss  has  occur- 
red, the  indemnity  is  borne  in  equal  proportions  between  the  two  corre- 
sjionding  offices. 

Payment  of  this  indemnity  is  made  witli  the  least  possible  delay, 
and,  at  the  latest,  within  a  year  dating  from  the  day  of  application. 

Every  claim  for  an  indemnity  is  excluded  if  it  has  not  l)een  made 

within  one  year  from  the  date  on  which  the  registered  article  was 

posted. 

Article  7. 

Those  countries  of  the  Union  which  have  not  the  franc  for  their 
monetary  unit  hx  their  i)0stages  at  the  equivalent  in  their  respective 
currencies  of  the  rates  determined  by  Articles  5  and  (i  preceding.  Such 
countries  have  the  option  of  rounding  off  the  fractions  in  conformity 
with  the  table  inserted  in  the  regulation  of  execution  mentioned  in 
Article  14  of  the  present  Convention. 

Article  8. 

Prepayment  of  postage  on  every  description  of  article  can  be  effected 
only  by  means  of  postage-stamps  valid  in  the  country  of  origin  for  the 
correspondence  of  private  individuals. 

Official  correspondence  relative  to  the  postal  service,  and  exchanged 
between  the  postal  a<lministrations,  is  alone  exempt  from  this  obliga- 
tion and  admitted  free. 

Article  1>. 

Each  administratfon  keei»s  the  whole  of  the  sums  which  it  has  col- 
lected in  execution  of  the  foregoing  Articles  ."i,  (I,  7,  and  8.  Consequently, 
there  is  no  necessity  on  this  head  lor  any  accounts  between  the  several 
administrations  of  the  Union. 

iS^either  the  senders  nor  the  addressee.s  of  letters  and  other  postal 


236  POSTAL    LAAVS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

articles  are  called  upon  to  pay,  either  iu  the  couutry  of  origin  or  in  that 
of  destination,  any  i^ostage  or  any  postal  fee  other  than  those  contem- 
plated by  the  articles  above  mentioned. 

Article  10. 

^o  additional  charge  is  levied  for  the  reforwarding  of  postal  matter 
within  the  interior  of  the  Union. 

Article  11. 

It  is  forbidden  to  the  public  to  send  by  mail : 

1st.  Letters  or  packets  containing  gold  or  silver  substances,  pieces  of 
money,  jewelry,  or  precious  articles  ; 

2d.  Any  packets  whatever  containing  articles  liable  to  customs  duty. 

In  case  a  packet  falling  under  one  of  these  prohibitions  is  delivered 
by  one  administration  of  the  Union  to  another  administration  of  the 
Union,  the  latter  proceeds  according  to  the  manner  and  forms  prescribed 
by  it  s  legislation  or  by  its  interior  regulations. 

There  is,  moreover,  reserved  to  the  government  of  every  country  of 
the  Union  the  right  to  refuse  to  convey  over  its  territory,  or  to  deliver, 
as  well  articles  liable  to  the  reduced  rate,  in  regard  to  which  the  laws, 
ordinances,  or  decrees  which  regulate  the  conditions  of  their  publication 
or  of  their  <'irculation  in  that  couutry  have  not  been  complied  with,  as 
correspondence  of  every  kind  which  evidently  bears  inscriptions  forbidden 
by  the  legal  enactments  or  regulations  in  force  in  the  same  country. 

Article  12. 

The  offices  of  the  Union  which  have  relations  with  countries  beyond 
the  Union  admit  all  the  other  offices  to  take  advantage  of  such  relations 
for  the  exchange  of  correspondence  with  the  said  countries. 

The  correspondence  exchanged  in  open  mails  between  a  country  of  the 
Union  and  a  country  foreign  to  the  Union,  through  the  intermediary  of 
another  country  of  the  Union,  is  treated,  as  regards  the  conveyance 
beyond  the  limits  of  the  Union,  in  conformity  to  the  conventions,  ar- 
rangements, or  special  provisions  goveining  the  postal  relations  between 
the  latter  country  and  the  country  foreign  to  the  Union. 

The  rates  chargeable  on  the  correspondence  in  question  consist  of 
two  distinct  elements,  viz  : 

1st.  The  Union  rate  tixed  by  Articles  5,  0,  and  7  of  the  present  Con- 
vention. 

2d.  A  rate  for  the  conveyance  beyond  the  limits  of  the  Union. 

The  first  of  tliese  rates  is  assigned — 

a.  For  correspondence  originating  in  the  Union  and  addressed  to 
foreign  countries,  to  the  dispatching  office  in  case  of  prepayment,  and 
to  the  office  of  exchange  in  case  of  non-prepayment. 

h.  For  correspondence  originating  in  fort'ign  countries  and  addressed 


TITLE    VII rolM-IGX    (ORRESPOXDEN'CE.  '2'M 

to  tlH'  Union,  to  tlio  ollicc  of  cxclian^ic  in  cast'  of  ])rci)iivnHnt.  and  to 
the  ofllci*  of  destination  in  case  of  non-inrpaynient. 

Tlic  second  of  these  rates  is.  in  every  ease,  assi^iiicd  to  the  ollicc  of 
exchan-^e. 

With  refiard  to  the  expenses  of  transit  \vitliin  th<'  I'nion,  tlie  cor- 
respondence originating  in  or  atldressed  to  a  foreign  conntiy  is  assiini- 
hxted  to  that  from  or  for  the  country  of  the  Union  whii'h  maintains 
rehitions  witli  the  country  foieign  to  the  Union,  unless  such  relations 
imply  obligatory  and  partial  i)repayment,  in  which  case  the  said  I'liion 
country  has  the  right  to  the  territorial  transit  rates  fixed  by  Article  4 
preceding. 

The  general  settlement  of  the  rates  chargeable  for  the  conveyance 
beyond  Union  limits  takes  place  upon  the  basis  of  statements  which  are 
prepared  at  the  same  time  as  the  statements  drawn  up  by  virtue  of 
Article  4  preceding-  for  the  calculation  of  the  expenses  of  transit  within 
the  Union. 

As  regards  the  correspondence  exchanged  in  closed  tnails  Ijetweeu  a 
country  of  the  Union  and  a  country  foreign  to  the  Union,  through  the 
intermediary  of  another  country  of  the  Union,  the  transit  thereof  is 
subject  as  follows: 

Within  the  limits  of  the  Union,  to  the  rates  fixed  by  Article  4  of  the 
present  Convention. 

Beyond  the  limits  of  the  Union,  to  the  conditions  arising;  from  si)ecial 
arrangements  concluded  or  to  be  concluded  for  that  purpose  between 
the  administrations  interested. 

Article  13. 

The  exchange  of  letters  of  declared  value  and  that  of  postal  money- 
orders  form  the  subject  of  special  arrangements  between  the  various 
countries  or  grouiis  of  countries  of  the  Union. 

Article  14. 

The  postal  administrations  of  the  various  countries  composing  the 
Union  are  competent  to  establish  by  nnitual  agreement,  in  a  regulation 
of  execution,  all  the  measures  of  order  and  detail  which  are  judged 
necessary. 

The  several  administrations  may,  moreover,  make  among  thcmselvcv* 
the  necessary  arrangements  on  the  subject  of  (luestions  which  do  not 
concern  the  Union  generally,  provided  that  thcsi'  arrangements  are  not 
contrary  to  the  present  Convention. 

The  administrations  interested  are,  however,  permitted  to  come  to 
mutual  arrangements  for  the  adoption  of  lower  rates  of  postage,  within 
a  radius  of  30  kilometers,  for  the  conditions  of  the  delivery  of  letters  by 
express,  as  well  as  tV)r  the  exchange  of  post-cards  with  paid  answer.  In 
this  latter  case,  the  answer-car<ls.  when  sent  back  to  the  eountrv  of 


238  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS, 

origin,  are  exempt  from  tlie  transit  charges  stipulated  by  the  hist  para- 
graph of  Article  4  of  the  present  Convention. 

Article  15. 

The  present  Convention  involves  no  alteration  in  the  postal  legislation 
of  any  country  as  regards  anything  wliich  is  not  provided  for  by  the 
stipulations  contained  in  this  Convention. 

It  does  not  restrict  the  right  of  the  contracting  parties  to  maintain 
and  to  conclude  treaties,  as  well  as  to  maintain  and  establish  more  re- 
stricted Unions,  with  a  view  to  the  improvement  of  postal  relations. 

Article  10. 

There  is  maintained,  under  the  usime  of  the  IttternatioHal  Btireau  of  the 
Universal  Postal  Union,  a  central  ofitice,  which  is  conducted  under  the 
superintendence  of  the  Swiss  Postal  Administration,  and  the  expenses 
of  which  are  borne  by  all  the  administrations  of  the  Union. 

This  office  continues  to  be  charged  with  the  duty  of  collecting,  collat- 
ing, publishing,  and  distributing  information  of  every  kind  which  con- 
cerns the  international  postal  service ;  of  giving,  at  the  request  of  the 
parties  concerned,  an  opinion  u^jon  questions  in  dispute ;  of  making 
known  proposals  for  modifying  the  acts  of  the  Congress ;  of  giving  notice 
of  the  changes  adopted,  and,  in  general,  of  undertaking  examinations 
and  labors  devolving  upon  it  in  the  interest  of  the  Postal  Union. 

.     Article  17. 

In  case  of  disagreement  between  two  or  more  members  of  the  Union 
as  to  the  interpretation  of  the  present  Convention,  the  question  in  dis- 
pute is  decided  by  arbitration.  To  that  end,  each  of  the  administra- 
tions concerned  chooses  another  member  of  the  Union  not  directly  inter- 
ested in  the  matter. 

The  decision  of  the  arbitrators  is  given  b7  the  absolute  majority  of 
votes. 

In  case  of  an  equality  of  votes,  the  arbitrators  choose,  in  order  to  set- 
tle the  difference,  another  administration  equally  disinterested  in  the 
disputed  question. 

Article  18. 

Countries  which  have  not  taken  part  in  the  present  Convention  are 
admitted  to  adhere  thereto  upon  their  demand. 

Kotice  is  given  of  this  adhesion,  through  the  diplomatic  channel,  to 
the  government  of  the  Swiss  Confederation,  and  by  that  government 
to  all  the  countries  of  the  Union. 

It  implies,  as  a  right,  accession  to  all  the  clauses  and  admission  to  all 
the  advantages  stipulated  by  the  present  Convention. 

It  devolves  uj)on  the  government  of  the  Swiss  Confederation  to  de- 
termine, by  mutual  agreement  with  the  government  of  the  country  in- 


TITLE    VII — FOKEIGN    CORKESI'ONDENCE.  239 

terested,  the  share  to  be  contrilmted  by  the  Administration  (tf  tliis  hittci- 
country  toward  tho  cxpt'iiscs  of  tli**  Intcniatioiial  I>iir«*aii,  and,  if  ne<'«'s- 
sary,  the  rates  to  bo  k'vieil  by  that  administration  in  confuniiity  with 
Article  7  preceding. 

Article  10. 

Conjiresscs  (»f  i>lonii)otcntiarios  of  tlic  contractin.u'  countries,  or  simpb; 
ailmiuistrati\c  conferences,  according  to  tiie  importance  of  the  ques- 
tions to  be  solved,  are  held  when  a  <lemand  for  them  is  made  or  approved 
by  two-thirds,  at  least,  of  the  governments  or  administrations,  as  the 
case  may  be. 

Nevertheless,  a  Congress  must  be  held  at  least  once  every  five  years. 

Each  country  may  be  represented  either  by  one  or  several  delegates, 
or  by  the  delegation  of  another  country.  But  it  is  understood  that  the 
delegate  or  delegates  of  one  country  can  be  charged  with  the  represen- 
tation of  two  countries  oidy,  inclutling  the  country  which  they  represent. 

In  the  deliberations  each  country  has  one  vote  only. 

Each  Congress  fixes  the  place  of  meeting  for  the  following  Congress, 

For  Conferences,  the  administrations  fix  the  places  of  meeting  upon 
proposal  of  the  International  Bureau. 

Article  I'O. 

In  the  interval  which  elapses  between  the  meetings,  any  postal 
administration  of  a  country  of  the  Union  has  the  right  to  address  to 
the  other  administrations  belonging  to  it,  through  the  intermediary  of 
the  International  Bureau,  proposals  concerning  the  regimen  of  the 
Union.  But  to  become  executive  these  propositions  nuist  obtain,  as 
follows  : 

]st.  Unanimity  of  votes,  if  they  involve  a  modification  of  the  stipula- 
tions of  Articles  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  and  !)  preceding. 

2d.  Two-thirds  of  the  votes,  if  they  involve  a  modification  of  the  stip- 
ulations of  the  Convention  other  than  those  of  Articles  2,  3,  4,  .j,  0,  and  1». 

3d.  A  simple  absolute  majority,  if  they  involve  the  interpretation  of 
the  stii)nlations  of  the  Convention,  except  in  the  case  of  dispute  contem- 
plated in  Article  17  preceding. 

The  binding  decisions  are  sanctioned,  in  the  first  two  cases,  by  a 
diplomatic  declaration,  which  the  government  of  the  Swiss  Confedera- 
tion is  charged  to  prepare  and  transmit  to  all  the  governments  of  the 
contracting  countries,  and,  in  the  third  case,  by  a  simple  notification 
from  the  International  Bureau  to  all  the  administrations  of  the  Union. 

Article  21. 

The  following  are  considered  as  fornung,  for  the  application  of  Articles 
10, 19,  and  20  preceding,  a  single  country',  or  a  single  administration,  as 
the  case  may  be : 

1st.  The  Empire  of  British  India ; 


240  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

2d.  The  Dominion  of  Canada ; 
3d.  Tlie  whole  of  the  Danish  Colonies ; 
4th.  The  whole  of  the  Spanish  Colonies  ; 
5th.  The  whole  of  the  French  Colonies  ; 
6th.  The  whole  of  the  Xetherland  Colonies ; 
7th.  The  whole  of  the  Portuguese  Colonies. 

Article  22. 

The  present  Convention  shall  be  put  into  execution  on  the  1st  of  April, 
1879,  and  shall  remain  in  force  during-  an  indefinite  period ;  but  each 
contracting  party  has  the  right  to  withdraw  from  the  Union  by  means 
of  a  notice  given,  one  year  in  advance,  by  its  government  to  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Swiss  Confederation. 

Article  23. 

After  the  date  on  which  the  j)resent  Convention  takes  effect,  all  the 
stipulations  of  the  treaties,  conventions,  arrangements,  or  other  acts  pre- 
viously concluded  between  the  various  countries  or  administrations,  in 
so  far  as  those  stipulations  are  not  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the 
liresent  Convention,  are  abrogated,  without  prejudice  to  the  rights  re- 
served by  Article  15  above. 

The  present  Convention  shall  be  ratified  as  soon  as  possible.  The  acts 
of  ratification  shall  be  exchanged  at  Paris. 

In  faith  of  which,  the  pleniijotentiaries  of  the  countries  above  enumer- 
ated have  signed  the  present  Convention  at  Paris,  the  first  of  June,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy-eight. 

For  the  United  States  of  America |  t^?' ?"  "^  ^t?^."      ^ . 

(  Joseph  H.  Blackfan. 

(  Dr.  Stephax. 
For  Germany )  Gunther. 

(  Sachse. 

For  the  Argentine  Eepublic Carlos  Calyo. 

For  Austria Dewez. 

For  Hungary Geryay. 

^-Be'g"- {•^-.isr^" 

For  Brazil A'ico3ITE  d'Itajuba. 

For  Denmark  and  the  Danish  Colonies. .  .ScHOU. 

For  Egypt A.  Caillard. 

For  Spain  and  the  Spanish  Colonies. . .  \  ^i"  ^'R™!^^^  A^illaamil. 
^  ^  {  Lmilio  C.  de  ^.ayasoues. 

(  Leon  Say. 
For  France )  Ad.  Cochery. 

(  A.  Besnier. 
For  the  French  Colonics ]•].  Boy. 


For  Great  Britain  and  the  British  Cdo  \  ^^V^"  f^^f,^' 

1 


rE, 

For  Britisli  India Fred.  B.  Hogg 


^'^^« ^A.llACLEAN. 


TITLE    VII — FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENX'E.  241 

(  F.  O.  Adams. 

For  Canada <  AVm.  Jas.  Page. 

(  A.  Maclean. 

For  areeee  f  N.  IM )elyanni. 

1  or  txreece ^^  j^  I\r ansolas. 

For  Italy G.  B.  Tantesio. 

■|?««  T«,,«.,  i  Naonouoit  Samesiiima. 

^ovJH^an {  Saml.  M.  Buyan. 

For  Luxeinbour*; V.  de  Iio<:i5E. 

For  Mexico G.  Uarueda. 

For  Montenegro DEwi:z. 

For  ]S'orway Ciir.  Hefty. 

For  the  Netherlands  and  the  Aether- ^  g^^^^f^^^^^^^^^  ^^^  j^ 
land  Colonies ^^     Wyborgh. 

For  Pern  .  .   JuAN  M.  de  Goyeneche. 

Persia  unrepresented . 

For  Portugal  and  the  Portuguese  Colo-  (  Guelhekmeno  Augusto  de 

nies (     Barros. 

For  Eoumania C.  F.  Eobesco. 

For  Rnssii  f  BARON  Velho. 

i^oritussia ^  Georges  Poggenpohl. 

For  Salvador J.  M.  ToRRi:s  Caicedo. 

For  Servia Mladen  F.  Eadoycovitch. 

For  Sweden Wm.  Roos. 

-n,     a    •+     1     1  (  DR-  Kern. 

For  Switzerland |  Ed.  Hohn. 

For  Turkey B.  Couyoumgian. 

Having  examined  and  considered  the  provisions  of  the  aforegoing 
Convention,  signed  at  Paris  on  the  Istof  Jume,  A.  D.  1878,  revising  the 
Treaty  constituting  the  General  Postal  Union  which  was  concluded  at 
Berne  on  the  9th  of  October,  A.  D.  1874,  the  same  is  by  me,  in  virtue  of 
the  powers  vested  in  the  Postmaster-Generalby  law,  hereby  ratified  and 
approved,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States. 

la  witness  whereof  I  have  caused  the  seal  of  the  Post-Office  Depart- 
ment of  the  United  States  to  be  hereto  afl&xed,  with  my  signature,  this 
loth  day  of  August,  1878. 

[SEAL.]  D.  M.  KEY, 

Fostmaster-Genend. 

I  hereby  approve  the  above-mentioned  Convention,  and  in  testimony 
thereof  I  have  caused  the  seal  of  the  United  States  to  be  affixed  hereto. 
[SEAL.]  E.  B.  HxVYES. 

By  the  President : 
F.  W.  Seward, 

Acting  Secretary  of  State. 
Washington,  August  13,  1878. 
10  p  L 


242  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

FINAL  PKOTOCOL. 

The  uiidersigned,  plenipotentiaries  of  the  governments  of  the  countries 
•vrhich  have  this  day  signed  the  Convention  of  Paris,  have  agreed  as 
follows: 

I.  Persia,  which  forms  part  of  the  Union,  being  unrepresented,  will 
nevertheless  be  allowed  to  sign  the  Convention  hereafter,  provided  that 
countrj'  confirms  its  adhesion  by  a  diplomatic  act  with  the  Swiss  gov- 
ernment before  the  1st  of  April,  1879. 

ir.  The  countries  foreign  to  the  Union,  which  have  deferred  their 
adhesion  or  wliich  have  not  yet  announced  their  intentions,  shall  enter 
the  Union  on  fulfilling  the  conditions  specified  in  Article  18  of  the  Con- 
vention. 

III.  In  case  one  or  other  of  the  contracting  parties  should  not  ratify 
the  Convention,  this  Convention  shall  nevertheless  be  binding  on  the 
parties  to  it. 

IV.  The  various  British  colonies,  other  than  Canada  and  British  India, 
which  are  parties  in  the  Convention,  are  Ceylon,  the  Straits  Settlements, 
Labuan,  Hong-Kong,  Mauritius  and  dependencies,  Bermuda,  British 
Guiana,  Jamaica,  and  Trinidad. 

In  faith  of  which  the  undermentioned  plenipotentiaries  have  drawn 
up  the  present  final  protocol,  which  shall  have  the  same  force  and  the 
same  value  as  if  the  stipulations  which  it  contains  were  inserted  in  the 
Convention  itself,  and  they  have  signed  it  in  one  single  instrument, 
which  shall  be  deposited  in  the  archives  of  the  French  government,  and 
a  copy  of  which  shall  be  delivered  to  each  party. 

Paris,  June  1st,  1878. 

(  Dr.  Stephan. 

For  Germany - <  Gitnther. 

'  (  Sachse. 

For  the  Argentine  Eepublic Carlos  Calvo. 

For  Austria Dewez. 

For  Hungary Gervay. 

-n       Ty   ^    •  (J-  ViNCHENT. 

ForBelgmm {  F.  Gife. 

For  Brazil Yicomte  d'Itajuba. 

For  Denmark  and  the  Danish  Colonies . . .  Schou. 

For  Egypt A.  Caillard. 

For  Spain  and  the  Spanish  Colonies. . .  I  ^S^Y.^n^^  Villaamil. 
^  ^  (  Emilio  C.  de  IS^avasques. 

For  the  United  States  of  America {  T^!;£;'?f  ^?^: 

(  Joseph  H.  Blackfan. 

(  Leon  Say. 
For  France )  Ad.  Cochery. 

(  A.  Besnier. 
For  the  French  Colonies E.  Roy. 

For  Great  Britain  and  the  British  Colo-  {  Ev?'  ^^^S^' 
_:„„  <  WM.  Jas.  Page. 

^^^^ (A.  Maclean. 


TITLE    VII — FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  243 

For  British  India .^ Fred.  R.  Hogg. 

(  F.  ().  Adams. 
For  Canada ]  Wm.  J  as.  Page. 

(  A.  Maclean, 
t:,     >^  (  N.  P.  Delyanni. 

^«'^^^^^<^ {a.Mansolas. 

For  Italy G.  B.  Tantesio. 

„      T  ( XAONonou  Sameshima. 

^o^M^^^ i  Saml.  M.  Bryan. 

For  Luxembourg V.  de  R(EBE. 

For  Mexico G.  Barreda. 

For  Montenegro Dewez. 

For  Xorway Chr.  Hefty. 

For  The  Netherlands  and  the  Aether- ^  f^|^™^|^  ^andas- 

laud  Colonies ^     Wyborgh. 

For  Peru Juan  M.  de  Goyeneche. 

For  Portugal  and  the  Portuguese  Colo-  i  Guelhermeno  Augusto  de 

nies (      Barros. 

For  Eoumania C.  F.  Eobesco. 

^     -p      .  (  Baron  Yelho. 

j^or  lYUSsia j  Georges  Poggenpohl. 

For  Salvador J.  M.  Torres-Caicedo. 

For  Servia Mladen  F.  Radoycovitch. 

For  Sweden Wm.  Roos. 

For  Switzerland |  Ed.' HoSn." 

For  Turkey B.  Couyoumgian. 

Having  examined  and  considered  the  j)rovisions  of  the  foregoing  final 
protocol,  signed  at  Paris  on  the  1st  of  June,  A.  D.  1878,  relative  to  the 
Convention  of  Paris,  signed  the  same  day,  the  same  is  by  me,  in  virtue 
of  the  x^owers  vested  in  the  Postmaster-General  by  law,  hereby  ratified 
and  approved,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  President  of 
the  United  States. 

In  witness  whereof  I  have  caused  the  seal  of  the  Post-Office  Depart- 
ment of  the  United  States  to  be  hereto  affixed,  with  my  signature,  this 
13th  day  of  August,  1878. 

[SEAL.]  D.  M.  KEY, 

Postmaster-General. 

I  hereby  approve  the  above-mentioned  protocol,  and  in  testimony 
thereof  I  have  caused  the  seal  of  the  United  States  to  be  affixed. 
[SEAL.]  R.  B.  HAYES. 

By  the  President : 
F.  W.  Seward, 
Acting  Secretary  of  State. 
Washington,  August  13, 1878. 


244  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  1103.  Regulations  of  Detail  and  Order  under  the  Paris  Convention. — 
Eegulatious  of  detail  and  order  for  the  execution  of  the  Convention 
concluded  between  Germany,  the  Argentine  Republic,  Austria-Hun- 
gary, Belgium,  Brazil,  Denmark  and  the  Danish  Colonies,  Egypt,  Spain 
and  the  Spanish  Colonies,  the  United  States  of  North  America,  France 
and  the  French  Colonies,  Great  Britain  and  certain  British  Colonies, 
British  India,  Canada,  Greece,  Italy,  Japan,  Luxemburg,  Mexico,  Mon- 
tenegro, Norway,  The  Netherlands  and  the  Netherland  Colonies,  Peru, 
Persia,  Portugal  and  the  Portuguese  Colonies,  Roumania,  Russia,  Servia, 
Salvador,  Sweden,  Switzerland,  and  Turkey.    .  . 

The  undersigned,  in  view  of  Article  14  of  the  Convention  concluded  at 
Paris  June  1st,  1878,  for  the  revision  of  the  fundamental  compact  of  the 
General  Postal  Union,  have,  in^the  name  of  their  respective  administra- 
tions, established,  by  mutual  agreement,  the  following  measures  to  in- 
sure the  execution  of  the  said  Convention : 

I. 

Direction  of  the  Correspondence. 

1.  Each  administration  is  bound  to  forward,  by  the  most  rapid  routes 
at  its  disposal  for  its  own  mails,  the  closed  mails  and  the  correspondence 
in  open  mails  which  are  delivered  to  it  by  another  administration. 

2.  The  administrations  which  avail  themselves  of  the  right  to  levy 
sup])lementary  charges,  as  representing  the  extraordinary  expenses  at- 
tending certain  routes,  are  at  liberty  not  to  forward  by  those  routes  when 
other  means  of  communication  exist,  such  of  the  insufficiently-paid  cor- 
respondence for  which  the  employment  of  the  said  routes  has  not  been 
expressly  requested  by  the  senders. 

11. 

Exchange  in  Closed  Mails. 

1.  The  exchange  of  the  correspondence  in  closed  mails  between  the 
administrations  of  the  Union  is  regulated  by  mutual  agreement,  and 
according  to  the  needs  of  the  service,  between  the  administrations  con- 
cerned. 

2.  If  an  exchange  is  to  be  made  through  tlie  intermediary  of  one  or 
several  third  countries,  the  administrations  of  those  countries  must  be 
informed  thereof  in  due  time. 

o.  It  is,  moreover,  obligatory  in  this  latter  case  to  make  up  closed 
mails,  whenever  the  amount  of  the  correspondence  is  of  a  nature  to  im- 
pede the  operations  of  an  intermediary  administration,  according  to  the 
statement  of  that  administration. 

4.  In  case  of  alteration  in  a  service  of  exchange  in  closed  mails  estab- 
lished between  two  administrations  through  the  intermediary  of  one  or 
more  third  countries,  the  administration  which  has  called  for  the  altera- 
tion gives  notice  thereof  to  the  administrations  of  the  countries  through 
whose  intermediary  the  exchange  is  made. 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE. 


245 


in. 

Extraordinary  Services. 

The  extraordinary  services  of  the  Union  grivin^-  rise  to  spcciiil  expenses, 
the  fixing  of  wiiich  is  reserved  by  Article  4  of  tlie  Con  v-ention  for  arrange- 
ments between  the  administrations  interested,  are  exehisively — 

1st.  Tiiose  wliich  are  maintained  for  the  aceelerate<l  territorial  con- 
veyance of  the  mail  called  Indian ; 

2d.  That  which  the  postal  administration  of  the  United  States  of 
America  maintains  npon  its  territory  for  the  conveyance  of  closed  mails 
between  the  Atlantic  Ocean  and  the  Pacific  Ocean. 


IV. 

Fixing  the  Rates  of  Postage. 

1.  In  execntion  of  Article  7  of  the  Convention,  the  administrations  of 
the  countries  of  the  Union  which  have  not  the  franc  for  monetary  unit, 
levy  their  rates  of  postage  according  to  the  following  equivalents : 


Countries. 


Germany 

Argentine  Republic. 
Aiiatria-Hun<;ary.  .. 
Brazil ". 


25  centimes,  l  10  centimes.  I   5  centimes. 


I)fniiiaTk 

Dani.sh  colonies : 

(Treenland  . .. 

AVest  Indies  . 

Es 


mt 


United  States  of  Amei-ica 

Great  Britain 

British  Inilia 

Briti.sh  colonies : 

Jamaica.  Trinidad,  British  Guiana,  Labtian,  Manritins 

and  deiK'iideucie.s,  Beniiiidas     

Ceylon,  Straits  Settlements,  Hoiiic-Kons,  Can.ida 

Japan    

Montenegro 

!Xor  way 

Netherlands  and  Xetheiland  colonics 

Persia 


20  pfennifr  . 

1  lOpfennis  .. 

.")  ])ftiiiiiir. 

8  eentavos  . 

1  4  eentavos  . . 

2  eentavos 

10  kreuzcr. 

5  kreiizer  ... 

.3  kreiizer. 

lOOreis 

.    ."iO  leis 

25  reis. 

20  ore 

10  lire 

1 

Sore. 

20  ore 

.1  10  (ire 

5  ore. 

0  cents 

2  cents 

1  cent. 

1  piastre  . . . 

.    20  paras 

10  para.s. 

5  cents 

2  cents 

1  wut. 

2i  j)iufe  ... 

.    1  jicnnv 

i  penny. 

2  annas 

.    J  anna 

i  anna. 

2j  pence  . . . 

.  1  1  penny  .... 

i  penny. 

.5  cents 

.    2  cents 

1  cent. 

.    2  sen 

.    r>  soldi 

1  sen. 

lOs.ddi  .... 

3  .soldi. 

Portuiial  and  Portnsiiese  colonies. 

Kussia 

Servia 

Sweden 

Turkey 

Mexico 

Peru 

Salvador 


20  (ire 

12i  cents 

0  shaliLs 

.")0  reis    

7  kopecks. .. 

.tO  pai-as 

20  lire  

50  paras 

6  eentavos  . . 

o  eentavos  . . 

5  eentavos 

de  peso. 


10  iire 

5  cents  .  . . . 

2  sliahis 

20  reis  

3  kopecka . . 
20  paras  . .  . 

10  ill  e 

20  pai-as  . .  . 
H  eentavos  . 
2  eentavos  . 
2  centavoi 

de  peso. 


2J  cents. 

1  shall  i, 
10  reis. 

2  kojiecks. 
10  paras. 

5  lire. 
10  paras. 
2  eentavos. 
1  centavo. 
lean  ta vo 
de  peso. 


2.  In  case  of  change  in  the  monetary  system  in  one  of  the  above-named 
countries,  the  administration  of  that  country  mu.st  have  an  understand- 
ing with  the  Swiss  Postal  Administration  in  order  to  modifv  the  above 
equivalents :  it  devolves  upon  the  latter  administration  to  give  notice  of 
this  modification  to  all  the  other  offices  of  the  Union  through  the  inter- 
mediary of  the  International  Bureau. 

3.  Any  administration  has  the  right  to  have  recourse,  if  it  deems  it 
necessary,  to  the  understanding  i)rovided  for  in  the  preceding  paragraph , 
in  case  of  an  imjiortant  modification  in  the  value  of  its  money. 


246  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

4.  The  monetary  fractious  resulting  either  from  the  complement  of 
the  charge  applicable  to  iusufficieut  prepaid  correspondence,  or  from  the 
combination  of  the  Union  postages  with  the  foreign  postages,  or  with 
the  surcharges  contemplated  by  article  5  of  the  Convention,  may  be 
rounded  oif  by  the  administrations  which  collect  them.  But  the  sum 
to  be  added  on  this  account  cannot,  in  any  case,  exceed  the  value  of  one- 
twentieth  of  a  franc  (five  centimes). 

V. 

Correspondence  with  Countries  foreign  to  the  Union. 

1.  The  offices  of  the  Union  which  have  relations  with  countries  foreign 
to  the  Union,  furnish  to  the  other  offices  of  the  Union  a  table  conforma- 
ble to  model  C  annexed  to  the  present  Regulations,  and  indicating,  with 
the  conditions  of  dispatch,  the  rates  due  for  the  conveyance  outside  of 
the  Union  of  the  correspondence  for  or  from  the  aforesaid  countries.  In 
the  case  provided  for  by  the  tenth  paragrajih  of  Article  12  of  the  Conven- 
tion, there  may  be  added  five  centimes  per  single  rate  of  letters  and  two 
centimes  per  single  rate  of  other  articles. 

2.  In  application  of  Article  12  of  the  Convention,  there  is  levied,  in 
addition  to  the  foreign  rates  indicated  in  table  C  : 

1st.  By  the  office  of  the  Union  forwarding  prepaid  correspondence 
for  countries  outside  the  Union,  the  rates  of  prepayment  respectively 
applicable  to  correspondence  of  the  same  nature  for  the  country  of 
egress  from  the  Union ; 

2d.  By  the  office  of  the  Union  to  which  is  addressed  unpaid  or  par- 
tially paid  correspondence  of  foreign  origin,  as  follows : 

a.  For  letters,  the  rate  applicable  to  the  unpaid  letters  coming  from 
the  country  of  the  Union  which  serves  as  the  intermediary ; 

h.  For  other  articles,  a  charge  equal  to  the  prepaid  rate  on  similar 
articles  which  are  addressed  from  the  Union  country  of  destination  to 
the  Union  country  serving  as  the  intermediary. 

VI. 

Application  of  Stamps. 

1.  Correspondence  originating  in  countries  of  the  Union  is  impressed 
with  a  stamp  indicating  the  place  of  origin  and  the  date  of  posting. 

2.  Correspondence  originating  in  countries  foreign  to  the  Union  is 
impressed,  by  the  office  of  the  Union  which  has  received  it,  with  a  stamp 
indicating  the  point  and  date  of  entrance  into  the  service  of  that  office. 

3.  Unpaid  or  insufficiently  prepaid  correspondence  is,  in  addition, 
impressed  with  the  stamp  T  (tax  to  be  paid),  the  application  of  which 
devolves  upon  the  office  of  the  country  of  origin  in  cases  of  correspond- 
ence originating  in  the  Union,  and  upon  the  office  of  the  country  of 
entry  in  cases  of  correspondence  originating  in  countries  foreign  to  the 
Union. 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  247 

4.  Registered  articles  must  bear  the  special  mark  (label  or  stamn) 
adopti'd  for  articles  of  a  lik<^  nature  by  the  country  of  ori^'in. 

5.  The  stamps  vr  marks,  tlie  employment  of  wlii<;h  is  pn*scribed  by 
the  i)resent  article,  are  pla(;ed  on  the  address  side  of  the  iiacket. 

6.  Every  article  of  correspondence  not  bearing  the  stamp  T  is  con- 
sidered as  prepaid  and  treated  accordingly,  unless  there  be  an  obviijus 
error. 

YII. 

Indication  oftheXumher  of  Rates  and  the  Amount  of  the  Foreign  Charges. 

1.  Wlien  a  letter  or  other  article  of  correspondence  is  liable,  by  reason 
of  its  weight,  to  more  than  a  single  rate,  the  office  of  origin  or  of  entry 
into  the  Union,  as  the  case  may  be,  indicates,  at  the  upper  left  corner 
of  the  address,  in  ordinary  figures,  the  number  of  rates  paid  or  to  be 
paid. 

2.  This  regulation  is  not  obligatory  for  the  fidly  prepaid  correspond- 
ence. 

3.  The  foreign  charges  due  by  virtue  of  Article  12  of  the  Convention 
and  of  Article  Y  of  the  present  Regulations,  for  the  conveyance  outside 
of  the  Union  of  correspondence  for  or  from  countries  foreign  to  the 
Union,  are  indicated  at  the  lower  left  corner  of  the  address  of  eacli  arti- 
cle, as  follows : 

1st.  By  the  office  of  tlie  country  of  origin,  in  red  figiu-es,  in  case  of 
regularly  prepaid  correspondence  originating  in  the  Union  ; 

2d.  By  the  office  of  the  country'  of  entry  into  the  Union,  in  blue  fig- 
ures, in  case  of  correspondence  of  foreign  origin  to  be  charged  by  the 
Union  office  of  destination. 

Till. 

Insufficient  Prepayment. 

1.  When  an  article  is  insufficiently  prepaid  by  means  of  postage- 
stamps,  the  dispatching  office  indicates,  in  black  figures  placed  at  the 
side  of  the  postage-stamps,  the  amount  of  the  insufficiency,  expressing 
it  in  francs  and  centimes. 

2.  According  to  this  indication,  the  exchange  office  of  the  country  of 
destination  charges  the  article  with  double  the  insufficiency  ascertained. 

3.  In  case  use  be  ma<le  of  postage-stamps  not  valid  for  prei)ayment, 
no  account  is  taken  of  them.  This  circumstance  is  indicated  by  the 
cipher  (0)  placed  at  the  side  of  the  postage-stamps. 

IX. 

Letter  Bills. 

1.  The  letter  bills  accompanying  the  mails  exchanged  between  two 
administrations  of  the  Union  are  in  conformity  with  the  model  A  an- 
nexed to  the  present  Regulations. 


248  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

2.  The  registered  articles  are  entered  in  table  No.  I  of  the  letter-bill, 
-vrith  the  following  details  :  The  name  of  the  office  of  origin,  the  name 
of  the  addressee,  and  the  place  of  destination,  or  simply  the  name  of  the 
office  of  origin  and  the  number  given  to  the  article  at  that  office. 

3.  When  the  number  of  registered  articles  usually  sent  from  one  office 
of  exchange  to  another  requires  it,  a  special  and  separate  hst  may  be 
used  to  replace  table  No.  I  of  the  letter  bill. 

4.  In  table  No.  II  are  to  be  entered,  with  the  details  which  this  table 
requires,  the  closed  mails  which  accompany  the  direct  dispatches. 

5.  When  it  is  deemed  necessary,  for  certain  relations,  to  make  other 
tables  or  headings  upon  the  letter-bill,  the  measure  may  be  accomplished 
by  mutual  agreement  between  the  administrations  interested. 

6.  When  an  exchange  office  has  no  article  to  forward  to  a  correspond- 
ing office,  it  must  nevertheless  send,  in  the  ordinary  form,  a  mail  which 
is  composed  solely  of  the  letter  bill. 

X. 

Registered  Articles. 

1.  The  registered  articles  and,  if  necessary,  the  special  list  specified 
in  paragraph  3  of  Article  IX,  are  placed  together  in  a  separate  packet, 
which  must  be  suitably  inclosed  and  sealed  so  as  to  preserve  its  contents. 

2.  This  packet,  with  the  letter  ijill  around  it,  is  placed  in  the  center 
of  the  mail. 

3.  The  presence  in  the  mail  of  a  packet  of  registered  articles,  the  de- 
scription of  which  is  given  upon  the  special  list  mentioned  in  paragraph 
1  above,  must  be  announced  by  the  application  at  the  head  of  the  letter 
bill,  either  of  a  special  entry,  or  of  the  label,  or  of  the  registration  stamp 
in  use  in  the  country  of  origin. 

4.  It  is  understood  that  the  mode  of  making  up  and  transmitting  reg- 
istered articles  prescribed  by  paragraphs  1  and  2  above  applies  only  to 
ordinary  relations.  For  important  relations,  it  appertains  to  the  ad- 
ministrations interested  to  prescribe,  by  mutual  agreement,  special 
arrangements,  under  reservation,  in  the  one  case  as  in  the  other,  of  the 
exceptional  measures  to  be  taken  by  the  chiefs  of  the  exchange  offices, 
when  they  have  to  assure  the  transmission  of  registered  articles  which, 
from  their  nature,  their  form,  or  their  bulk,  cannot  be  inserted  in  the 

mail. 

XI. 

Indemnity  for  the  Loss  of  a  Registered  Article. 

The  obligation  to  pay  the  indoinnity  in  case  of  the  loss  of  a  registered 
article,  devolves  upon  the  administration  to  which  the  dispatching  office 
is  subordinate,  subject  to  appeal,  if  necessary,  to  the  administration 
responsible  for  the  loss. 


TITLE    VII — FOREIGN    CORRESrONDENX'E.  249 

XII. 
MaJiiny  vj)  the  Maih. 

1.  As  a  general  rule,  the  articles  of  which  the  mails  consist  must  be 
classified  and  put  up  in  bundles  according  to  the  nature  of  the  corre- 
spondence. 

2.  Every  mail,  after  having  been  first  tied  with  string,  is  inclosed  in 
strong  i)aper  of  sufticient  quantity  to  prevent  any  injury  to  the  contents, 
then  tied  again  on  the  outside  and  sealed  with  wax,  or  by  means  of  a 
gummed  paper  label  bearing  an  imi)ressioii  of  the  seal  of  the  office. 
The  mail  is  furnished  with  a  printed  a(hlress  bearing,  in  small  cliaracters, 
the  name  of  the  dispatcliing  office,  and  in  larger  characters  the  name  of 
the  office  of  destination :  "From "  "For " 

3.  If  the  size  of  the  mail  requires  it,  it  is  inclosed  in  a  bag  properly 
closed,  sealed,  and  labeled. 

4.  The  bags  must  be  returned  empty  to  the  dispatching  office  by  the 
next  mail,  subject  to  other  arrangement  between  the  corresponding  offices. 

XIII. 

Verijicaiion  of  the  Mails. 

1.  The  office  of  exchange  which  receives  a  mail  ascertains,  in  the  first 
l^lace,  if  the  entries  upon  the  letter  bill  and — the  case  occurring — upon 
the  list  of  registered  articles,  are  correct. 

2.  When  it  detects  errors  or  omissions,  it  immediately  makes  the  nec- 
essary corrections  on  the  letter  bills  or  lists,  taking  care  to  strike  out 
the  erroneous  entries  with  a  pen,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  let  the  original 
entries  be  seen. 

3.  These  corrections  are  made  by  the  concurrence  of  two  officers. 
Except  in  the  case  of  an  obvious  error,  they  are  accepted  in  preference 
to  the  original  statement. 

4.  A  bulletin  of  verification,  in  conformity  with  model  B  annexed  to 
the  present  regulations,  is  prepared  by  the  receiving  office  and  sent 
without  delay,  under  official  registration,  to  the  dispatching  office. 

5.  The  latter,  after  examination,  returns  it  with  any  observations  to 
which  it  may  give  rise. 

6.  In  case  of  the  failure  of  a  mail,  of  a  registered  article,  of  the  letter 
bill,  or  of  the  special  list,  the  circumstance  is  immediately  authenticated, 
in  the  manner  agreed  upon,  by  two  officers  of  the  receiving  exchange 
office,  and  reported  to  the  dispatching  exchange  office  by  means  of  a 
bulletin  of  verification.  If  needful,  the  latter  office  may  also  be  advised 
thereof  by  telegram,  at  the  expense  of  the  office  which  sends  the 
telegram. 

7.  In  case  the  receiving  office  has  not  forwarded  by  the  first  mail  to 
the  dispatching  office  a  note  of  verification  reporting  errors  or  irregu- 


250  POSTAL   LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

lai'ities  of  any  kind,  the  absence  of  that  document  is  to  be  regarded  as 
evidence  of  tlie  due  receipt  of  the  mail  and  of  its  contents,  until  proof 
to  the  contrary. 

XIV. 

Registered  Articles. — Conditions  of  Form  and  Fastening. 

No  special  condition  of  form  or  of  fastening  is  required  for  the  regis- 
tered articles.  Each  office  has  the  right  to  apply  to  this  correspondence 
the  regulations  established  in  its  interior  service. 

XV. 

Post  Cards. 

1.  Post-cards  must  be  forwarded  without  cover.  One  of  the  sides  is 
reserved  for  the  address  alone.  The  communication  is  written  on  the 
other  side. 

2.  Post-cards  cannot  exceed  the  following  dimensions  : 
Length,  14  centimeters ; 

Width,  9  centimeters. 

3.  As  far  as  possible,  post-cards  issued  specially  for  circulation  within 
the  Union,  should  bear  an  impressed  stamp  and  the  title  "Universal 
Postal  Union,"  followed  by  the  name  of  the  country  of  origin.  This  title, 
when  not  in  the  French  language,  is  to  be  repeated  in  that  language. 

4.  Post-cards  issuing  from  Union  offices  are  alone  admitted  to  circu- 
lation in  the  international  service. 

5.  It  is  forbidden  to  join  or  to  attach  to  post-cards  any  article  what- 
soever. 

XVI. 

Commercial  Papers. 

1.  The  following  are  considered  as  commercial  papers  and  admitted 
as  such  to  the  reduced  postage  sanctioned  by  Article  5  of  the  Conveu- 
tion,  viz :  All  instruments  or  documents  written  or  drawn  wholly  or 
l^artly  by  hand,  which  have  not  the  character  of  an  actual  and  personal 
correspondence,  such  as  papers  of  legal  procedure,  deeds  of  all  kinds 
drawn  up  by  public  functionaries,  way  bills  or  bills  of  lading,  invoices, 
the  various  documents  of  insurance  companies,  copies  or  extracts  of 
deeds  under  private  seal  written  on  stamped  or  unstamped  paper,  scores 
or  sheets  of  manuscript  music,  manuscripts  of  works  forwarded  sep- 
arately, &c. 

2.  Commercial  papers  must  be  forwarded  under  band  or  in  an  open 
enveloi)e. 

XVII. 

Printed  matter  of  all  kinds. 

1.  The  following  are  considered  as  printed  matter,  and  admitted  as 
such  to  the  reduced  postage  sanctioned  by  Article  5  of  the  Convention, 


TITLE    VII — FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  251 

viz:  Newspapers  and  periodical  works,  books  stitched  or  ImxiihI,  paiii- 
l)liU'ts,  sheets  of  luiisic,  visiting-canls,  address  cards,  proofs  of  printing, 
with  or  without  tlic  manuscripts  rehiting  thereto,  engravings,  plioto- 
graphs,  drawings,  plans,  geographical  ina[>s,  catalogues,  iu()sp«'ctuses, 
annouuceinents  and  notices  of  various  kinds,  whether  printed,  engi-avtxl, 
lithogra|)hed,  or  autographed,  and,  in  general,  all  impressions  or  copies 
obtained  ui)ou  paper,  parchment,  or  card-board,  by  means  of  i)rinting, 
lithographing,  or  any  other  mechanical  process  easy  to  recognize,  except 
the  copying-press. 

2.  The  following  are  excluded  from  the  reduced  postage,  viz :  Stamps 
or  forms  of  prepayment,  whether  obliterated  or  not,  as  well  as  all  printed 
articles  constituting  the  rei)resentative  sign  of  a  monetary  value. 

3.  The  character  of  actual  and  persotml  corTesjyondence  cannot  be 
ascribed  to  the  following,  viz : 

1st.  To  the  signature  of  the  sender  or  to  the  designation  of  Lis  name, 
of  his  profession,  of  his  rank,  of  the  place  of  origin,  and  of  the  date  of 
dispatch. 

2d.  To  a  dedication  or  mark  of  respect  offered  by  the  author. 

3d.  To  the  figures  or  signs  mei-ely  intended  to  mark  the  passages  of  a 
text,  in  order  to  call  attention  to  them. 

4th.  To  the  prices  added  upon  the  quotations  or  prices  current  of  ex- 
change or  markets. 

5th.  Lastly,  to  annotations  or  corrections  made  uiM>n  proofs  of  print- 
ing or  musical  compositions,  and  relating  to  the  text  or  to  the  execution 
of  the  work. 

4.  Printed  matter  must  be  either  placed  under  band,  upon  a  roller, 
between  boaixis,  in  a  case  open  at  one  side  or  at  both  ends,  or 
in  an  unclosed  envelope,  or  simply  folded  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to 
conceal  the  natui^e  of  the  jiacket,  or,  lastly,  tied  by  a  stiing  easy  to  un- 
fasten. 

5.  Address  cards,  and  all  printed  matter  presenting  the  form  and  con- 
sistency of  an  unfolded  card,  may  be  forwarded  without  band,  envelope, 
fastening,  or  fold. 

XYIII. 

Samples. 

1.  Samples  of  merchandise  are  admitted  to  the  advantage  of  the  re- 
duction of  postage  which  is  granted  to  them  by  Article  5  of  the  Conven- 
tion only  under  the  following  conditions : 

2.  They  nuist  be  placed  in  bags,  boxes,  or  removable  envelopes,  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  admit  of  easy  inspection. 

3.  The}'  must  not  have  any  salable  value,  nor  bear  any  manuscript 
other  than  the  name  or  profession  of  the  sender,  the  address  of  the  ad- 
dressee, a  manufacturer's  or  trade-mark,  numbers,  and  prices. 


252  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

XIX. 

Articles  grouped  together. 

It  is  permitted  to  inclose  in  the  same  packet  samples  of  merchandise, 
printed  matter  and  commercial  papers,  but  subject  to  the  following'  con- 
ditions : 

1st.  That  each  article  taken  singly  shall  not  exceed  the  limits  which 
are  applicable  to  it  as  regards  weight  and  size. 

2d.  That  the  total  weight  must  not  exceed  two  kilogrammes  per 
package. 

3d.  That  the  minimum  charge  shall  be  25  centimes  when  the  packet 
contains  commercial  papers,  and  10  centimes  when  it  consists  of  printed 
matter  and  samples. 

XX. 

Refoncarded  Correspondence. 

1.  In  execution  of  Article  10  of  the  Convention,  and  subject  to  the  ex- 
ceptions specified  in  paragraph  2  of  the  present  article,  correspondence 
of  every  kind  circulating  in  the  Union,  addressed  to  i^ersous  who  have 
changed  their  residence,  is  treated  by  the  delivering  office  as  if  it  had 
been  addressed  directly  from  the  place  of  origin  to  the  place  of  new 
destination. 

2.  With  regard  to  articles  of  the  interior  service  of  one  of  the  coun- 
tries of  the  Union,  which  enter,  in  consequence  of  reforwarding,  into 
the  service  of  another  country  of  the  Union,  the  following  rules  are 
observed : 

1st.  Articles  unpaid  or  insufficiently  paid  for  tlieir  first  transmission, 
are  treated  as  international  correspondence,  and  subjected  by  the  de- 
livering office  to  the  charge  ai^plicable  to  articles  of  the  same  nature 
addressed  directly  from  the  country  of  origin  to  the  country  in  which  the 
addressee  may  be. 

2d.  Articles  regularly  paid  for  their  first  transmission,  and  upon 
which  the  remainder  of  the  charge  relating  to  the  further  transmission 
has  not  been  paid  previous  to  reforwarding,  are  subjected,  according  to 
their  nature,  by  the  delivering  office,  to  a  charge  equal  to  the  difference 
between  the  prepaid  rate  already  paid  and  that  which  would  have  been 
levied  if  the  articles  had  been  originally  dispatched  to  their  new  desti- 
nation. The  amount  of  this  difference  must  be  expressed  in  francs  and 
centimes  at  the  side  of  the  postage  stamps  by  the  reforwarding  office. 

In  both  cases,  the  charges  contemplated  above  remain  to  be  defrayed 
by  the  addressees,  even  if,  owing  to  snccessive  reforwardiugs,  the  arti- 
cles should  return  to  the  country  of  origin. 

3.  Articles  of  every  kind  missent  are,  without  delay,  reforwarded  by 
the  most  rapid  route  to  their  destinatioD. 


TITLE    VII — FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  253 

XXL 
Undelivered   Correnpondencc. 

1.  The  correspondence  of  every  kind  which  is  not  dclivorpd,  from  what- 
ever cause,  must  he  returned  immediately  after  the  expiration  of  tlie 
period  for  keei)in^  it  reiiuired  by  the  hiws  of  tlie  country  of  (U-stination 
through  the  intermediary  of  the  respective  ottices  of  exchange,  and  in  a 
special  bundle  hibele<l  "/?('&Mf.s." 

2.  Xevertheless,  undelivered  registered  correspondence  is  returned  to 
the  exchange  office  of  the  country  of  origin  as  if  it  were  registered  cor- 
respondence addressed  to  that  country,  except  that  as  regards  the  de- 
scriptive entry  in  table  Xo.  I  of  the  letter  bill,  or  in  the  separate  list, 
the  word  ^^Kebuts^  is  entered  in  the  column  of  observations  by  the  re- 
turning oftice. 

3.  As  an  exception,  two  corresponding  offices  may,  by  mutual  agree- 
ment, adopt  a  ditferent  mode  of  returning  undelivered  corresi)ondence, 
and  may  also  dispense  with  the  reciprocal  retiu-n  of  certain  printed  matter 
considered  to  be  without  value. 

XXII. 

Statistics  of  Transit  Expenses. 

1.  The  statistics  to  be  taken  once  every  two  years  in  execution  of  Ar- 
ticles 4  and  12  of  the  Convention,  for  the  settlement  as  well  of  the  ex- 
penses of  transit  within  the  Union  as  of  the  charges  relating  to  the  con- 
veyance beyond  the  limits  of  the  Union,  are  established  according  to  the 
provisions  of  the  following  articles,  during  the  entire  month  of  May  or 
of  Xovember  alternately,  in  such  a  manner  that  the  first  statistics  shall 
take  place  in  Xovember,  1879 ;  the  second  in  May,  1881 ;  the  third  in 
Xovember,  1883,  and  so  on. 

2.  The  statistics  of  Xovember,  1879,  shall  take  effect  from  the  1st  of 
April  in  the  same  year,  until  the  31st  December,  1880.  Each  snbsequent 
statistical  account  shall  serve  as  basis  for  the  i)aymeuts  relating  to  the 
current  year,  and  to  that  which  follows. 

3.  If  during  the  period  of  application  of  the  statistics,  a  country  hav- 
ing important  relations  should  enter  the  Union,  the  countries  of  the 
Union  whose  situation  might,  in  consequence  of  this  circumstance, 
be  aft'ected  in  regard  to  the  payment  of  transit  rates,  have  the  option 
to  demand  special  statistics  relating  exclusively  to  the  countries  recently 
admitted. 

XXIII. 

Correspondence  in  Open  Mails. 

1.  The  office  serving  as  the  medium  for  tlie  transmission  of  coiTespond- 
ence  exchanged  in  open  mails,  either  between  two  countries  of  the 
Union  or  between  a  country  of  the  Union  and  a  country  foreign  to  it,  pre- 


254  POSTAL   LAWS   AND   REGULATIONS. 

pares  beforehand,  for  eacb.  of  its  correspondents  of  the  Union,  a  table  in 
conformity  mth  model  D  annexed  to  the  present  Regulations,  and  in 
which  it  indicates,  distinguishing,  if  needful,  the  different  routes  of  trans- 
mission, the  rates  of  payment  by  weight  due  to  it  for  conveyance  within 
the  Union  of  both  categories  of  correspondence  by  means  of  the  services 
at  its  disposal,  as  well  as  the  rates  of  payment  by  weight  to  be  paid, 
the  case  occurring,  by  the  office  itself  to  other  offices  of  the  Union,  for 
the  further  conveyance  of  the  said  correspondence  within  the  Union.  If 
needful,  it  communicates  in  due  time  with  the  offices  of  the  countries  to 
be  traversed  as  to  the  routes  the  correspondence  is  to  take,  and  the  rates 
to  be  applied  thereto. 

2.  A  copy  of  table  D  is  forwarded  by  the  said  office  to  the  corre- 
sponding office  interested,  and  serves  as  the  basis  of  a  special  account 
to  be  established  between  them  with  reference  to  the  intermediate  con- 
veyance in  the  Union  of  the  correspondence  in  question.  This  account 
is  prepared  by  the  office  which  receives  the  correspondence,  and  is  sub- 
mitted to  the  examination  of  the  dispatching  office. 

3.  The  dispatching  office  prei)ares,  according  to  the  particulars  given 
in  the  form  D,  furnished  by  its  correspondent,  tables  in  conformity  with 
model  E,  hereto  annexed,  and  intended  to  show  for  each  mail  the  ex- 
penses of  intermediate  conveyance  within  the  Union  of  the  correspond- 
ence, without  distinction  of  origin,  comprised  in  the  mail  to  be  forwarded 
by  the  intermediary  of  the  said  corresponding  office.  With  this  view, 
the  dispatching  exchange  office  enters  in  table  No.  1  of  a  form  E, 
which  it  joins  to  its  dispatch,  the  total  weight,  according  to  its  nature, 
of  the  correspondence  of  this  class  which  it  delivers  in  open  mail  to  the 
corresponding  exchange  office,  and  the  latter,  after  verification,  under- 
takes the  further  transmission  of  the  correspondence  to  its  destination 
in  mixing  it  with  its  own,  in  respect  to  the  payment,  if  needful,  of  the 
further  charges  for  conveyance. 

4.  With  regard  to  the  expenses  of  conveyance  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  Union  of  correspondence  addressed  to  or  coming  from  countries 
foreign  to  the  Union,  they  are  calculated  according  to  the  particulars 
given  in  the  table  C  mentioned  in  Article  V  of  the  present  Eegulations, 
and  entered  in  gross  upon  the  form  E,  as  follows  : 

In  table  No.  II,  in  the  case  of  paid  correspondence  for  abroad  (expense 
at  the  charge  of  the  dispatching  office  of  the  Union) ; 

In  table  No.  Ill,  in  the  case  of  unpaid  correspondence  coming  from 
abroad,  and  of  reforwarded  or  undelivered  correspondence  marked  with 
foreign  charges  to  be  refunded  (expense  at  the  charge  of  the  Union 
office  of  destination) ; 

5.  Any  error  in  the  statement  of  the  office  of  exchange  which  has 
dispatched  the  table  E  is  immediately  notified  to  that  office  by  means 
of  a  bulletin  of  verification,  notwithstanding  the  correction  made  in  the 
table  itself. 

G.  If  there  be  no  correspondence  liable  to  a  charge  for  intermediate 


t 

TITLE   VII — FOREIGN   CORRESPONDENCE.  255 

or  foreign  conveyance,  the  table  E  is  not  prepared.  In  case  of  tluj 
unexplained  omission  of  this  table,  the  irreffularity  is  fMiually  nijxnted 
by  means  of  a  bulletin  of  veritication  to  the  olU(;c  in  fault,  and  must  be 
immediately  repaired  by  the  latter. 

xxrv. 

Closed  Mails. 

1.  The  coiTcspondcnce  exchanged  in  closed  mails  between  two  offices 
of  the  Union,  or  between  an  office  of  the  Union  and  an  office  foreign 
to  the  Union,  across  the  territory,  or  by  means  of  the  services  of  one 
or  more  other  offices,  forms  the  object  of  a  statement  similar  to  model 
F  annexed  to  the  present  Kegulations,  and  which  is  prepared  according 
to  the  following  stipulations : 

2.  As  regards  the  mails  from  one  country  of  the  Union  to  another 
country  of  the  Union,  the  dispatching  office  of  exchange  enters  in  the 
letter  bill  for  the  office  of  exchange  receiving  the  mail  the  net  weight 
of  the  letters  and  post-cards,  and  of  the  other  articles,  without  distinc- 
tion of  the  origin  or  destination  of  the  correspondence.  These  entries 
are  verified  by  the  recei\ing  office,  which  prepares,  at  the  end  of  the 
period  for  taking  the  statistics,  the  statement  above  mentioned,  in  as 
many  copies  as  there  are  offices  interested,  including  the  office  of  the 
place  of  dispatch. 

3.  In  the  four  days  which  follow  the  close  of  the  statistical  operations, 
the  statements  F  are  transmitted  by  the  offices  of  exchange  which  have 
prepared  them  to  the  offices  of  exchange  of  the  administration  indebted, 
in  order  to  be  accepted  by  them.  The  latter,  after  having  accepted 
these  statements,  transmit  them  to  the  central  administration  to  which 
they  are  subordinate,  which  is  charged  with  distributing  them  among 
the  offices  interested. 

4.  As  regards  the  closed  mails  exchanged  between  a  country  of  the 
Union  and  a  country  foreign  to  the  Union,  by  the  intennediar\-  of  one 
or  several  offices  of  the  Union,  their  conveyance  is  effected  in  both 
directions,  at  the  charge  of  the  said  Union  country,  and  the  offices  of 
exchange  of  that  country  themselves  prepare,  for  each  mail  dispatched 
or  received,  a  statement  F,  which  they  transmit  to  the  office  of  departure 
or  of  entry,  which  prepares,  at  the  end  of  the  statistical  period,  a  general 
statement,  in  as  many  copies  as  there  are  offices  interested,  including 
itself  and  the  debtor  office  of  the  Union.  A  copy  of  this  statement  is 
transmitted  to  the  debtor  office,  as  well  as  to  each  of  the  offices  which 
have  participated  in  the  conveyance  of  the  mails. 

XXV. 

Account  of  the  Expenses  of  Transit. 

1.  The  tables  E  and  F  are  incorporated  in  a  special  account,  in  which 
is  shown,  in  francs  and  centimes,  the  annual  amount  of  transit  payment 


256  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  EEGULATIONS. 

accruing  to  each  office,  by  multiplying  the  totals  by  12.  The  duty  of 
preparing-  this  account  devolves  upon  the  creditor  office,  which  transmits 
it  to  the  debtor  office. 

2.  The  balance  resulting  from  the  reciprocal  accounts  between  two 
offices  is  paid  by  the  debtor  office  to  the  creditor  office  in  effective  francs, 
and  by  means  of  bills  drawn  upon  the  capital,  or  upon  a  commercial 
place  of  the  latter  office. 

3.  The  preparation,  transmission,  and  payment  of  the  accounts  of  the 
expenses  of  transit  belonging  to  a  period  of  service  must  be  effected 
with  the  least  possible  delay,  and  at  the  latest,  before  the  expiration  of 
the  first  six  months  of  the  following  period  of  service.  When  this  time 
has  passed,  the  amounts  due  by  one  office  to  another  office  are  subject 
to  interest  at  the  rate  of  five  per  cent,  per  annum,  dating  from  the  day 
of  the  expiration  of  the  said  delay. 

4.  Nevertheless,  the  option  is  reserved  to  the  offices  interested  to  make, 

by  mutual  agreement,  other  arrangements  than  those  which  are  set  forth 

in  the  i)resent  Article. 

XXVI. 

Exceptions  in  Matters  of  Weight. 

As  an  exceptional  measure,  it  is  agreed  that  the  States  which,  in  con- 
sequence of  their  interior  regulations,  are  unable  to  adopt  the  decimal 
metrical  system  of  weight,  have  the  right  to  substitute  for  it  the  ounce 
avoirdupois  (28.3465  grammes),  by  assimilating  a  half  ounce  to  15 
grammes,  and  two  ounces  to  50  grammes,  and  to  raise,  if  needful,  the 
limit  of  the  single  rate  of  postage  on  newspapers  to  four  ounces,  but 
under  the  express  condition  that,  in  the  latter  case,  the  postage  on 
newspapers  be  not  less  than  10  centimes,  and  that  an  entire  rate  of 
postage  be  charged  for  each  copy  of  the  newspaper,  even  though  several 
newspapers  be  included  in  the  same  packet. 

XXYII. 

Applications  for  Ordinary  Articles  ichicli  have  failed  to  reach  their  Destina- 
tion. 

1.  Every  application  respecting  an  article  of  ordinary  correspondence 
which  has  failed  to  reach  its  destination  gives  rise  to  the  following  pro- 
ceeding : 

1st.  A  form  similar  to  the  model  G  hereto  annexed,  is  handed  to  the 
applicant,  who  is  requested  to  fill  up  as  exactly  as  possible,  the  por- 
tion which  concerns  him. 

2d.  The  office  at  which  the  application  originates  transmits  the  form 
direct  to  the  corresponding  office.  It  is  transmitted  officially  and  with- 
out any  writing. 

3d.  The  corresponding  office  causes  the  form  to  be  handed  to  the 
addressee  or  to  the  sender,  as  the  case  may  be,  with  the  request  that 
particulars  on  the  subject  bo  furnished. 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  257 

4th.  Supplied  with  these  particuhus,  the  form  is  sent  back  oflicially 
to  the  oflice  whicli  jin'piinMl  it. 

r)th.  Ill  case  the  ai)plication  jnovea  to  be  well  founded,  it  is  trans- 
mitted to  the  central  administration,  to  serve  as  the  basis  for  further 
investigation. 

Cth.  Unless  by  agreement  to  the  contrary,  the  form  is  drawn  up  in 
French,  or  bears  a  French  translation. 

2.  Any  administration  may  require,  by  means  of  a  notification 
addressed  to  the  International  Bureau,  that  the  exchange  of  ai)])li<a- 
tions,  so  far  as  it  is  concerned,  be  eftected  through  the  intermediary  of 
the  central  administrations,  or  of  an  office  specially  designated. 

XXVIII. 

Division  of  the  Expenses  of  the  International  Bureau. 

1.  The  ordinary  expenses  of  the  International  Bureau  must  not  exceed 
the  sum  of  100,000  francs  annually,  not  including  the  special  expenses 
to  which  the  meeting  of  a  Congress  or  of  a  Conference  may  give  rise. 

2.  The  administration  of  the  Swiss  Post  Office  superintends  the 
expenses  of  the  International  Bureau,  makes  the  necessary  advances, 
and  prepares  the  annual  account,  which  is  communicated  to  all  the 
other  administrations. 

3.  For  the  division  of  the  expenses,  the  countries  of  the  Union  are 
divided  into  seven  classes,  each  contributing  in  the  proportion  of  a  cer- 
tain number  of  units,  viz : 

1st  class 25  units. 

2d  "  20  " 

3rd  "  15  " 

4th  " 10  " 

5th  "  5  " 

Cth  "  3  " 

7th  "  1  " 

4.  These  coefficients  are  multiplied  by  the  number  of  countries  of  each 
class,  and  the  total  of  the  i)roducts  thus  obtained  furnishes  the  number 
of  units  by  which  the  total  exi)ense  is  to  be  divided.  The  quotient 
gives  the  amount  of  the  unit  of  expense. 

5.  The  countries  of  the  Union  are  classified  as  follows,  in  view  of  the 
division  of  the  exiDcnses : 

1st  class:  Germany-,  Austria-IIungary,  United  States  of  America, 
France,  British  India,  the  whole  of  the  other  British  colonies  except 
Canada,  Great  Britain,  Italy,  Russia,  Turkey. 

2d  class :  Spain. 

3d  class :  Belgium,  Brazil,  Canada,  Egypt,  Japan,  Xetherlands,  Eou- 
mania,  Sweden,  Spanish  colonies  or  provinces  beyond  sea,  French  col- 
onies, Xetherland  East  Indies. 

4th  class:  Denmark,  Norway,  Portugal,  Switzerland,  Portuguese 
colonies. 

17  P  L 


258  POSTAL   LAWS   AND   EEGULATIONS. 

5th  clas^ :  Argentine  Eepublic,  Greece,  Mexico,  Pern,  Servia. 

6th  class :  Colony  of  Snrinam  (or  Dutch  Guiana),  colony  of  Curagoa 

(or  Netherland  West  Indies),   Luxemburg-,   Persia,  Danish   colonies, 

Salvador. 

7th  class :  MontenegTO. 

XXIX. 

Communications  to  he  addressed  to  the  International  Bureau. 

1.  The  International  Bureau  serves  as  the  intermediary  for  the  regular 
and  general  notifications  which  concern  the  international  relations. 

2.  The  administrations  forming  the  Union  must  communicate  to  each 
other  specially  through  the  medium  of  the  International  Bureau: 

1st.  Information  of  the  additional  charges  which  they  levy  by  virtue 
of  Article  5  of  the  Convention,  in  addition  to  the  Union  rate,  whether 
for  sea-postage  or  for  the  exjienses  of  extraordinary  conveyance,  as  well 
as  a  list  of  the  countries  in  relation  to  which  these  surcharges  are  levied, 
and,  if  needful,  the  designation  of  the  routes  which  cause  their  collec- 
tion; 

2d.  The  impression  of  the  special  stamp  or  mark  serving  to  authenti- 
cate the  registration ; 

3d.  The  model  of  their  form  of  ad\ace  of  receipt  j 

4th.  The  collection  of  their  postage  stamps ; 

5th.  Lastly,  the  tables  C,  the  preparation  of  which  is  prescribed  by 
Article  V  of  the  present  Eegulations. 

3.  Every  modification  adopted  hereafter  in  regard  to  one  or  other  of 
the  five  points  above  mentioned,  must  be  notified,  without  delay,  in  the 
same  manner. 

4.  The  International  Bureau  equally  receives  from  all  the  adminis- 
trations of  the  Union,  two  copies  of  all  the  documents  which  they 
publish,  as  well  relating  to  the  interior  service  as  to  the  international 
service. 

5.  Moreover,  each  administration  transmits,  in  the  first  half  of  each 
year,  to  the  International  Bureau,  a  complete  series  of  statistical  details 
relating  to  the  preceding  year,  in  the  form  of  tables  filled  up  according 
to  information  from  the  International  Bureau,  which  distributes  for 
this  purpose  formulas  already  prepared. 

6.  The  correspondence  addressed  by  the  administrations  of  the  Union 
to  the  International  Bureau,  and  nice  versa,  is  assimilated,  as  regards 
freedom  from  postage,  to  the  correspondence  exchanged  between  the 
administrations. 

XXX. 

Duties  of  the  International  Bureau. 

1.  The  International  Bureau  prepares  general  statistics  for  each  year. 

2.  It  publishes,  by  the  aid  of  the  documents  which  are  put  at  its  dis- 
posal, a  special  journal  in  the  German,  English,  and  French  languages. 

3.  All  the  documents  published  by  the  International  Bureau  are  dis- 
tributed to  the  administrations  of  the  Union  in  the  proportion  of  the 


TITLE    VII — FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  259 

number  of  contributing  units  assigned  to  each   by  Article  XXVIII 
preceding. 

4.  Tlie  atblitlonal  copies  and  documents  wiiicli  may  be  applied  for  by 
these  administrations  are  paid  for,  sei>arately,  at  prime  cost. 

5.  The  International  IJureau  must,  besides,  hold  itself  always  at  the 
disposal  of  the  members  of  the  Union,  for  the  i)urpose  of  furnishing 
them  with  any  special  infonnati(m  they  may  require  upon  quest rmis 
relating  to  the  International  Postal  Service. 

C.  The  International  Bureau  makes  known  deman<ls  for  the  moditica- 
tion  or  interpretation  of  the  stipulations  which  govern  the  Union.  It 
notifies  the  results  of  each  application,  and  any  modification  or  resolu- 
tion adopted  is  not  executive  until  two  months,  at  least,  after  its  notifi- 
cation. 

7.  In  the  questions  to  be  decided  by  unanimous  assent  or  by  the  major- 
ity of  the  Union  administrations,  those  administrations  which  have 
not  sent  in  their  reply  within  the  maximum  delay  of  four  months  are  con- 
sidered as  expressing  no  opinion. 

8.  The  International  Bureau  prepares  the  business  to  be  submitted  to 
the  congresses  or  conferences.  It  undertakes  the  necessary  copying 
and  printing,  the  editing  and  distribution  of  amendments,  journals  af 
proceedings,  and  other  details. 

9.  The  Director  of  this  Bureau  attends  the  sessions  of  the  congresses 
or  conferencesj  and  takes  part  in  the  discussions,  without  the  power  of 
voting. 

10.  There  is  issued,  under  his  superintendence,  an  annual  report, 
which  is  communicated  to  all  the  administrations  of  the  Union. 

11.  The  official  language  of  the  International  Bureau  is  the  French 
language. 

XXXI. 

Language. 

1.  The  letter-bills,  tables,  statements,  and  other  forms  used  by  the 
administrations  of  the  Union  in  their  reciprocal  relations  must,  as  a 
general  rule,  be  drawn  up  in  the  French  language,  unless  the  adminis- 
trations interested  arrange  otherwise  by  direct  agreement. 

2.  As  regards  official  correspondence,  the  present  state  of  things  is 
maintained,  unless  any  other  arrangement  should  subsequently  be  agreed 
upon  by  common  consent  between  the  administrations  interested. 

XXXII. 
Jurisdiction  of  the  Union. 

The  following  are  considered  as  belonging  to  the  Universal  Postal 
Union : 

1st.  The  Island  of  Ueligoland,  as  assimilated  to  Germany,  from  a 
postal  point  of  view. 

2d.  The  Principality  of  Lichtenstein,  as  subordinate  to  the  postal  ad- 
ministration of  Austria. 

3d.  Iceland  and  the  Faroe  Islands,  as  forming  part  of  Denmark. 


260  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

4th.  The  Balearic  Isles,  the  Canary  Islands,  and  the  Spanish  posses- 
sions on  the  Northern  Coast  of  Africa,  as  forming  part  of  Spain ;  the 
Eepnblic  of  Andorra  and  the  postal  establishments  of  Spain  upon  the 
western  coast  of  Morocco,  as  subordinate  to  the  Spanish  postal  admin- 
istration. 

5th.  Algeria,  as  forming  part  of  France ;  the  Principality  of  Monaco, 
and  the  French  i^ost-offices  established  at  Tunis,  Tangier  (Morocco),  and 
at  Shanghai  (China),  as  subordinate  to  the  postal  administration  of 
France ;  Cambodia  and  Tonquin,  as  assimilated,  so  far  as  regards  the 
postal  service,  to  the  French  colony  of  Cochin  China. 

6th.  Gibraltar,  as  well  as  Malta  and  its  dependencies,  as  subordinate 
to  the  postal  administration  of  Great  Britain. 

7th.  The  post-offices  which  the  administration  of  the  English  colony 
of  Hong-Kong  maintains  at  Kiung-chow,  Canton,  Swatow,  Amoy,  Foo- 
cbow,  Kingpo,  Shanghai,  and  Hankow  (China),  and  Hai-Fuug  and  Hanoi, 
(Tonquin). 

8th.  The  Indian  postal  establishments  of  Aden,  Muscat,  Persian  Gulf, 
Guadur,  and  Mandalay,  as  subordinate  to  the  postal  administration  of 
British  India. 

9th.  The  Republic  of  St.  Marino,  and  the  Italian  offices  of  TudIs  and 
Tripoli,  in  Barbary,  as  subordinate  to  the  postal  administration  of 
Italy. 

10th.  The  post-offices  which  the  Japanese  administration  has  estab- 
lished at  Shanghai,  Chefoo,  Chin-Kiaug,  Hankow,  Ning-po,  Foo-Chow, 
IS'ewchwang,  Kiukiang,  and  Tien-Tsin  (China),  and  of  Fusampo  (Corea). 

11th.  Madeira  and  the  Azores,  as  forming  part  of  Portugal. 

12th.  The  Grand  Duchy  of  Finland,  as  forming  an  integral  part  of  the 

Empire  of  Eussia. 

XXXIII. 

In  the  interval  which  elapses  between  the  meetings,  every  postal  ad- 
ministration of  a  country  of  the  Union  has  the  right  to  address  to  the 
other  i)articipating  administrations,  through  the  intermediary  of  the 
International  Bureau,  proposals  in  regard  to  the  stipulations  of  the 
present  Regulations.  Bat  to  become  binding  these  prox>osals.  must  ob- 
tain as  follows : 

1st.  Unanimity  of  votes,  if  they  relate  to  the  modification  of  the  stipu- 
lations of  the  Articles  III,  IV,  V,  XI,  XXYI,  XXXIII,  and  XXXIY. 

2d.  Two-thirds  of  the  votes,  if  they  relate  to  the  modification  of  the 
stipulations  of  the  Articles  I,  II,  VIII,  X,  XIII,  XIV,  XV,  XVI,  XVII, 
XVIII,  XIX,  XX,  XXII,  XXIII,  XXIV,  XXV,  XXVII,  XXXI,  and 
XXXII. 

3d.  Simj)ly  au  absolute  majority,  if  they  relate  to  the  modification  of 
stipulations  other  than  tliose  above  mentioned,  or  to  the  interpretation 
of  the  various  stipulations  of  the  Regulations. 

The  resolutions  adopted  in  due  form  are  sanctioned  by  a  simple  noti- 
fication from  the  International  Bureau  to  all  the  administrations  of  the 
Union. 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  261 

XXXIV. 

Duration  of  the  Regulation.^. 

The  present  7lo;x'iliin()ns  shall  be  ]mt  into  ex<M'iiti(m  IVoia  Uw,  day  on 
which  the  Coiiveiitiou  of  the  l.st  .June,  1878,  comes  into  t'oice.  They 
shall  have  the  same  duration  as  that  Convention,  unless  they  be  renewed 
by  mutual  a<;reoment  between  the  parties  interested. 

Done  at  Paris,  the  1st  June,  1878. 

For  the  Uuited  States  of  America {  f^J^^  S!  bIackfan. 

(  Dr.  Stephan. 
For  Germany -j  G  untiiek. 

(  Sach.se. 

For  the  Argentine  Eepublic CIrlos  Calvo. 

For  Austria Dewez. 

For  Hungary Ger VA y. 

F- ««>•«-- !^-.S'='" 

For  Brazil Vicomte  d'Itajuba. 

For  Denmark  and  the  Danisli  Colonies . . .  Schou. 

For  Egypt A.  Caillard. 

For  Spaiu  and  the  Spanish  Colonies. . .  {  ^^'$:'^J^;^^,, 

(  L6oN  Say. 
For  France }  Ad.  Cochery. 

(  A.  Besnier. 
For  the  French.  Colonies E.  Roy. 

For  Great  Britain  and  the  British  Colo-  {  Sv, P'  T^?^i^^^x. 
.  ^  ^  X.  Jas.  Page. 

^^^ (A.  Maclean. 

For  British  India Fred.  R.  Hogg. 

(  F.  O.  Adams. 
For  Canada }  Wm.  Jas.  Page. 

(  A.  Maclean. 

For  Greece  i  ^-  ^-  ^elyanni. 

i<orUrreece j  j^    Mansolas. 

For  Italy G.  B.  Tantesio. 

■c,      T  i  Xaonobou  Sameshima. 

^«^J^1^^^ {  SA3IL.  M.  Bryan. 

For  Luxerabiirg V.  DE  Roebe. 

For  ]Mexico G.  Barreda. 

For  Montenegro Dewez. 

For  Iforway Chr.  Hefty. 

For  the  ]!fetherlands  and  Xetherland  S  ^lllTS^^^nxs  de  Landas- 
Colonies ^     AVyborgh. 

For  Peru JuAN  M.  de  Goyeneche. 

For  Portugal  and  the  Portuguese  Colo-  (  Gi-elhermeno  ArGUSTO  DE 


Dies \     Barros. 


262 


POSTAL    LAWS   AND   EEGULATIONS. 


For  Eoumauia C.  F.  Eobesco. 

.  (  Baeon  Velho. 

±  or  Kussia |  Georges  Poggenpohl. 

For  Salvador J.  M.  Toeees-Catcedo. 

For  Servia Mladen  F.  Eadoycovitch. 

For  Sweden Wm.  Eoos. 

For  Switzerland |  j.^*  353^,' 

For  Turkey B.  Couyoumgian. 

Sec.  1104.  Postage  and  Registration  Fee  to  Postal-Union  Countries. — ^By 

order  datetl  March  3,  1879,  the  Postmaster-Geueral  has  fixed  the  rates  of  postage  to  be 
levied  iu  the  United  States  to  all  parts  of  the  Universal  Postal  Union  at  those  pre- 
scribed in  article  5  of  the  Convention  of  Paris  (section  1102,  pp.  233,  234),  without  regard 
to  the  rates  of  sea-transit  chargeable  thereon.  The  registration  fee  chargeable  in  the 
United  States  is  lixed,  in  accordance  with  article  6,  at  ten  cents ;  but  no  fee  will  be 
charged  for  return  receipts  for  registered  articles  iu  cases  where  such  receii)ts  are  re- 
quested. 

Sec.  1105.  The  Metric  System  of  Weights  Used  for  Foreign  Mails. — The 
Postmaster-General  shall  furnish  to  the  post-offices  exchanging  mails 
with  foreign  countries,  and  to  such  other  offices  as  he  may  deem  expe- 
dient, postal  balances  denominated  in  grams  of  the  metric  system,  fifteen 
grams  of  which  shall  be  the  equivalent,  for  postal  puri)Oses,  of  one-half 
ounce  avoirdupois,  and  so  on  in  progression.     (E.  S.,  3880.) 

Sec.  1106.  Countries  and  Colonies  of  the  Union. — The  following  are  the 
countries  and  colonies  which,  up  to  the  date  of  this  i^ublication,  are  embraced  in  the 
Universal  Postal  Union : 


Austria-Hungary,  including  the  Princi- 
pality of  Lichtenstein. 

Argentine  Republic. 

Belgium. 

Bermudas. 

Brazil. 

British  Colonies  on  "West  Coast  of  Af- 
rica, (Gold  Coast,  Lagos,  Senegambia, 
and  Sierra  Leone.) 

British  Colonies,  West  Indies,  viz :  An- 
tigua, Dominica,  Montserrat,  Nevis,  St. 
Christopher,  and  the  Virgin  Isles. 

British  Guiana. 

British  Honduras. 

British  India:  Hindostan  and  British 
Burmah  (Aracan,  Pegu,  and  Tenas- 
serim),  and  the  Indian  i^ostal  establish- 
ments of  Aden,  Muscat,  Pei-sian  Gulf, 
Guadur,  and  Mandalay. 

Canada.    (See  sections  1107  and  1108.) 

Ceylon. 

Danish  Colonies  of  St.  Thomas,  St.  Croix, 
and  St.  John. 

Denmark,  including  Iceland  and  the 
Faroe  Islands. 


Egypt,  including  Nubia  and  Soodan. 

Falkland  Islands. 

France,  including  Algeria,  the  Princi- 
pality of  Monaco,  and  French  post-office 
establishments  at  Tunis,  Tangier  (Mo- 
rocco), and  at  Shanghai  (China),  Cam- 
bodia, and  Tonquin. 

French  Colonies. 

1.  In  Asia :  French  establishments  in  In- 

dia, (Chandemagore,Karikal,Mah(?, 
Pondicherry,  and  Yanaon,)  and  in 
Cochin  China,  (Saigon,  Mytho, 
Bien-Hoa,  Poulo-Condor,  Vingh- 
Long,  Hatien,  Tschandok.) 

2.  In  Africa:  Senegal  and  dei>eudencie.s, 

(Gor6e,  St.  Louis,  Bakel,  Dagana,) 
Mayotte  and  Nossi-bd,  Gaboon,  Re- 
union, (Bourbon,)  Ste.  Marie  de 
Madagascar. 

3.  In  America :  French  Guiana,  Gaada- 

loupe  and  dependencies,  (Desirado 
or  Deseada,  Les  Saintes,  Marie 
Galaute,  and  the  north  portion  of 
St.  Martin,)  MartiniquCj  St.  PieiTe, 
aud  Miquelotu 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE. 


263 


Frkxcii  Coloxiks— Continued. 
4.  In  OcKtuH-n :  New  Cih-douia,  Tahiti, 
Mai»iiit'sas  Isliiiid.s,  Lslo  of  rities, 
Loyalty  Islands,  tbo  Aichipclagoes 
of  Giimliicr,  TouboiiaT,  aud  Tua- 
motou,  (Low  Islands.) 

Gkrmany,  iucludingtlie  Island  of  Heligo- 
land. 

Great  Britain  axd  Iuki.axd,  inelu<ling 
Gilnaltar,  Malta,  the  dependeneies  of 
Malta,  (Gozzo,  Coiuiiio,  and  Couiinotto,) 
and  the  Island  of  Cyprns. 

Grekce,  inchuling  the  Ionian  Isles. 

Greknlaxd. 

HoXDi'RA.s,  Republic  of. 

HoxG-KoxG  and  the  post-offiees  main- 
tained by  Hong-K(»ng  at  Kinng-Chow, 
Canton,  Swatow,  Anioy,  Foo-Chow, 
Ning-po  Shanghai,  and  Hankow, 
(China,)  and  Hai-Fung  and  Hanoi, 
(Tonqnin.) 

Italy,  including  the  Republic  of  San 
Marino,  and  the  Italian  otilices  of  Tunis 
and  Tripoli  iu  Barbaiy. 

Jamaica. 

Japan  and  Japanese  post-offices  at  Shang- 
hai, Chee  Foo,  Chin  Kiaiig,  Hankow, 
Xing-po,  Foo-Chow,  Newchwang,  Kiu- 
Kiang,  and  Tien-Tsin,  (China,)  and  at 
Fusam-jio,  (Corea.) 

Labuax. 

Liberia. 

Luxemburg. 

Mauritius  and  dependencies  (the  Anii- 
rante  Islands,  the  Seychelles  and  Rodri- 
gues). 

Mexico. 

mox-tb-negro. 

Netherlands. 

Netherland  Colonies  : 

1.  In    Asia :    Borneo,    Sumatra,    Java, 

(Batavia,)  Billiton,  Celebes,  (Ma- 
cassar,) Madura,  the  Archipelagoes 
of  Banca  and  Rliio,  (Kiouw,)  Bali, 
Lombok,  Sumbawa,  Flores,  the 
S.W.  portion  of  Timor,  and  the 
Moluccas. 

2.  In    (keanica:  The  N.W.    portion  of 

New  Guinea,  (Papua). 


Nktiierlaxi)  Colonics — Continued. 
3.  In  .Imirira:  Net herland(iniana,( Suri- 
nam,)   (Juraeoa,     Arubu,     ]{onuire, 
l)art  of  St.  Martin,  St.    Kustatius, 
and  Saba. 
Newfouxdlaxd. 
Norway. 
Persia. 
Peru. 
Portugal,  including  the  island  of  Madeira 

and  the  Azores. 
Portuguese  Coloxies  : 

1.  In  Asia:  Goa,  Daniao,  Din,  Macao, 
and  part  of  Timor, 

2.  In  Africa:  Cape  Verde,  Bissao, 
Cacheo,  Islands  of  St.  Thorn*;  and 
Prince's,  Ajuda,  Mozambi(£ue,  and 
the  province  of  Angola. 

RouMANiA,  (Moldavia  and  Wallachia.) 

Russia,  including  the  Grand  Duchy  of 
Finhind. 

Salvador. 

Servia. 

Spain,  including  the  Balearic  Isles,  the 
Canary  Islands,  the  Spanish  possessicms 
on  the  north  coast  of  Africa,  (Ceuta, 
Peuon  de  la  Gomera,  Alhucemas,  Melilla, 
and  the  Chaifarine  Islands,  the  Republic 
of  Audon-a,  and  the  postal  establish- 
ments of  Spain  on  the  west  coast  of 
Morocco,  (Tangiers,  Tetuan,  Larrache, 
Rabat,  Mazagau,  Casablanca,  Saffi,  and 
Mogadore. ) 

Spanish  Colonies: 

1.  In  Africa :  Islands  of  Fernando  Po, 
Annobon,  and  Corisco. 

2.  In  America  :  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico. 

3.  In  Oceanica :  The  Archi[)elagoes  of 
the  Mariana  (Ladrone)  and  the 
Caroline  Islands. 

4.  In  Asia  :  The  Philippine  Archipelago, 
(Luzon  Avith  Manila,  Mindanao, 
Palawan,  Panay,  Amar,  &c.) 

Straits    SErrLEMEXTTS,   (Singapore,   Pe- 

nang,  and  Malacca.) 
Sweden. 
Switzerland. 
Trinidad,  W.  L 

Turkey,  (European  and  Asiatic.) 
United  States  of  America. 

Sec.  1107.  Paris  Convention  does  not  Govern  Exchange  with  Canada. — 

Agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  Articles  XV  and  XXIII  of  the  I'aris  Convention,  the 
special  postal  arrangement  between  the  United  States  and  Canada  in  force  prior  to 
tjie  entrance  of  the  latter  country  into  the  Postal  Union  is  coutinued  in  operation, 
excepting  that  the  privilege  of  registration  is  accorded  to  all  the  correspondence  ex- 


264  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

changed  between  the  two  countries  which  is  also  exchangeable  registered  under  the 
Paris  Couveution. 

Sec.  1108.  Rates  of  Postage  and  Conditions  of  Prepayment. — The  postages 
api>licable  in  the  United  States  to  correspondence  exchanged  with  the  Universal 
Postal  Union  (Canada  excepted)  are  as  follows : 

For  prepaid  letters,  5  cents  per  fifteen  grams  (|  ounce). 

For  unpaid  letters  received,  10  cents  per  fifteen  grams  (i  ounce). 

For  insufficiently  paid  letters  or  other  articles  received,  a  charge  equal  to  double 
the  amount  of  the  deficiency. 

For  j)ostal  cards,  2  cents  each. 

For  newspapers,  if  not  over  four  ounces  in  weight,  2  cents  each ;  if  over  four  ounces 
in  weight,  2  cents  for  each  additional  four  ounces  or  fraction  thereof. 

For  printed  matter  of  all  kinds,  commercial  papers,  and  samples  of  merchandise,  1 
cent  for  each  article  or  pacliet  bearing  a  particular  address,  and  for  every  weight  of 
two  ounces  or  fraction  thereof;  with  a  minimum  charge  of  5  cents  per  packet  of  com- 
mercial papers,  and  a  minimum  charge  of  2  cents  per  packet  of  samples  of  merchandise ; 
that  is  to  say,  for  commercial  papers  not  exceeding  ten  (10)  ounces  in  weight,  the 
postage  is  five  (5)  cents,  and  if  above  ten  ounces  in  weight,  one  cent  for  each  two 
ounces  or  fraction  thereof ;  for  samples  not  exceeding  four  ounces  in  weight,  two  cents; 
if  above  four  ounces  in  weight,  one  cent  for  each  two  ounces  or  fraction  thereof. 

For  the  registration  fee  on  all  correspondence,  10  cents. 

No  fee  will  be  charged  for  return  receipts  of  registered  articles  in  cases  where  such 
receipts  are  requested. 

The  prepayment  of  the  Union  postage  on  ordinary  letters  is  optional,  but  the  postage 
on  all  other  articles  (except  postal  cards,  which  are  necessarily  prepaid,  and  registered 
letters  and  other  articles  i-egistered)  must  be  at  least  partially  prepaid. 

Sec.  1109.  Mode  of  Prepayment. — Paymeut  of  postage  on  every  descrip- 
tion of  correspondence  can  be  efl:ected  only  by  means  of  postage-stamps  valid  in  the 
country  of  origin  for  the  correspondence  of  private  individuals. 

Sec.  1110.  Franking  of  Official  Correspondence. — Ofiicial  correspondence 

relative  to  the  jiostal  service,  exchanged  directly  between  the  resiiective  Postal 
Administrations  of  the  Union,  is  alone  admitted  free  of  postage. 

Sec.  1111.  Postmarking. — All  classes  of  correspondence  are  reqnired  to 

be  impressed  by  the  mailing  office  with  a  stamp  indicating  the  place  of  origin 
and  date  of  posting. 

Sec.  1112.  Registration. — Any  article  of  mail -matter  may  be  registered, 

subject  to  prepayment  of  the  postage  upon  the  article,  according  to  its  nature,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  registration  fee  of  10  cents.  For  detailed  instructions  as  to  registration 
of  foreign  matter,  see  Title  V,  Chapter  Two. 

Sec.  1113.    Conditions  of  Form  and  Weight. — 1.  Postal  cards  must  be 

forwarded  without  cover.  One  of  the  sides  must  be  reserved  for  the  address  alone, 
and  the  communication  written  on  the  other  side.  It  is  forbidden  to  join  or  to  attach 
to  postal  cards  any  article  whatever. 

2.  Printed  matter  must  be  either  placed  under  band,  upon  a  roller,  between  boards, 
in  a  case  open  at  one  side  or  at  both  ends,  or  in  an  xanclosed  envelope ;  or  simply  folded 
in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  conceal  the  nature  of  the  packet ;  or,  lastly,  tied  by  a 
string  easy  to  unfasten. 

3.  Address  cards  and  all  in-intod  matter  presenting  the  form  and  consistency  of  an 
nufolded  cax'd  may  bo  forwarded  without  band,  envelope,  fa.stening,  or  fold. 

4.  The  maxinnua  weight  of  printed  matter  is  fixed  at  2  kilograms  (4  lbs.  6  ozs.). 

5.  Commercial  papers  nuist  be  forwarded  under  band  or  in  an  open  envelope. 

6.  The  maximum  weight  of  connuercial  papers  is  fixed  at  2  kilograms  (4  lbs.  6  ozs.). 

7.  Samples  of  merchandise  must  conform  to  the  following  conditions: 

1st.  They  must  be  placed  in  bags,  boxes,  or  removable  envelopes  in  suoh  a  manner 
as  to  admit  of  easy  inspection. 


TITLE    YII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  265 

2(1.  They  must  not  have  any  salahio  valno,  nor  hear  any  inaniiHcript  other  than  tho 
name  or  profession  of  the  Hender,  the  aihlress  of  the  addrcHsee,  a  manufacturer's  or 
tra(h'-mark,  numhers  and  i)riee.s. 

3d.  They  must  not  exceed  'i-W  "grains  in  wei;?ht  (8}  oTinces),  or  the  foHowiii;;  dimen- 
sions: 20  eentimeters  (8  inches)  in  length,  10  centimeters  (4  inches)  in  hreadtli,  and 
5  centimeti-rs  (2  inches)  in  (h'pth. 

8.  Packets  of  printed  matter,  commercial  i)apers,  and  samph-s  must  nr)t  contain 
any  letter  or  manuscript  note  liaving  the  character  of  an  actual  and  personal  corre- 
spondence, and  must  be  made  up  in  such  manner  as  to  admit  of  being  easily  exam- 
ined. 

Tho  character  of  actual  and  personal  correspondence  cannot  be  ascribed  to  the  fol- 
lowing, viz : 

1st.  To  the  signature  of  the  sender  or  to  the  designation  of  his  name,  of  his  profes- 
sion, of  his  rank,  of  the  place  of  origin,  and  of  tho  date  of  dispatch. 

2d.  To  a  dedication  or  mark  of  respect  offered  by  the  author. 

3d.  To  the  figures  or  signs  merely  intended  to  mark  the  passages  of  a  text,  in  order 
to  call  attention  to  them. 

4th.  To  the  prices  added  upon  the  quotations  or  prices  current  of  exchange  or  mar- 
kets. 

5th  and  lastly.  To  annotations  or  corrections  made  upon  proofs  of  printing  or  musi- 
cal compositions,  and  relating  to  the  text  or  to  the  execution  of  tlio  work. 

It  is  permitted  to  inclose  in  the  same  packet  samples  of  merchandise,  pi'iuted  mat- 
ter, and  commercial  papers,  but  sul)ject  to  the  following  conditions : 

1st.  That  each  article  taken  singly  shall  not  exceed  the  limits  which  are  applicable 
to  it  as  regards  weight  and  size. 

2d.  That  the  total  w  eight  must  not  exceed  2  kilograms  (4  lbs.  6  ozs.)  per  package. 

3d.  That  the  minimum  charge  shall  be  5  cents  when  the  packet  contains  commercial 
papers,  and  2  cents  when  it  consists  of  printed  matter  and  samples. 

Sec.  1114.  Printed  Matter  Defined. — The  following  are  considered  as 

printed  matter,  viz:  Newspapers  and  periodical  works,  books  stitched  or  bound,  pam- 
phlets, sheets  of  music,  visiting  cards,  address  cards,  proofs  of  printing,  Avith  or  with- 
out the  manuscripts  relating  thereto,  engravings,  photographs,  drawings,  plans,  geo- 
graphical maps,  catalogues,  prospectuses,  announcements  and  notices  of  various  kinds, 
whether  printed,  engraved,  lithographed,  or  autographed,  and,  in  general,  all  impres- 
sions or  copies  obtained  upon  paper,  parchment,  or  card-board  by  means  of  printing, 
lithographing,  or  any  other  mechanical  process  easy  to  recognize,  except  the  copying- 
press. 

Sec.  1115.  Commercial  Papers  Defined. — The  following  are  considered  as 
commercial  papers,  viz:  All  instruments  or  documents  written  or  drawn  wholly  or 
partly  by  hand  which  have  not  the  character  of  an  actual  and  personal  correspondence, 
such  as  papers  of  legal  procedure,  deeds  of  all  kinds  drawn  up  by  public  functionaries, 
way-bills  or  bills  of  lading,  invoices,  tho  various  documents  of  insurance  companies, 
copies  or  extracts  of  deeds  under  private  seal,  written  on  stamped  or  unstamped  i)aper, 
scores  or  sheets  of  manuscript  music,  manuscripts  of  works  forwarded  separately,  etc. 

Sec.  1116.  Articles  Excluded  from  Reduced  Postage. — The  following  are 

excluded  from  the  reduced  postage,  viz:  Stamps  or  forms  of  prepajTuent,  whether  ob- 
literated or  not,  as  well  as  all  printed  articles  constituting  the  representative  sign  of 
a  monetary  value. 

Sec.  1117.  Articles  Excluded  from  Postal-Union  Mails. — It  is  forbidden  to 
send  by  mail : 

1.  Letters  or  packets  containing  gold  or  silver  substances,  pieces  of  money,  jevrelrj', 
or  precious  articles. 

2.  Any  packet  whatever  containing  articles  liable  to  customs  duty. 

3.  Articles  other  than  letters  which  are  not  prepaid  at  least  partly,  or  which  do 
not  fultill  the  conditions  required  in  order  to  enjoy  the  reduced  rate. 


266  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

4.  Articles  of  a  nature  likely  to  soil  or  injure  the  correspondence. 

5.  Packets  of  samples  of  merchandise  which  have  a  salable  value,  or  which  exceed 
250  grams  (8f  ozs. )  in  weight,  or  measure  more  than  20  centimeters  (8  inches)  in  length, 
10  centimeters  (4  inches)  in  breadth,  and  5  centimeters  ("2  inches)  in  depth. 

6.  Packets  of  commercial  j)apers  and  printed  matter  of  all  kinds,  the  weight  of 
which  exceeds  2  kilograms  (4  lbs.  6  ozs.). 

There  is,  moreover,  reserved  to  the  government  of  every  country  of  the  Union  the 
right  to  refuse  to  convey  over  its  territory,  or  to  deliver  as  well,  articles  liable  to  the 
reduced  rate  in  regard  to  which  the  laws,  ordinances,  or  decrees  which  regulate  the 
conditions  of  their  publication  or  of  their  circulation  in  that  coimtry  have  not  been 
complied  with,  as  correspondence  of  every  kind  which  evidently  bears  inscriptions 
forbidden  by  the  legal  enactments  or  regulations  in  force  in  the  same  country. 

See  also  "Miscellaneous  Regulations  and  Suggestions,"  section  1132,  subsections  19, 
20, 21. 

Sec.  1118.  Special  Arrangements  with  Certain  Countries. — By  the  terms 

of  Article  XXIII  of  the  Convention  of  Paris  all  the  stipulations  of  antecedent  special 
treaties,  conventions,  arrangements,  or  other  acts  previously  concluded  between,  the 
A'arious  countries  or  administrations,  in  so  far  as  those  stipulations  are  not  in  accord- 
ance with  the  terms  of  the  Paris  Convention,  are  abi'ogated.  Hence,  such  of  the 
provisions  of  antecedent  postal  conventions  as  are  not  inconsistent  or  at  variance  with 
the  provisions  of  the  Universal  Postal  Union  Convention,  may,  by  mutual  understand- 
ing between  the  administrations  parties  to  such  conventions,  be  considered  as  remain- 
ing in  force. 

1.  A  mutual  understanding  has  been  had  between  this  Department  and  the  postal 
administrations  of  Great  Britain  and  Germany  to  continue  in  force  the  former  regu- 
lation limiting  the  dimensions  of  book-packets  and  other  printed  matter  to  two  (2)  feet 
in  length  and  one  (1)  foot  in  width  or  depth. 

2.  By  virtue  of  a  similar  understanding  between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain, 
periodicals  published  in  the  United  States  at  intervals  of  not  more  than  thirty-one 
days  may  be  sent  to  Great  Britain  at  newspaper  rates  of  postage. 

Sec.  1119.  International  Postal  Card. — A  two-cent  postal  card  lias  been 

specially  prepared  and  issued  by  this  Department  for  circulation  in  the  Universal 
Postal  Union  mails,  and  is  to  be  used  for  card  correspondence  with  the  countries  of  the 
Postal  Union.     See  section  141. 

Sec.  1120.  Reforwarding. — 1.  All  mailable  matter  of  Postal  Union 
origin  (including  such  matter  from  Canada)  received  in  the  United  States  may  be  re- 
forwarded  from  the  United  States  post-office  of  original  destination  to  any  other 
United  States  post-office,  or  to  any  Postal  Union  country,  without  charge  of  addi- 
tional postage  therefor,  or,  if  a  registered  ai'ticle,  without  charge  of  an  additional 
registry  fee. 

2.  Such  matter,  however,  as  has  been  in  the  first  instance  addressed  to  a  post-office 
in  the  country  of  mailing  is  chargeable  on  rodii-ectiou  with  the  same  postage,  less  the 
sum  prepaid,  as  would  have  been  charged  had  it  been  addressed  in  the  first  instance 
to  the  post-office  of  ultimate  delivery,  but,  if  registered,  without  additional  registry 
fee. 

Sec.  1121.  Articles  not  Transmissible,  or  Limited  in  Weight,  to  Italy. — 1. 

Living  plants,  and  generally  any  living  portion  of  a  vegetable,  such  as  branches,  bulbs, 
or  roots,  being  prohibited  entrance  by  mail  in  Italy,  samples  of  these  articles  cannot 
be  sent  in  the  mails  to  that  country. 

2.  Samples  of  tobacco,  being  subject  to  customs  duties  in  Italy,  should  not  be  sent 
in  the  mails  to  that  country. 

3.  Samples  of  raw  or  spun  silk  for  Italy  are  limited  to  a  weight  of  one  hundred, 
grams  (3^  ozs.). 

Sec.  1122.  Addressing  Correspondence  to  Russia. — Correspondence  for 
Russia  should  have  the  name  of  the  place  of  destination  added  in  either  English, 


TITLK    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  2G7 

Fronoli,  or  fievnum,  and  if  for  thi>  smaller  towns  in  Knssia,  thi-y  hIiomM  lioar,  as  a  jiurt 
«)f  tlu'ir  addrt'ss,  tho  name  of  f  lit^  jtrovinci'  or  >iovt!rnm<-nt  in  whirli  tlio  towns  are  sit- 
uated. If  tlii'si!  conditions  are  not  comidied  with  the  Knssian  post-oflico  deelineH  to 
undertake  delivery  of  the  eorrespondenei-. 

Sec.  1123.  Newspapers  for  Russia.     Restrictions. — Newspapons  and  other 

politieal  jmblieations  of  forei<jfn  origin  are  not  allowed  cirenlati<m  in  Rnasia  hy  mail, 
except  such  as  are  addressed  to  members  of  the  rei;^nin^  imix-rial  family,  the  ministerH 
of  the  empire,  or  members  of  the  diplomatic  corps.  Non-political  ]>nblieiitions  and 
newspapers  are  only  admitted  to  circnl.atiou  by  mail  when  addressetl  to  the  rnblie 
Imperial  Library,  the  Academy  of  Sciences,  the  liigher  establishment's  of  education, 
and  established  bookstores,  but  any  person  in  Russia  may  snbscrib(>  at  the  Russian 
])0.st-ot1iccs  fur  lorciiiii  ncws])a]MTs  and  i)ublications,  whether  ]iiilitir;i]  or  n<it. 

Sec.  1124.  Letters  of  Declared  Value  not  Admissible  to  Union  Mails. — Tho 
United  States  not  having  entered  into  aiTangements  with  otlier  countries  of  tlie  Uni- 
versal Postal  Union  for  the  exchange  of  letters  of  declared  value,  it  is  prohibited  to 
send  to  any  of  those  conutries  any  registered  or  other  articles  marked  on  the  outside 
■with  the  declared  value  of  the  contents. 

Sec.  1125.  List  of  Exchange  Post-Offices. — The  folloAAinj^  table  and  para- 

graplis  appended  exhibit  the  exchange  of  United  States  mails  with  foreign  countries. 
Where  mails  for  the  same  countries  are  made  up  at  more  than  one  United  States  ex- 
change post-office,  ordinary  (unregistered)  correspondence  addressed  abroad  should 
be  forwarded  to  that  oue  of  the  exchange  post-offices  from  which  it  will  have  the  ear- 
liest dispatch  ;  but  registered  correspondence  must  always  be  sent  under  domestic  reg- 
istration to  the  United  States  exchange  post-office  at  the  port  of  embarkation  or  jdace 
of  egress  of  the  mails. 


268 


POSTAL    LAWS   AND    EEGULATIONS. 


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272  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

EXCHANGE   OF  MAILS  WITH   CA>rADA. 

The  excliange  of  mails  witli  Canada  takes  place  between  the  following  exchange 

post-offices : 

On  the  side  of  the  United  States.  On  the  side  of  Canada. 

Albany,  N.  Y Hamilton,  Ont. ;  Toronto,  Ont. ;  Montreal,  Q. 

Bangor,  Me St.  John,  N.  B. 

Boston,  Mass Hamilton,  Ont.  ;  Toronto,  Ont.;  Kingston, 

Ont. ;  Montreal,  Q. ;  Quebec,  Q. ;  Halifax, 
N.  S. ;  Yarmouth ,  N.  S.  (summer  service) ; 
St.  John,  N.  B. ;  Charlottetown,  Pr.  Ed.  I, 

Buffalo, N.Y Great    Western    Eailway,    Out.;     Canada 

Southern  Railway  Postal  Car,  Out. ;  Buf- 
falo &,  Lake  Huron  Railway  Postal  Car, 
Ont.  ;  London,  Ont. ;  Fort  Erie,  Ont. ; 
Hamilton,  Ont. ;  Niagara,  Ont. ;  Toronto, 
Out. 

Burlington,  Vt Montreal,  Q. 

Calais.  Me St.  Stephen,  N.  B. ;  Western  Extension  Eail- 
way Postal  Car,  N.  B. 

Canaan,  Vt Hereford,  Q. 

Canada  Roads,  Me Jersey,  Q. ;  Marlow,  Q. 

Cape  Vincent,  N.  Y Kingston,  Ont. 

Chicago,  111 Great  Western  Eailway  Postal  Car,  Ont.; 

Hamilton,  Ont. ;  Toronto,  Ont. ;  Grand 
Trunk  Eailway  (west)  Postal  Car,  Ont. 

Cleveland,  Ohio Lomlon,  Ont. 

Derby  Line,  Vt Stanstead,  Q. 

Detroit,  Mich , Great  Western  Eailway  Postal  Car,  Ont.; 

Canada  Southern  Eailway  Postal  Car, 
Ont.  ;  Windsor,  Out ;  Toronto,  Out,  ; 
Grand  Trunk  Railway  Postal  Car,  Ont, ; 
Montreal,  Q. 

Duluth,  Minn Silver  Islet,  Out.;  Thunder  Bay,  Ont. 

Eastport,  Me Grand  Manan,  N.  B. ;  St.  Andrews,  N.  B. ; 

St.  John,  N.  B. 

Fort  Covington,  N.Y Huntingdon,  Q. 

Fort  Fairfield,  Me Andover,  N.  B. 

Houlton,  Me St.   Andrews,  N.  B. ;   St.  Stephen,  N.  B.  ; 

Woodstock  N.  B. ;  Western  Extension 
Eailway  Postal  Car,  N.  B. 

Island  Pond,  Vt Montreal,  Q. ;  Montreal  &  Island  Pond  Eail- 
way Postal  Car,  Q. 

Marine  City,  Mich Sombra,  Ont. 

Morristown,  N.  Y Bi'ockville,  Ont. 

Newport,  Vt Lenuoxville,  Q.  ;  Massawippi  Valley  Eail- 
way Postal  Car,  Q. 

New  York,  N.  y. . Loudon,  Out.:   Hamilton,   Out.;   Toronto, 

Ont. ;  Kingston,  Out. ;  Ottawa,  Ont.  ; 
Montreal,  Q. ;  Quebec,  Q.  ;  Halifax,  N.  S. 

Ogdensbnrg,  N.  Y Prescott,  Out. 

Oswego,  N.  Y Kingston,  Ont. 

Pembina,  Dak West  Lynne,  Man. 

Portland,  Me Montreal,  Q. ;  St.  John,  N.  B. 

Portland,  Oieg Victoria,  B.  C. 

Port  Huron,  Mich Sarnia,  Ont. 

Poit  Towusend,  Wash.  Ter Victfuia,  B.  C.  (by  steamers). 

Eichford,  Vt Southeastern  Eailway  Postal  Car,  Q. 

Rochester,  N.  Y Port  Hope,  Out   (by  steamer  iu  summer). 

Rouse's  Pf)iut,  N.  Y Montreal,  Q.  ;  St.  John's,  Q. 

Rutland,  Vt Montreal,  Q.  (via  St.  Armand  &  St.  Albans 

R.  P.  O.  and  St.  Albaus  &  Boston  R.  P  O. ). 

Saint  Albans,  Vt Montreal,  Q. ;  St.  Anuaud  Station,  Q. ;  St. 

John's,  Q. ;  Veruiout  Junction  Railway 
Postal  Car,  Q. ;  Quebec,  Q. 

Saint  Vincent,  Minn Winnipeg,  Man. 

San  Francisco,  Cal Victoria,  B.  C. 

Sault  de  Ste.  Marie,  Mich Sault  de  Ste.  Marie,  Ont. 

Suspension  Bridge,  N.  Y Great  Western  Railway  Postal  Car,  Ont.  ; 

Clifton,  Ont.  ;  Toronto,  Out.  (for  regis- 
teied  letters). 


TITLE   VII — FOKEIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  273 

On  lUf  .side  ofllir  riiitfd  StatcH.  On  tlif  niilc  i.f  Cimmla. 

Tliniis;unl  Isliiiid  Tark,  N.  Y Kinjjstdii,  Out.  (dmiiiK  «iim'ii»r). 

Troy,  N.  Y MontrcMl,  (/. 

Upix'V  Miulawnskii,  Mr Kdimiiidstoii,  \.  I?. 

Vanci'borouj!;h,  Mc Halifax,  \.  S.  (tor  nj^isfcicd  Ifttf-rs);  West- 
ern Kxleii.sioii  Uaihviiy  I'oatul  Cur,  X.  11. 

Waddin-rton.  N.  Y M<»rrisltiir>r,  Out. 

Watertowii,  \.  Y Kiiif^ston,  Out. 

Detroit  &  Cliieago  R.  P.  0 Toronto.  Ont. ;  Grand  Trunk  Iv'ailway  (east) 

I'orttal  Car,  Ont. ;  Montreal,  Q. 

Island  Pond  &■  Portland  a;j;ent Montreal,  Q. 

Newiiort  &  Sprinylield  aj^ent Montreal,  Q. ;   MnHaawijtpi  Valley  Railway 

Postal  Car,  C^.,  and  .Stanstead,  Q. 

New  York  &   Chicago  R.   P.  0.,  east  of 

Ivocliester,  N.  Y Toronto,  Ont. 

Rieht'ord  tfc  Newjjort  agent .S(nitliea.stern  Railway  Postal  Car,  Q. 

Rome,  Watertown  &  Ogdensbnrg  agent..   Kingston,  Ont. 

Ronse's  Point  &  Albany  agent Montreal,  Q. 

St.  Albans  &  Boston  R.  P.  O Montreal,  Q. ;  Vermont  Jnnction  Railway 

Postal  Car,  Q. 

St.  Panl  &  St.  Vincent  agent Winnipeg  ami  St.  Vincent  ronte  agents. 

Tacoma  &  Victoria  agcTit Victoria,  B.  C. 

Vauceborough  &,  Bangor,  Me.,  R.  P.  O. ..  St.  Stepliens,  St.  Andrews,  and  Woodstock, 

N.  B. 

EXCHA^'GE  OF  MAILS  WITH  MEXICO. 

The  exchange  of  mails  ■witli  Mexico  takes  place  between  the  following  exchange 
po.st-oti(ice8 : 

1.  Between  New  York  and  Vera  Crnz  (by  sea). 

2.  Between  New  Orleans  and  Tampico  and  Vera  Crnz  (by  sea). 

3.  Between  San  Francisco  and  Mazntlan,  San  Bhis,  Mauzauilla,  Acapulco  (by  sea). 

4.  Between  Brownsville,  Tex.,  and  Matamoras. 

5.  BetAveen  Eagle  Pass,  Tex.,  and  Piedras  Negras, 

6.  Between  El  Paso,  Tex.,  and  Paso  del  Norte. 

7.  Between  Tncson,  Ariz.,  and  Magdalena. 

Correspondence  for  Y'ucatan,  Campeachy,  Tobasco,  Vera  Cruz,  Puebla,  and  the 
entire  eastern  and  central  sections  of  Mexico  is  expeditiously  forwarded  -via  New  York 
or  via  New  Orleans. 

Correspondence  for  the  State  of  Tauiaulipas  and  northeastern  section  of  Mexico  is 
exi)editionsly  forwarded  via  Brownsville,  Tex.,  or  via  New  Orleans. 

CoiTespondence  for  the  States  of  Nneva  Leon  and  Coahnila,  up  to  San  Luis  Potosi, 
is  expeditiously  forwarded  via  Eagle  Pass,  Tex. 

CoiTespondence  for  the  State  of  Chihuahua  and  central  and  northwestern  sections 
of  Mexico  is  expeditiously  forwarded  via  El  Paso. 

CoiTespondence  for  the  States  of  Sonora,  Sinaloa,  Jalisco,  and  Duraugo  and  the 
Territory  of  Lower  California  is  expeditiously  forwarded  via  Tucson,  Ariz. 

Correspondence  for  ports  and  places  on  the  Pacific  coast  and  western  and  southern 
sections  of  Mexico  is  expeditiously  forwarded  via  San  Francisco. 
18  P  L 


274 


POSTAL   LAWS   AND   REGULATIONS. 


CHAPTER  TWO. 

CORRESPONDENCE  UNDER  SPECIAL  ARRANGEMENTS,  AND  WITH 
COUNTRIES  NOT  IN  THE  UNIVERSAL  POSTAL  UNION. 


Sec. 

1126.  Special  postalconventlons  and  arrangements. 

1127.  Eates  of  postage  When  not  fixed  by  conven- 

tion. 

1128.  Eates,  etc.,  for  non-Convention  countries  bj- 

direct  mails. 

1129.  List  of  principal  non-Convention  countries. 

1130.  Eates  to  non-Convention  countries  on  matter 

not  sent  direct. 

1131.  Postal  Guide  to  be  consulted  for  foreign  post- 

age table. 


Sec. 

1132.  Miscellaneous  regulations  and  suggestions. 

1133.  Treatment  of  dutiable  articles. 

1134.  Dutiable  printed  matter  in  foreign  mails. 
1133.  Discretional  remission  of  duties  on  single 

books. 

1136.  Consuls  may  pay  foreign  postage  on  letters 

for  the  United  States. 

1137.  Eetaliatory  postage  on  certain  foreign  matter. 

1138.  Letters  brought  by  foreign  vessels  to  be 

deposited  in  post-oifice. 


Sec.  1126.  Special  Postal  Conventions  and  Arrangements. — Special  postal 

couventions  are  in  force  with  tlie  countries  named  below. 

The  principal  provisions  governing  the  exchange  of  correspondence  under  the 
respective  couventions  and  arrangements,  together  with  the  rates  of  postage,  are 
stated  under  each. 

CANADA. 

The  Dominion  of  Canada  embraces  all  the  British  North  American  Provinces,  except 
Newfoundland. 

The  coi'respondence  exchangeable  comprises  letters  (ordinary  and  registered),  postal 
cards,  newspapers,  pamphlets,  magazines,  books,  maps,  plans,  engravings,  drawings, 
photographs,  lithographs,  sheets  of  music,  etc.,  and  patterns  and  samples  of  merchan- 
dise, including  grains  and  seeds. 

Patterns  and  samples  are  construed  to  be  ionafide  specimens  of  goods  on  hand  and  for 
sale,  having  no  intrinsic  value  aside  from  their  use  as  patterns  and  samples.  The 
weight  of  each  package  is  limited  to  eight  ounces,  and  the  postage  ch.arge  is  ten  cents 
per  package,  prepayment  compulsory.  They  are  subject  to  the  regulations  of  either 
country  to  prevent  violations  of  the  revenue  laws ;  must  not  be  closed  against  insiJec- 
tion,  and  must  be  so  wrapj)ed  and  inclosed  as  to  be  easily  examined. 

All  articles  of  mail-matter,  except  samples,  must  be  fully  prepaid  at  the  domestic 
rates  of  the  country  of  origin,  and  are  deliverable  free  of  charge  in  the  country  of 
destination. 

Newspapers  sent  from  offices  of  publication  in  the  United  St.ates  to  regular  sub- 
scribers in  Canada  are  subject  to  the  same  rates  of  postage  and  conditions  of  prepay- 
ment as  when  sent  to  subscribers  in  the  United  States. 

"Request  letters"  originating  in  Canada  are  return.able  directly  to  the  Canadian 
mailing  post-offlces,  in  the  event  of  non-delivery  to  their  addressees  within  the  time 
sjiecified  by  the  writers. 

The  regulations  respecting  the  manner  of  inclosure  and  limit  of  weight,  governing 
the  transmission  of  domestic  correspondence,  are  applicable  to  correspondence  ex- 
changed with  Canada,  i^atterns  and  samples  excepted. 

ECUADOR. 

Letters,  and  manuscript  subject  by  the  laws  of  either  country  to  letter  rate  of  postage, 
newspapers,  and  prints  of  all  kinds  in  sheets,  in  pamphlet.s,  and  in  books,  sheets  of 
music,  engravings,  lithographs,  photographs,  drawings,  maps,  and  plans,  comprise 
the  corn;spondence  exchangeable  wi  tli  Ecuador. 

All  correspondence,   except  letters,  and  mauuscript  subject  to  letter  postage,  is 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  275 

transmissihle  uiulor  the  same  rogiilatioiiH  aiwl  restrictions  an  aro  statM  f<»r  (iiiatomaln 
(tlie  limit  for  Itoolts  »'Xci>])t*Ml),  ajid  is  also  Hiilijcct  to  tin-  laws  v(  fa<;li  coiiiitrv  in 
rt'ijanl  to  its  liability  to  cuHtoiuH  duty,  if  coutaiiiiiif^  dntialilc  ^(>o<1h. 

Corn'spondt'iiec  other  than  Icttt-rs,  n'trivcd  from  Eiiiador,  is  Ijjihlo,  on  delivery  iu 
the  Unitfd  States,  to  tho  rates  of  postaf^e  for  matter  sent  to  Emador. 

The  rates  of  j)osta<;e  appliealile  to  correspondeneo  for  E(iia<lor,  sent  via  Panama, 
are  as  follows,  prepayment  eompulsory,  and  on  letters  in  full  to  de.stination : 

Letters,  ])er  ^  onne*',  20  cents. 

Newspapers,  2  cents  each,  if  not  exceeding  4  ounces  in  weight. 

Other  printed  matter,  not  over  I  ounce,  2  cents;  over  1  but  not  over  2  ounces, 
3  cents ;  over  2  but  not  over  4  ounces,  4  cents. 

Newspapers  and  other  printed  matter  are  liable  to  postage  on  delivery  in  Ecuador. 

Registration  is  not  permissible  and  samples  are  not  exchangeable. 

GUATEMALiL 

Letters,  newspapers,  unsealed  circulars  at  newspaper  rates,  pamphlets,  iKriodicals, 
books,  and  other  kinds  of  printed  matter  may  be  exchanged  in  the  mails  with  Guate- 
mala. 

All  printed  matter  must  be  sent  in  narrow  bands,  open  at  the  sides  or  ends,  and  is 
subject  to  the  laws  and  regulations  of  each  country,  re8i>ectively,  in  regard  to  its  lia- 
bility to  be  rated  with  letter  postage  when  containing  written  matter,  or  for  any  other 
cause  specified  in  said  laws  and  regulations. 

Bound  or  unbound  books  weighing  over  two  pounds  cannot  be  sent,  except  at  letter 
rates  of  postage. 

The  rates  of  postage  applicable  to  correspondence  for  Guatemala  sent  via  Panama 
are  as  follows,  prepayment  compulsory  : 

Letters,  per  |  ounce,  10  cents. 

Newspapers,  2  cents  each. 

Other  printed  matter,  1  cent  an  ounce. 

Correspondence  of  all  kinds  received  from  Guatemala  is  liable,  on  delivery  in  the 
United  States,  to  the  rates  of  postage  for  matter  sent  to  Guatemala,  and  on  that  from 
the  United  States  sent  to  Guatemala  postage  is  chargeable  on  delivery. 

Registration  is  not  permissible  and  samples  cannot  be  sent. 

THE  HAWAIIAN  KINGDOM  (SANDWICH  ISLANDS). 

Letters,  newspapers,  and  printed  matter  of  every  kind  are  exchangeable. 

Rates  of  postage,  prepayment  compulsory,  on  corresjtondence  for  Hawaii  sent  in 
direct  mails : 

Letters,  jier  ^  ounce,  6  cents. 

Newspapers,  United  States  domestic  rates. 

Other  i>rinted  matter,  4  cents  per  4  ounces  or  fraction  thereof. 

On  newspapers  received  in  the  United  States  from  Hawaii  the  established  rates  of 
the  United  States  domestic  postage  are  chargeable.  Articles  of  printed  matter  except 
newspapers  are  liable,  on  delivery  in  the  United  States,  to  postage  at  the  rate  of  4 
cents  for  each  4  ounces  or  fraction  thereof.  The  domestic  postage  rates  of  the  Hawaiian 
Kingdom  are  chargeable  upon  all  correspondence,  except  letters,  received  there  from 
the  United  States, 

To  regular  siibscribers  in  the  Hawaiian  Kingdom  newspapers  published  in  the  United 
States  may  be  sent  at  domestic  rates. 

Registration  is  not  permissible,  and  samples  cannot  be  sent, 

NEW  SOUTH  WALES  (AUSTRALIA). 

Exchangeable  correspondence  comprises  letters  (ordinary  and  registered),  news- 
papers, printed  matter  of  every  kind,  and  patterns  and  samples. 


276  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

The  provisions  relative  to  nupaid  and  iusufflcieutly  prepaid  letters  to  New  Zealand, 
as  below  stated,  are  applicable  in  tlie  case  of  New  South  Wales. 

Correspondence  of  all  kinds,  if  prepaid  in  full  in  New  South  Wales,  is  delivered  free 
of  charge  in  the  United  States. 

The  regulations  and  conditions  governing  the  exchange  of  newspapers  and  iirinted 
matter  are  identical  with  those  stated  below  for  New  Zealand. 

Rates  of  postage,  prepayment  compulsory,  and  in  full  to  destination,  on  correspond- 
ence for  New  South  Wales  sent  in  direct  mails : 

Letters,  per  |.  ounce,  12  cents. 

Register  fee  on  letters,  10  cents. 

Newspapers,  2  cents  each. 

Other  printed  matter  and  samples,  4  cents  per  4  ounces  or  fraction  thereof. 

NEW  ZEALAND. 

For  the  correspondence  exchangeable,  see  New  South  Wales  above. 

Letters  may  be  registered  with  fee  and  postage  prepaid. 

Letters  nnx>aid,  or  prepaid  less  than  one  full  rate,  caunot  be  forwarded,  but  insuffi- 
ciently paid  letters,  on  which  a  single  rate  or  more  has  been  prepaid,  will  be  forwarded 
charged  with  the  deticient  postage. 

Correspondence  of  all  kinds  prepaid  in  full  in  New  Zealand  is  delivered  free  of  charge 
in  the  United  States. 

Newspapers,  printed  matter,  and  patterns  of  merchandise  are  subject  to  the  laws 
and  regulations  of  each  country,  respectively,  in  regard  to  liability  to  be  rated  with 
letter  postage  when  containing  written  matter,  or  for  any  cause  specified  in  said  laws 
and  regulations,  as  well  as  in  regard  to  liability  to  customs  duty  under  the  revenue 
laws. 

The  rates  of  postage,  register  fee,  and  conditions  of  prepajTnent  on  correspondence 
for  New  Zealand  sent  in  direct  mails  are  the  same  as  for  New  South  Wales. 

QUEENSLAND  (AUSTRALIA). 

Exchangeable  correspondence  comprises  letters  (ordinary  and  registered),  news- 
papers, printed  matter  of  every  kind,  and  patterns  and  samples  of  merchandise. 

The  provisions  relative  to  unpaid  and  insufticiently  paid  letters  to  New  Zealand,  as 
above  stated,  are  applicable  in  the  case  of  Queensland. 

Correspondence  of  all  kinds  prepaid  in  full  in  Queensland  is  delivered  free  of  charge 
in  the  United  States. 

New8i)apers,  printed  matter,  and  patterns  and  samples  of  merchandise  are  subject 
to  the  laws  and  regulations  of  each  country,  respectively,  in  regard  to  their  liability 
to  be  rated  with  letter  postage,  when  containing  written  matter,  or  for  any  other 
cause  specified  in  said  laws  and  regulations,  as  well  as  in  regard  to  their  liability  to 
customs  duties. 

Postage  rates,  register  fee,  and  conditions  of  prepayment  for  correspondence  for 
Queensland  sent  in  direct  mails  are  as  above  stated  for  New  South  Wales  and  New 
Zealand. 

VENEZUELA, 

The  correspondence  exchangeable  with  Venezuela  comprises  letters  and  manuscript, 
subject  by  the  laws  of  the  United  States,  or  Venezuela,  to  letter  rate  of  postage,  news- 
papers and  prints  of  all  kinds  in  sheets,  in  pamphlets,  and  in  books,  sheets  of  music, 
engravings,  lithographs,  photographs,  drawings,  maps,  and  plans. 

Mail-matter  other  than  letters  must  be  inclosed  in  narrow  bands  or  covers,  open  at 
the  sides  or  ends,  so  as  to  be  easily  examined,  subject  to  the  laws  and  regulations  of 
each  country,  resx^ectively. 

Rates  of  postage,  prepayment  compulsory,  for  correspondence  for  Venezuela  sent  in 
direct  mails : 

Letters,  per  i  ounce,  10  cents. 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE.  277 

Newspapprs,  Uniterl  States  domestic  rates  for  transient  ncwHpapers,  with  one  tent 
a«M<'(l  f<ir  cucli  i>a]>«'r. 

Otlur  ])rint<'(l  niattiir,  Unitod  States  domestic  rates  and  one  cent  for  oadi  ounce  or 
fraction  tlicrcof. 

Domestic  rates  of  postafjo  are  <liar<jealtle  <ni  all  coneMjifindence  rcceive<l  from  \'ene- 
znela,  and  correspondence  scut  is  liable  on  delivery  in  Veiuiziiela  to  the  inland  postaj^e 
there  chargeahle. 

Registration  is  not  permissible  and  samples  cannot  bo  exchanged. 

VICTORIA  (AUSTRALIA). 

Letters  (ordinary  and  registered),  newspapers,  printed  matter  of  every  kind,  and 
patterns  antl  sami)les  of  merchandise  are  exchangeable  with  Victoria. 

Letters  ])repai(l  less  than  one  full  rate  of  ]>ostage  cannot  be  forwanled.  Those  pre- 
paid at  single  rates  or  more  will  be  forwarded  chargtid  with  the  deficient  postage. 

Correspoudeuce  fully  i>rcpaid  in  Victt)ria  is  delivered  free  of  charge  in  the  United 
States. 

Newspapers,  printed  matter,  and  samples  of  merchandise  are  subject  to  the  laws 
and  regulations  of  each  country,  respectively,  in  regard  to  liability  to  letter  postage 
when  containing  written  matter,  or  for  any  other  cause  specified  in  said  laws  and 
regulations,  as  well  as  with  reference  to  liability  to  customs  duties. 

Postage  rates  and  register  fee  upon  correspondence  for  Victoria  sent  in  direct  mails 
are  the  same  as  given  above  for  Queensland. 

Sec.  1127.  Rates  of  Postage  when  not  Fixed  by  Convention. — Tlio  rate 
of  United  States  postage  on  niail-iuatter  sent  to  or  received  from 
foreign  countries  with  wliicli  different  rates  have  not  been  established  by 
l)ostal  convention  or  other  arrangement,  when  forwarded  by  vessels  regu- 
larly employed  in  transporting  the  mail,  shall  be  ten  cents  for  each  half- 
ounce  or  fraction  thereof  on  letters,  unless  reduced  by  ordei'  of  the  Post- 
master-General ;*  two  cents  each  on  newspapers  ;  and  not  exceeding  two 
cents  per  each  two  ounces,  or  fraction  thereof,  on  pamphlets,  periodicals, 
books,  and  other  printed  matter,  which  postage  shall  be  prepaid  on 
matter  sent  and  collected  on  matter  received ;  and  to  avoid  loss  to  the 
United  States  in  the  payment  of  balances,  the  Postmaster-General  may 
collect  the  unpaid  postage  on  letters  from  foreign  countries  in  coin  or 
or  its  equivalent.     (II.  S.,  §  3912.) 

Sec.  1128.  Rates,  &c.,  for  Non-Convention  Countries  by  Direct  Mails. — 

Correspondence  from  the  United  States  for  foreign  countries  and  places  other  than  those 
heretofore  named,  or  with  which  uo  postal  treaties  or  other  postal  arrangements  have 
been  made  by  the  United  States,  if  forwarded  in  direct  mail  by  vessels  regularly  em- 
ployed in  caiTying  the  mails,  and  not  through  the  intermediary  of  a  country  having 
postal  relations  with  the  United  States  by  treaty  or  other  arrangement,  is  subject  to 
the  rates  of  jiostage  stated  in  section  1127  and  foot-note  thereto. 

Only  ordinary  letters,  newspapers,  i>amphlet8,  periodicals,  books,  and  other  printed 
matter  nuiy  be  sent  in  these  cases,  under  the  regulations  and  conditions  ai)plicable  to 
the  same  correspondence  in  the  domestic  mails. 

Prepayment  of  postage  is  compulsory  for  all  correspondence,  and  the  prescribed  rates 
are  collectible  ujion  delivery  in  the  United  States  of  nuitter  received. 

Sec.  1129.  List  of  Principal  Non-Convention  Countries. — The  jirincipal 

countries  and  places  to  which  the  above  rates  and  conditions  at  present  apply  are  the 
*The  Postmaster-General  has  reduced  the  rate  to  live  cents.    (See  next  section.) 


278  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

United  States  of  Colombia,  other  Central  and  South  American  States  not  embraced  in  the 
Universal  Postal  Union,  or  not  having  postal  arrangements  with  the  United  States ; 
the  West  India  Islands  not  in  the  Postal  Union ;  the  Fiji  and  other  islands  of  the 
Pacific  Ocean  not  in  the  Postal  Union,  or  with  which  no  postal  arrangements  have 
been  made ;  Shanghai,  China,  and  the  Australian  colonies  other  than  New  South 
AVales,  Queensland,  and  Victoria. 

Registered  letters  may  be  transmitted  to  Aspinwall,  Panama,  and  to  Shanghai. 

Sec.  1130.  Rates  to  Non-Convention  Countries  on  Matter  not  Sent  Direct. — If 
corresiJondence  for  countries  not  in  the  Postal  Union,  or  the  countries  and  places  men- 
tioned or  referred  to  in  the  last  section,  istransmitted  inopenmails  through  the  interme- 
diary of  other  countries  having  postal  arrangements  with  the  United  States  and  with  the 
countries  of  destination,  it  is  liable  generally  to  the  combined  rates  of  the  United 
States,  as  named  above  for  direct  transmission,  and  those  applicable  in  the  inter- 
mediary country  to  correspondence  for  the  same  destinations,  less  the  domestic  interior 
rate  of  the  intermediary  country,  and  the  combined  postages  are  usually  required  to 
be  prepaid. 

Sec.  1131.  Postal  Guide  to  be  Consulted  for  Foreign  Postage  Table. — Ref- 
erence should  be  had  to  the  Foreign  Postage  Table  in  the  latest  edition  of  the  United 
States  Official  Postal  Guide  for  rates  of  postage,  condition  and  limit  of  prepayment, 
and  the  classes  of  correspondence  transmissible,  in  the  cases  of  countries  and  places 
not  in  the  Universal  Postal  Union,  or  to  which  coiTesx)ondence  is  forwarded  in  the  open 
mails  of  intermediary  counti'ies. 

Sec.  1132.  Miscellaneous  Regulations  and  Suggestions. — 1.  All  inquiries 
relative  to  foreign  mails  and  mail  steamship  service  between  the  United  States  and 
foreign  countries  should  be  addressed  to  "  Superintendent  Foreign  Mails,  Post-Office 
Department,  Washington,  D.  C." 

2.  The  Post-Office  Department  is  the  i^roper  medium  for  official  communication  with 
foreign  postal  officials  respecting  postal  matters,  and  United  States  postmasters  should 
refer  all  subjects  requiring  official  correspondence  with  foreign  jiostal  administrations 
or  officials  to  the  Superintendent  of  Foreign  Mails  at  Washington,  D.  C,  through 
whose  office  such  corre8j)ondence  is  conducted. 

3.  All  articles  of  correspondence  addressed  to  foreign  countries  must  bear  a  legible 
impression  of  the  stamp  of  the  mailing  post-office,  or  inscrijjtion  in  ink,  showing  the 
place  of  mailing  and  date  of  dispatch  therefrom. 

4.  In  order  to  avoid  the  delay  consequent  upon  the  return  through  the  Dead-Letter 
Office  of  short-paid  letters,  addressed  to  countries  to  Avliich  prepayment  of  postage  is 
compulsory,  care  should  be  exercised  in  the  weighing  and  stamping  of  such  letters.  In 
case  of  doubt  it  is  safer  to  prepay  at  the  higher  rate.  Delay  may  also  be  avoided  by 
writing  the  name  and  address  of  the  sender  on  the  covers. 

5.  Make  the  address  legible  and  complete,  giving  the  name  of  the  country,  as  well 
as  the  name  of  the  post-office  or  town.  Letters  addressed  merely  to  "London,"  with- 
out adding  "England," may  be  sent  to  London,  Canada,  and  vice  versa,  thereby  caus- 
ing delay,  and  often  serious  loss.  Wherever  practicable  the  name  of  the  street  and 
number  of  the  house  should  also  be  given  on  letters  addressed  to  cities.  While  the  let- 
ter may  eventually  reach  its  destination  without  a  number,  the  omission  is  often  a 
cause  of  hesitation  and  delay. 

6.  See  that  every  letter,  newspaper,  or  other  packet  sent  by  mail  is  securely  folded 
and  fastened.  In  affixing  the  postage-stamps  to  the  covers  of  printed  matter,  see  that 
they  do  not  overlap  the  covers  and  adhere  in  part  to  the  contents,  thus,  in  effect, 
closing  the  jiacket  against  inspection.  Avoid  using  cheap  envelopes,  made  of  thin 
paper,  especially  where  more  than  one  sheet  of  paper  or  any  other  artich>  than  paper  is  in- 
closed. Being  often  handled,  and  subject  to  pressure  in  the  mail-bags,  such  envelopes 
not  nnfrequently  split  open,  often  giving  cause  of  complaint  against  officials  who  are 
entirely  innocent  in  the  matter. 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDEN'CE.  279 

7.  It  is  rt'coiuiiiemleil  Unit  soiiio  other  iiiiittrial  th;in  wiix  \n-  u.suil  lor  cloMing  lftt»is 
or  puckots  atUliessed  to  placfs  in  Wiiriii  (liniatcs. 

H.  Many  of  the  su}^;^i'stioii,s  iflativi'  to  doiiicHtic  roiTi'.sixuKlcuct!  apply  with  ci|nal 
lorco  to  coiTi'.spoiulciuo  aihlressi-d  to  toi*'ij;ii  t-omitrii'.s. 

y.  Lettt'r.s  for  couutrios  to  which  paynu-nt  of  posta;i(:  is  coinimlsory,  winMi  uii)iai(l  or 
iiisiUliciontly  prepaid,  arc  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter  OlBce,  to  be  opeued  and  returned 
to  the  writers. 

10.  Unthilivercd  correspondence  of  foreign  orif^in  is  rctnrned  to  the  senihrs  in  pnr- 
siiance  of  the  stipnlations  of  postal  treaties  or  conventions  in  force  with  f<nei;jjn  coun- 
tries, or  ill  accordance  with  special  arrangements  made  with  reference  thereto. 

11.  Newspapers  and  periodicals  sent  in  the  mails  to  foreign  conntries  should  lie 
wrapped  singly,  except  those  sent  by  publishers  to  regular  subscribers  in  Canada  and 
the  Hawaiian  Kingdom. 

12.  To  avoid  possible  errors,  the  route  by  which  the  correspondence  is  desired  to  be 
forwarded  should  be  plainly  marked  on  the  fiice  of  the  correspoudcuce,  near  the  ad- 
dress. 

lo.  In  the  absence  of  special  instruction  to  the  contrary,  where  correspondenci?  is 
marked  for  transmission  by  a  route  requiring  prepayment,  and  the  amount  prepaid  is 
insntticient  for  that  route,  it  will  be  sent  by  some  other  route  by  which  i»rep:iymeiit 
of  postage  is  optional;  but  if  there  is  no  such  route,  aud  no  means  of  obtaining  full 
pre[)aymeut  by  notice  to  the  sender,  the  correspondence  will  be  sent  to  the  Dead-Letter 
Office, 

14.  Directions  given  by  senders  on  correspondence  for  foreign  countries  respecting 
routes  of  trausmissiou  desired  will  be  observed  w' henever  practicable. 

15.  Prepayment  of  postage  on  correspondence  sent  from  the  United  States  to  foreign 
countries  must  be  made  in  United  States  postage-stamps.  On  correspondence  from 
foreign  countries  to  the  United  States  prepayment  must  be  made  in  postage-stamps  of 
the  country  of  mailing. 

16.  The  amount  of  postage  due  on  unpaid  or  insufficiently  paid  correspondence  re- 
ceived from  foreign  countries  is  plainly  marked  on  the  cover  by  the  United  States 
exchange  post-office  through  which  the  correspondence  passes,  and  only  the  amount  so 
marked  as  due  should  be  collected.  But  in  the  case  of  mail-matter  other  than  letters, 
which  is  discovered  at  the  office  of  destination  to  contain  a  letter  or  other  communica- 
tion in  writing,  the  postmaster  at  such  office  should  levy  postage  tbereon  at  letter 
rates  for  collection  on  delivery. 

17.  Senders  have  no  legal  claim  upon  the  Post-Office  Department  for  the  value  of 
postage-stamps  uselessly  employed  upon  mail-matter;  but  in  cases  where  excessive 
postage  has  been  paid  upon  correspondence  addressed  to  foreign  countries  upon  erro- 
neous information  given  to  the  sender  at  mailing  post-offices  in  the  United  States  by 
postal  officials  at  the  time  of  mailing,  the  Department  will  require  the  overpaid  sums 
to  be  reimbursed  by  the  postmaster  of  the  mailing  post-office. 

18.  The  exchange  of  postal  cards  is  limited  to  the  Universal  Postal  Union,  including 
Canada.  They  can  only  be  sent  to,  or  received  from,  other  countries  and  places  at  let- 
ter rates  of  postage. 

19.  Li([uids,  poisons,  explosive  and  intlammable  articles,  fatty  substaiues,  live  or 
dead  animals,  reptiles,  fruits  or  vegetable  matter  liable  to  decompositiim,  confectionery, 
pastes  or  confections,  and  substances  exhaling  a  bad  odor,  excluded  from  transmis- 
sion in  domestic  mails  as  being  in  themselves  either  from  their  form  or  nature  liable 
to  destroy,  deface,  or  otherwise  injure  the  contents  of  the  mail-bags  or  the  ])ersons  of 
those  engaged  in  the  postal  service,  are  prohibited  from  transmission  in  the  mails 
exchanged  wnth  foreign  countries,  .as  are  also  obscence,  lewd,  or  lascivious  books, 
pamphlets,  etc.,  and  letters  and  circulars  concerning  lotteries,  so-called  gift  concerts, 
etc.,  also  excluded  from  domestic  mails, 

20.  Certain  articles,  other  than  those  above  mentioned,  which  from  their  nature  or 
form  are  liable  to  destroy,  deface,  or  injure  the  coutenta  of  the  mail-bags  or  the  per- 


280  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

sons  of  those  engaged  in  the  postal  service,  may  be  transmitted  as  samples  in  the 
mails  to  foreign  countries  when  inclosed  in  the  form  prescribed  for  such  matter  in 
domestic  mails. 

21.  All  articles  prohibited  from  domestic  mails  under  sections  225  and  226,  pages 
79  and  80  of  this  book,  are  also  excluded  from  circulation  in  the  mails  to  or  from 
foreign  countries. 

22.  Packets  of  patterns  or  samples  of  merchandise,  for  dispatch  in  the  mails  to  for- 
eign countries,  are  restricted  to  hona-fide  trade  samples  or  specimens  having  no  salable 
or  commercial  value  in  excess  of  that  actually  necessary  for  their  iise  as  samples  or 
specimens.  Goods  sent  for  sale,  in  execution  of  an  order,  or  as  gifts,  however  small 
the  quantity  may  be,  are  not  admissible. 

23.  Prices-current  and  trade  cii'culars  (unsealed)  may  be  sent  to  Guatemala  at  news- 
paper rate  of  postage,  but  to  all  other  countries  at  the  rate  of  postage  for  "other 
printed  matter." 

24.  The  domestic  regulation  requiring  notice  to  be  given  by  United  States  postmas- 
ters, to  publishers  whose  publications  are  refused  or  not  tal?;en  out  of  the  post-office  by 
the  x^ersons  addressed,  does  not  apply  in  the  case  of  newspapers  and  periodicals  of  for- 
eign origin  refused  or  not  taken  out  of  the  post-office  by  their  addressees. 

25.  The  public  should  bear  in  mind  that  all  matter  received  in  the  mails  from  for- 
eign countries  which  is  subject  to  customs  duties,  such  as  watches,  jewelry,  lace,  silk, 
etc.,  is  liable  to  seizure  by  the  officers  of  the  customs. 

26.  The  Post-Office  Department  assumes  no  responsibility  for  the  delay,  injury,  or 
loss  of  either  registered  or  ordinary  correspondence  for  or  from  foreign  countries,  but 
it  will,  at  the  instance  of  senders  or  addressees,  use  the  means  at  its  command  for  the 
purpose  of  ascertaining  the  causes  of  such  delay,  injury,  or  loss,  and  preventing  the 
reciuTence  thereof. 

27.  Where  no  special  regulation  is  made  relative  to  the  transmission  of  correspond- 
ence, the  domestic  regulations  will  govern. 

Sec.  1133.  Treatment  of  Dutiable  Articles. — When  letters,  sealed  pack- 
ages, or  packages  the  wrappers  of  wliich  cannot  be  removed  without  destroying  them, 
are  received  in  the  United  States  from  a  foreign  country,  and  the  postmaster  of  the 
exchange  post-office  at  which  they  are  received  has  reason  to  believe  they  contain  articles 
liable  to  customs  duties,  he  shall  immediately  notify  the  ciistoms  officer  of  the  district 
in  which  his  post-office  is  located,  or  the  customs  officer  designated  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  for  tlie  purpose  of  examining  the  mails  arriving  froin  foreign  countries,  of 
the  receipt  of  such  letters  or  packages,  and  their  several  addresses ;  and  if  any  letter 
or  package  of  this  character  be  addressed  to  a  person  residing  within  the  delivery  of 
his  i>ost-office,  the  postmaster  shall  also,  at  the  time  of  its  arrival,  notify  the  addressee  or 
addressees  thereof  that  such  letter  or  package  has  been  received  and  is  believed  to 
contain  articles  liable  to  customs  duties,  and  that  he  or  they  must  appear  at  the  post- 
office  at  a  time  in  said  notice  to  be  designated,  not  exceeding  twenty  days  fi'om  the 
date  of  said  notice,  and  receive  and  open  said  letter  or  package  in  the  i>resence  of  an 
officer  of  the  customs. 

Letters  and  sealed  packages,  or  packages  the  wrappers  of  wliich  cannot  be  removed 
without  destroying  tliom,  which  are  supposed  to  contain  articles  liable  to  customs 
duties,  and  which  are  addressed  to  persons  residing  outside  of  the  delivery  of  the  United 
States  exchange  post-offloe  where  they  were  first  received  from  abroad,  shall  be  forwarded, 
without  longer  detention  than  twenty-four  hours,  to  their  respective  destinations, 
marked  Stipposed  liable  to  customs  duties,  and  upon  their  receipt  at  the  post-offices  of 
destination  the  postmasters  thereof  shall  notify  the  nearest  customs  officer  and  the 
parties  addressed,  in  the  manner  and  to  the  same  eftect  as  hereinbefore  provided  iu 
the  case  of  similar  letters  or  packages  addressed  for  delivery  at  the  United  States  ex- 
change post-offieo  where  they  were  first  received. 

Provided,  however,  that  nothing  lierciuabove  contained  shall  authorize  or  allow 
customs  officers  to  seize  or  take  possession  of  any  letter  or  scaled  package  Avhile  the 


TITLE    VII FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENX'E.  281 

eamo  is  in  the  onstody  of  a  postmaster,  nor  nntil  after  its  dolivory  to  th*^  a<l«lr«88Pe  ; 
anil  i»rovi(lt'(l  further,  that  no  letter  or  seiiled  jmckaKC  shall  ho  di-tainrd  at  tin;  jiost-otHce 
of  di'livt-ry  a  lonj^r-r  periofl  than  may  ho  n»;c(!SHary  for  the  a[>i(faranoo  of  a  cnstoins 
ofliccr  and  tlic  addrcsst^i',  in  pursuance  of  the  notices  hereiiihefore  jiruvifli-d  to  he  jjivuu. 

Unseali'd  packa<i;<'s  received  in  the  mails  from  forei;rn  countries,  wliieli  an;  found  on 
examination  hy  customs  othcers  to  contain  articles  liahhs  to  customs  duties,  shall  he 
delivered  hy  the  postmaster  at  the  exchannje  post-oflice  of  rec^eipt  to  the  jiroper  ittliciT  of 
the  cnst(niis  for  the  collection  of  the  duties  charguahle  thereon,  witii  notic-e  of  such 
delivery  to  the  person  addressed. 

Unsealed  packages  of  samples  of  merchandise,  including  grains  anil  seeds,  in  excess 
of  eighr  ounces  in  weight,  forwarded  to  the  United  States  in  the  mails  from  Canada 
contriiry  to  the  provisions  of  the  postal  arrangement  hetwecii  the  two  countries,  which 
are  declared  hy  customs  officers  to  he  dutiahle,  shall  he  immediately  retnnmd  from  the 
United  States  exchange  post-office  of  receijit  to  the  Canadian  exchange  post-office  from 
which  they  were  dispatched. 

Postmasters  are  expected  to  extend  to  customs  officers,  specially  designated  for  that 
duty  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  such  facilities  as  may  he  necessary  to  enahlo 
them  to  examine  mail  matter  arriving  in  the  mails  from  foreign  countries,  in  order  to 
protect  the  customs  revenue. 

Sec.  1134.  Dutiable  Printed  Matter  in  Foreign  Mails. — Printed  matter, 
other  than  books,  received  in  the  mails  from  foreign  countries  under  the 
provisions  of  postal  treaties  or  conventions,  sliall  be  free  of  customs  duty, 
and  books  which  are  admitted  to  the  international  mails  exchanged  under 
the  j)ro visions  of  the  Universal  Postal  Union  Convention  may,  when  sub- 
ject to  customs  duty,  be  delivered  to  addressees  in  the  United  States 
under  such  regulations  for  the  collection  of  duties  as  may  be  agreed 
upon  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  and  the  Postmaster-General. 
(Act  of  March  3,  1870,  §  17,  20  Stat.,  p.  3(50.) 

Sec.  1135.  Discretional  Remission  of  Duties  on  Single  Books. — From  infor- 
mation received  by  the  Postmaster-General  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  it  appears 
that  no  books  are  absolutely  exempt  from  customs  duties,  except  those  prv^'^ed  and 
manufactured  more  than  twenty  years  ;  hut  collectors  of  customs  may,  m  rheir  discre- 
tion, remit  duties  on  importations  of  single  copies  of  books  of  less  dutiable  value  than 
one  dollar,  when  such  books  are  intended  for  the  personal  use  of  the  addressees. 

Sec.  1136.  Consuls  may  Pay  Foreign  Postage  on  Letters  for  the  United 
States. — The  Postmaster-General  or  the  Secretary  of  State  is  hereby 
authorized  to  empower  the  consuls  of  the  United  States  to  pay  the  for- 
eign postage  on  such  letters  destined  for  the  United  States  as  may  be 
detained  at  the  ports  of  foreign  countries  for  the  non-payment  of  postage, 
Ayhich  postage  shall  be  by  the  consid  marked  as  paid  by  him,  and  the 
amount  thereof  shall  be  collected  in  the  United  States  as  other  postage, 
on  the  delivery  of  the  letters,  and  repaid  to  said  consul,  or  credited  on 
his  account  at  the  State  Department.     (R.  S.,  §  4014.) 

Sec.  1137.  Retaliatory  Postage  on  Certain  Foreign  Matter — The  Post- 
master-General, under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  charge  upon,  and  collect  from, 
all  letters  and  other  mailable  matter  carried  to  or  from  any  port  of  the 
United  States,  in  anj-  foreign  packet-ship  or  other  vessel,  the  same  rate 
or  rates  of  charge  for  American  postage  which  the  government  to  which 
such  foreign  packet  or  other  vessel  belongs  imposes  upon  letters  and 


282  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

other  mailable  matter  conveyed  to  or  from  such  foreign  country  la 
American  packets  or  other  vessels  as  the  postage  of  such  government, 
and  at  any  time  to  revoke  the  same;  and  all  custom-house  officers  and 
other  United  States  agents  designated  or  appointed  for  that  purpose 
shall  enforce  or  carry  into  effect  the  foregoing  provision,  and  aid  or  assist 
in  the  collection  of  such  postage,  and  to  that  end  it  shall  be  lawfnl  for 
such  officers  and  agents,  on  suspicion  of  fraud,  to  open  and  examine,  in 
the  presence  of  two  or  more  respectable  persons,  being  citizens  of  the 
United  States,  any  package  or  packages  supposed  to  contain  mailable 
matter  found  on  board  such  packets  or  other  vessels  or  elsewhere,  and 
to  prevent,  if  necessary,  such  packets  or  other  vessels  from  entering, 
breaking  bulk,  or  making  clearance  until  such  letters  or  other  mailable 
matter  are  duly  delivered  into  the  United  States  Post-Ofifice.  (R.  S., 
§  4015.) 

Sec.  1138.  Letters  Brought  by  Foreign  Vessels  to  be  Deposited  in  Post- 
OfBce. — All  letters  or  other  mailable  matter  conveyed, to  or  from  any 
part  of  the  United  States  by  any  foreign  vessel,  except  such  sealed  let- 
ters, relating  to  such  vessel,  or  any  part  of  the  cargo  thereof,  as  may 
be  directed  to  the  owners  or  consignees  of  the  vessel,  shall  be  subject 
to  postage-charge,  whether  addressed  to  any  person  m  the  United 
States  or  elsewhere,  provided  they  are  conveyed  by  the  packet  or  other 
ship  of  a  foreign  country  imposing  postage  on  letters  or  mailable  mat- 
ter conveyed  to  or  from  such  countiy  by  any  vessel  of  the  United 
States ;  and  such  letters  or  other  mailable  matter  carried  in  foreign  ves- 
sels, except  such  sealed  letters,  relating  to  the  vessel,  or  any  part  of  the 
cargo  thereof,  as  may  be  directed  to  the  owners  or  consignees,  shall  be 
delivered  into  tlie  United  States  post-office  by  the  master  of  such  ves- 
sel when  jt'oi-iving,  and  be  taken  from  a  United  States  x)Ost-office  when 
departing,  and  the  postage  paid  thereon,  justly  chargeable  [by  tJiis  Title]^ 
and  for  refusing  or  failing  to  do  so,  or  for  conveying  such  letters  or  any 
letters  intended  to  be  conveyed  in  any  vessel  of  such  foreign  country 
over  or  across  the  United  States,  or  any  portion  thereof,  the  party 
offending  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  one  thousand 
dollars  for  each  offense.    (R.  S.,  §  4010,) 


TITLE    VIII. 

AUDITING  POSTAL    ACCOUNTS. 


CHAPTER  ONE. 

THE     AUDITOR     OF     THE     TREASURY     FOR    THE     POST-OFFICE 

DEPARTMENT. 


Sec. 

1139.  Auditor,  bow  appointed. 

1140.  Duties  of  Auditor  f^enenilly  stated. 

1141.  Divisions  of  Auditor's  Office. 

1142.  The  duties  of  the  Auditor  as  prescribed  by 

statute. 

1143.  Accomits  of  Post-Offico  Department,  how  to 

be  kept. 

1144.  To  superintend  collection  of  debts  due  the 

Department. 


Sec. 

1145.  Accounts  of  the  money-order  business. 
114C.  Accounts  of  expenses  paid  by  pos|ma8ter8 
to  be  stated. 
j   1147.  Coinproiuisc  of  judfnnents  to  be  made,  how. 

1148.  Papers  required  in  suits  for  deliiKiuenciea, 

etc. 

1149.  Oaths  in  settlement  with  Auditor. 

1150.  Appeal  to  First  Comptroller  from  Auditor's 

settlement. 


Sec.  1139.  Auditor,  how  appointed. — There  sliall  be  appointed  by  the 
President,  by  and  with  the  ad\ice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  an  [Sixth]* 
Auditor  of  the  Treasiuy  for  the  Post-Office  Department.     (K.  S.,  §  276.) 

Sec.  1140.  Duties  of  Auditor  generally  Stated. — To  this  office,  which  is 

not  a  Imie.iu  of  the  Post-Offico  Dopartmeut,  but  an  office  of  the  Treasury  Dei)art- 
meut,  established  for  the  adjustment  and  preservation  of  the  accounts  of  tlie  former 
are  assigned  the  duties  of  examining  the  returns  of  postma-sters  and  of  notifying 
them  of  errors  found  therein  ;  of  adjusting  their  accounts  ;  of  designating  the  post- 
offices  from  which  contractors  shall  make  collections,  and  of  furnishing  them  the 
blank  orders  and  receipts  necessary  for  that  purpose  ;  and,  u^ion  receipt  of  such  col- 
lection-orders, together  with  the  acknowledgments  of  collections  and  of  certificates 
from  the  Division  of  Inspection,  Office  of  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  of 
the  performance  of  service,  of  adjusting  the  quarterly  compensation  of  contractors  for 
carrying  the  mail,  and  of  transmitting  to  them  the  drafts  issued  in  payuumt  of  the 
balances  found  due ;  of  adjusting  the  accounts  for  advertising,  niail-l)ags,  mail 
locks  and  keys,  stamps,  Special  Agents,  and  all  other  demands  properly  arising 
under  the  laws,  contracts,  regulations,  or  oVders  of  the  Department  :  of  closing 
the  accounts  of  the  Department  quarterly,  and  of  reporting  the  amounts  paid  by 
postmasters  pursuant  to  appropriations  made  by  law  ;  and  of  registeriug,  charging, 
and  countersigning  all  warrants  upon  the  Treasury  for  receipts  and  payuients  when 
warranted  by  law,  as  well  as  all  drafts  issued  in  payment  or  collection  of  debts. 
To  the  Auditor  is  also  assigned  the  duty  of  adjusting  and  settling  the  mouey- 
order  accounts  of  postmasters,  and  attending  to  all  correspondence  relating  thereto. 
It  is  the  duty  of  the  Auditor  to  report  to  the  Postmaster-General  all  delinquencies  on 
the  part  of  postmasters  in  paying  over  the  moneys  in  their  hands,  all  failures  of  post- 
masters o  render  their  quarterly  returns  according  to  law,  and  all  failures  of 
appointees  to  ([ualify.     To  the  Auditor  is  also  assigned  the  duty  of  collecting  from 

*  Title,  formerly  Sixth  Auditor,  changed  by  act  of  March  3,  1875.     (18  Statutes  at 

Large,  page  397. 

283 


284  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

late  i^ostmastiTS  balances  due  the  United  States  upon  their  general  postal  and  money- 
order  accounts;  and  in  cases  of  failure  to  collect  such  balances  by  drafts  in  favor  of 
postmasters  or  other  authorized  agents  of  the  Department,  to  prepare  and  transmit  to 
the  Department  of  Justice  certified  copies  of  all  accounts  and  papers  necessarj'  for  the 
institution  of  legal  proceedings  against  such  late  postmasters  and  their  sureties.  To 
the  Auditor  should  be  transmitted  all  quarterly  and  general  accounts ;  all  vouchers 
and  letters  relating  thereto  ;  all  receipts  of  postmasters  for  money  and  stamps  turned 
over  to  them  by  their  predecessors  or  other  postmasters ;  all  acknowledgments  of 
drafts  issued  in  payment  of  balances ;  all  receipts  of  mail  contractors  for,  and  their 
acknowledgments  of,  the  collections  from  postmasters ;  all  letters  admitting  or  contest- 
ing balances  due  on  the  general  accounts  of  postmasters  and  mail  contractors  j  all 
receipts  for  drafts  issued  in  collecting  such  balances ;  all  letters  returning  such  drafts, 
or  reporting  the  non-payment  thereof;  and  all  letters  in  relation  to  the  settlement  of 
the  money-order  accounts  of  postmasters. 

Sec.  1141.  Divisions  of  Auditor's  Office. — There  are  in  the  office  of  the 

Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department  eight  divisions,  through 
which  the  work  of  the  office  is  distributed.     Their  names  and  duties  are  as  follows : 

Collecting  Division. — To  this  division  is  assigned  the  collection  of  balances  due 
from  all  postmasters,  late  postmasters,  and  contractors ;  also  the  payment  of  all  bal- 
ances due  to  late  and  jireseut  jjostmasters,  and  the  adjustment  and  final  settlement  of 
postal  acounts. 

Stating  Division. — The  general  postal  accounts  of  postmasters  and  those  of  late 
postmasters,  until  fully  stated,  are  in  charge  of  this  division. 

Examining  Division. — Receives  and  audits  the  quarterly  accounts-cun-ent  of  all 
post-offices  in  the  United  States.  It  is  divided  into  four  subdivisions,  viz,  the  open- 
ing-room, the  stamp-rooms,  the  examining  corps  proper  and  the  error-rooms. 

Money-Order  Division. — Accounts  of  money-orders  paid  and  received  are  exam- 
ined, and  paid  money-orders  are  assorted,  checked,  and  filed,  remittances  of  money- 
order  funds  are  registered  and  checked  and  errors  corrected  by  this  division. 

Foreign  Mail  Division. — Has  charge  of  the  postal  accounts  with  foreign  govern- 
ments, and  the  accounts  with  steamship  companies  for  ocean  transportation  of  the 
mails. 

Registering  Division. — Receives  from  the  examining  division  the  quai'terly  ac- 
counts-current of  all  the  post-offices  in  the  United  States,  re-examines  and  registc^rs  t  hem, 
and  exhibits  in  the  register  ending  June  30  of  each  year  the  total  amount  of  receipts 
and  expenditures  for  the  fiscal  year. 

Pay  Division. — The  adjustment  and  payment  of  all  accounts  for  the  transportation 
of  the  mails,  whether  carried  by  ooean-steamers,  railroads,  steamboats,  or  any  mail- 
carrier  ;  the  accounts  of  the  railway  postal  service,  railway  postal  clerks,  route-agents, 
and  local  agents,  mail-depredations.  Special  Agents,  iTOe-delivery  system,  postage- 
stamps,  postal  cards,  envelopes,  stamps,  njaps,  wrapping-paper,  twine,  mail-bags, 
mail  locks  and  keys,  advertising,  fees  in  suits  on  postal  matters,  and  miscellaneous 
accounts,  are  assigned  to  this  division." 

Bookkeeping  Division. — The  duty  of  keeping  the  ledger-accounts  of  the  Depart- 
ment, embracing  postmasters,  late  postmasters,  contractora,  late  contractoi-s,  and 
accounts  of  a  general,  special,  and  miseellaueous  character,  is  performed  by  this  divis- 
ion. 

Sec.  1142.  The  Duties  of  the  Auditor  as  Prescribed  by  Statute. — The  [/iS'w'/'/i] 
Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  PovSt-Offiee  Department  shall  receive 
all  accounts  arising"  in  the  Post-Office  Beiiartnient,  or  relative  thereto, 
with  the  vouchers  necessary  to  a  correct  adjustment  thereof,  and  shall 
audit  and  settle  the  same  and  certify  the  balances  thereon  to  the  Post- 
master-General. He  shall  keep  and  preserve  all  accounts  and  vouchors 
after  settlement.    He  shall  close  the  account  of  the  Dei)artmeut  quar- 


TITLE   VIII — AUDITING   POSTAL    ACCOUNTS.  285 

terly,  and  transmit  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  quarterly  statements 
of  its  receipts  iiiul  expenditures.  He  shall  rejHU-t  to  the  J'ostmaster- 
General,  when  leciuired  to  <h)  so,  the  manner  an<l  form  of  keei>in}^  and 
stating  the  accounts  of  the  Department,  and  the  otiicial  forms  of  papers 
to  be  used  in  connection  with  its  receipts  and  expenditures.  Lie  shall 
report  to  the  rostmaster-General  all  delincpiencies  of  i>ostmasters  in 
rendering  their  accounts  and  returns,  or  in  ])aying  over  money-order 
funds  and  other  receipts  at  their  othces.  He  shall  register,  charge,  and 
countersign  all  warrants  upon  the  Treasury  for  receipts  or  payments 
issued  by  the  Postmaster-General,  when  warranted  by  law.  He  si i all 
perform  such  other  duties  in  relation  to  the  financial  concerns  of  the 
Department  as  may  be  assigned  to  him  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
an<l  make  to  the  Secretary  or  to  the  Postmaster-General  such  reports 
respecting  the  same  as  eitlier  of  them  may  require.     (R.  S.,  §  277.) 

The  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department  has  diiect  official  rela- 
tion to  both  the  Treasury  and  the  Post-Office  Department.     (7  Opins.,  4:'.9.) 

Sec.  1143.  Acoounts  of  Post-Office  Department,  how  to  be  Kept. — Hereafter 
the  [Siiih]  Atulitor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post  Office  Department  shall 
keep  the  accounts  in  his  office  so  as  to  show  the  expenditures  of  the 
Post-Office  Department  under  each  item  of  appropriation  provided  by 
law.     (Act  of  March  3,  187."),  §  4;  18  Stats.,  p.  343.) 

Sec.  1144.  To  Superintend  the  Collection  of  Debts  Due  the  Department. — 
The  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  DepartmeutJ 
shall  superintend  the  collection  of  all  debts  due  the  Post-Office  Depart- 
ment, and  all  i)eualties  and  forfeitures  imposed  for  any  violation  of  the 
postal  laws,  and  take  all  such  other  measures  as  may  be  authorized  by 
law  to  enforce  the  payment  of  such  debts  and  the  recovery  of  such  pen- 
alties and  forfeitures.  He  shall  also  .superintend  the  collection  of  all 
penalties  and  forfeitures  arising  under  other  statutes,  where  stu^h  penal- 
ties and  forfeitures  are  the  consequence  of  unlawful  acts  aliecting  the 
revenues  or  property  of  the  Post-Office  Dei)artment.     (K.  S.,  §  292.) 

Sec.  1145.  Accounts  of  the  Money-Order  Business. — The  [/SfrfA]  Auditor 
[of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department]  shall  keep  the  accounts 
of  the  money-order  business  separately,  and  in  such  manner  as  to  show 
the  nitmber  and  amount  of  money-orders  issued  at  each  office,  the  niun- 
ber  and  amount  paid,  the  amount  of  fees  received,  and  all  the  expenses 
of  the  money-order  business.     (E.  S.,  §  293.) 

Sec.  1146.  Accounts  of  Expenses  Paid  by  Postmasters  to  be  Stated. — The 
[Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the  Trea.sury  for  the  Post-Office  Department]  shall 
state  and  certify  quarterly  to  the  Postmaster-General  an  account  of  the 
money  paid  by  postmasters  out  of  the  receipts  of  their  offices,  and  pur- 
suant to  appropriations,  on  account  of  the  expenses  of  the  postal  service; 
designating  the  heads  under  w^hich  such  payments  were  made.  (K.  S., 
§  294.) 

Sec.  1147.  Compromise  of  Judgments  to  be  Made,  how. — Whenever  a 
judgment  is  obtained  for  a  debt  or  damages  due  the  Post-Office  Depart- 
meut,  and  it  satisfactorily  appears  that  such  judgment,  or  so  much 


286 


POSTAL   LAWS   AND   REGULATIONS. 


thereof  as  remains  unpaid,  cannot  be  collected  by  due  process  of  law, 
the  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department]  may, 
with  the  written  consent  of  the  Postmaster-General,  compromise  such 
judgment,  and  accept  in  satisfaction  less  than  the  full  amount  thereof. 
(R.  S.,  §  205.) 

Sec.  1148.  Papers  Required  in  Suits  for  Delinquencies,  etc. — In  case  of 
delinquency  of  any  postmaster,  contractor,  or  other  officer,  agent,  or 
emi)loye  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  in  which  suit  is  brought,  the 
[>Sft>^^]  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department]  shall 
forward  to  the  Department  of  Justice  certified  copies  of  all  papers  in  his 
office  tending  to  sustain  the  claim.     (R.  S.,  §296.) 

Sec.  1149.  Oaths  in  Settlement  with  Auditor.* — Any  mayor  of  a  city, 
justice  of  the  peace,  or  judge  of  any  court  of  record  in  the  United  States, 
may  administer  oaths,  in  relation  to  the  examination  and  settlement  of 
the  accounts  committed  to  the  charge  of  the  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the 
Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department].     (R.  S.,  §298.) 

Sec.  1150.  Appeal  to  First  Comptroller  from  Auditor's  Settlement. — "\\Tien- 
ever  the  Postmaster-General  or  any  person  whose  accounts  have  been 
settled  by  the  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  De- 
partment] is  dissatisfied  with  the  settlement  made  by  the  Auditor,  he 
may,  witliin  twelve  months,  appeal  to  the  First  Comptroller,  whose 
decision  shall  be  conclusive.    (R.  S.,  §270.) 


CHAPTER    TWO. 

POSTMASTERS'  QUARTERLY  RETtJRlTS. 


Sec. 

1151.  Quarterly  accounts  of  receipta. 

1152.  Quarterly  accounts  to  be  sworn  to. 

1153.  Neglect  to  render  .accounts  ;  penalty. 

1154.  Time  of  forwarding  quarterly  retuma. 

1155.  What  composes  the  quarterly  return. 

1156.  Manner  of  mailinj?  quarterly  returns. 

1157.  Transcripts  must  accomijany  account  cur- 

rent. 
11.58.  Written  accounts  will  not  be  audited. 

1159.  Quarterly  returns  to  include  but  one  quarter. 

1160.  Printed  labels  for  i-eturns  from  Presidential 

offices. 

1161.  Detailed  statement  from  Presidential  offices. 

1162.  Accounts  of  outgoing  and  incoming  post- 
,  masters. 

1163.  Accounts  of  deceased  postmasters. 

1164.  Postmasters  giving  new  bond,   return  not 

changed. 


Sec. 

1165.  Originals  must  be  retained. 

1166.  Who  must  sign  account-current, 

1167.  Correction  of  errors  in  accounts. 

1168.  Bcoord  to  be  kept  of  receipts  by  postma.?- 

tera. 

1169.  Duty  of  postmaster  when  returns  are  lost  in 

the  mail. 

1170.  Unreasonable  delay  in  presenting  claims,  in- 

ference from. 

1171.  Allowance  for  advertising  letters. 

1172.  Items  not  to  be  entered  on  the  account-cur- 

rent. 

1173.  Ifo    allowance    for    expenditures    without 

vouchers. 

1174.  No  allowance  for  administering  oath. 

1175.  Endorsement  on  back  of  account-current. 

1176.  Blank  forms,  how  procured. 


Sec.  1151.  Quarterly  Accounts  of  Receipts. — Everj'^  postmaster  shall  ren. 
der  to  the  Postmaster-General,  under  oath,  and  in  such  form  as  the 

*  Section  297,  Revised  Statutes,  provides  that  the  several  Auditors  are  empowered  to 
aduiinister  oaths  to  Avitnoeses  in  any  ca.se  in  which  tlioy  may  deem  it  necessary  for  the 
due  examination  of  the  accounts  with  which  they  shall  bo  charj^ed. 


TITLE   VIII — AUDITING   POSTAT.    ACCOUNTS.  287 

latter  shall  prescribe,  a  quarterly  account  of  all  moneys  received  or 
charjit'd  by  liiiii  or  at  his  office,  for  posta;;*',  rent  of  boxes  or  otlier  r«'- 
ceptacles  for  inail-inatter,  or  l>y  reason  of  kecpiii;;  a  l>ranch  oHiee,  or  for 
the  delivery  of  mail-matter  in  any  manner  whatever.     (K.  S.,  §  384.3.) 

Sec,  1152.  Quarterly  Accounts  to  be  Sworn  to. — Tlie  rostniastcr-General 
may  rtMHiire  a  sworn  stiitciiuMit  to  accroiiipany  eacli  quarterly  account  of 
a  postma.ster,  to  the  effect  that  such  account  contains  a  true  statement 
of  the  entire  amount  of  postaj^e,  box-rents,  cliar<jes,  and  moneys  col- 
lected or  rc<;eived  at  his  ottice  during  the  quarter ;  that  he  lias  not  know- 
ingly delivered,  or  permitted  to  be  delivered,  any  mail-matter  on  which 
the  postage  was  not  at  the  time  paid ;  that  such  account  exhibits  tnilj' 
and  faithfully  the  entire  receipts  collected  at  his  office,  and  which,  by 
due  diligence,  could  liave  been  collected,  and  that  the  credits  he  claims 
are  just  and  right.     (E.  S.,  §  38-44.) 

Sec.  1153.  Neglect  to  Render  Accounts;  Penalty. — Whenever  any  post- 
master neglects  to  render  his  accounts  for  one  month  after  the  time,  and 
in  the  form  and  manner  prescribed  by  law  and  the  regulations  of  the 
Postmaster-General,  he  and  his  sureties  shall  forfeit  and  pay  double 
the  amount  of  the  gross  receipts  at  such  office  during  any  prcAious  or 
subsequent  equal  period  of  time ;  and  if,  at  the  time  of  trial,  no  account 
has  been  rendered,  they  shall  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  such  sum  as  the 
court  and  jury  shall  estimate  to  be  equivalent  thereto,  to  be  recovered 
in  an  action  on  the  bond.     (R.  S,,  §  3845.) 

Sec.  1154.  Time  of  Forwarding  Quarterly  Returns. — Immediately  after 

the  close  of- each  riuartcr,  which  is  on  the  last  day  of  March,  .Tune,  September,  and 
December,  every  postmaster  imist  make  np  his  .acconnts  for  the  quarter  and  forward 
transcripts  of  them  to  the  Auditor.  The  originals  must  be  retained  by  the  post- 
master, subject  to  inspection.  Quarterly  returns  must  not  be  addressed  to  the  Third 
Assistant  Postmaster-General. 

Sec.  1155.  What  Composes  the  Quarterly  Return. — The  quarterly  return 

is  composed  of  the  account-current  and  the  necessary  iranscripts  and  vouchers. 

Sec.  1156.  Manner  of  Mailing  Quarterly  Returns. — To  insure  a  correct 
and  expeditious  settlement  of  the  quarterly  accounts  of  postmasters,  it  is  indispensa- 
ble that  each  return  should  ari'ive  at  the  Department  in  one  perfect,  unbroken  bundle 
or  packet.  The  packet  should  be  plainly  directed  to  the  ''Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for 
the  Post-Office  Dei^artmeut."  The  words  "Quarterly  returns "  should  be  plainly 
written  on  the  package.  No  letter,  receipt,  paper,  or  other  thing  whatever,  not 
strictly  belonging  to  the  quarterly  return,  should  be  inclosed  with  it. 

Sec.  1157.  Transcripts  must  Accompany  Account-Current. — Postmasters 

should  never  send  an  account-current  without  the  transcripts  from  which  it  is  made 
up;  and  never  neglect  to  send  with  the  transcripts  an  account-current.  The  posK 
master's  signature  should  be  attached  to  each  paper. 

Sec.  1158.  Written  Accounts  will  not  be  Audited. — Quarterly  returns 
must  be  made  upon  the  regular  blanks  furnished  by  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General.    "Written  accounts  will  not  be  audited. 

Sec.  1159.  Quarterly  Returns  to  Include  but  One  Quarter. — A  quarterly 

return  must  not  include  more  than  the  business  of  one  quarter. 

Sec.  1160.  Printed  Labels  for  Returns  from  Presidential  Post-Offices. — Post- 
masters at  post-otfices  of  the  first,  second,  and  third  classes  will  be  furnished  by  the 
First  Assistant  Postmaster-General,  on  application,  with  printed  labels,  which  they 


288  POSTAL   LAWS   AND   REGULATIONS. 

are  required  to  paste  upon  the  package  contaiuiug  tlieir  quarterly  returns,  Tlie  use 
of  these  labels  iu  transmittiug  to  the  Auditor  the  quarterly  returns  enables  the  receiv- 
ing clerks  to  (.listinguish  these  returns  from  those  of  fourth-class  post-ofiSces,  and  very 
greatly  expedites  the  settlement  of  the  accounts. 

Sec.  1161.  Detailed  Statement  from  Presidential-Post=Offioes.-— Postmasters 

at  post-offices  of  the  first,  second,  and  third  classes  are  required  to  transmit  ^^  ith  their 
quarterly  returns,  upon  the  priuted  blank  furnished  them  for  that  purpose,  a  detailed 
statement  of  stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  newspaper- wrappers,  and  postal  cards  received 
during  the  quarter,  and  also  a  detailed  statement  of  the  vouchers  accompanying  the 
account-current. 

Sec.  1162.  Accounts  of  Outgoing  and  Incoming  Postmasters. — Where  a 

change  of  ^jostmaster  occurs,  the  outgoing  postmaster  will  render  an  account  to  and 
including  the  day  upon  which  the  office  is  delivered  to  his  successor ;  and  the  successor 
will  render  an  account  for  the  remainder  of  the  quarter.  At  fourth-class  post-offices, 
however,  by  agreement  between  the  parties,  the  late  postmaster  or  his  successor  may 
render  the  account  for  the  entire  quarter,  provided  that  all  poetage-stamps,  stamped 
envelopes,  postal  cards,  etc.,  are  duly  accounted  for  in  said  account-current. 

Sec.  1163.  Accounts  of  Deceased  Postmasters. — In  case  of  the  death  of  a 

postmaster,  the  assistant,  deputy,  or  the  sureties  may  render  the  account  to  and 
including  the  day  upon  which  the  new  postmaster  enters  upon  the  discharge  of  his 
duties.  Such  account  will  be  duly  anditcd,  compensation  allowed  in  the  settlement 
of  the  same,  and  credited  to  the  account  of  the  deceased  postmaster. 

Sec.  1164.   Postmaster  Giving  New  Bond;   Return  not  Changed.— The 

execution  of  a  new  bond  by  a  postmaster  does  not  in  any  way  change  the  manner  of 
rendering  the  quarterly  return,  as  the  sureties  upon  the  former  bond  are  held  respon- 
sible lentil  tlie  last  day  of  the  quarter  in  which  the  new  bond  is  executed. 

Sec.  1165.  Originals  must  be  Retained. — Many  postmasters  are  in  the 

habit  of  forwarding  to  the  Department,  contrary  to  regulation,  their  original  accounts, 
keeping  no  duplicate  or  copy.  This  violation  of  rule  cannot  be  permitted  or  over- 
looked. Transcripts  or  copies  only  must  be  sent,  and  the  original  accounts  must  be 
carefully  preserved  for  inspection  by  any  Special  Agent  of  the  Department  who  may 
require  it. 

Sec.  1168.  Who  must  Sign  Account-Current. — The  quarterly  account-cur- 
rent and  all  other  official  papers  must  be  signed  by  the  postmaster  himself,,  unless 
necessarily  absent  or  sick,  iu  which  case  it  may  be  signed  as  follows : 

A B ,  P.  M., 

By  C D ,  Jasiiitant  P.  M. 

The  blank  heading  of  the  account-current  must  be  filled  up  with  the  name  of  the 
post-office,  its  county  and  State. 

Sec.  1167.  Correction  of  Errors  in  Accounts. — The  accounts  of  all  ijost- 

masters  are  examined  and  adjusted  by  the  Auditor  as  they  are  received,  and  the  errors, 
if  there  be  any,  are  carefully  corrected,  and  the  postmasters  at  post-offices  of  the  first, 
second,  and  third  classes  are  notified  of  the  corrections  made.  Postmasters  at  all 
other  post-offices  are  notified  of  errors  which  increase  by  as  much  as  one  dollar  the 
balance  due  to  the  United  St.ates.  Postmasters,  therefore,  Avill  understand  that  any 
alteration  in  the  balances  of  their  accounts  is  occasioned  either  by  the  correction  of 
some  clerical  error,  or  by  some  deviation  on  their  part  from  a  strict  conformity  to 
the  law  .and  the  instructions. 

Sec.  1168.  Record  to  be  Kept  of  Receipts  by  Postmasters. — Every  post- 
master shall  keep  in  a  book,  separate  from  his  otlier  accounts,  a  record — 

1.  Of  all  postage-stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  newspaper-wrappers,  newspaper  and 
periodical  stamps,  postage-due  stamps,  and  postal  cards  received  by  him. 

2.  Of  all  post.al  books,  blanks,  or  other  property  turned  over  by  his  predecessor,  or 
received  from  the  Post-Office  Department,  or  from  any  of  its  agents,  during  his  term 
of  office. 


TITLE    VIII — AUDITING    POSTAL   ACCOUNTS.  289 

3.  Of  all  box-rents.  (Tho  entry  of  money  received  for  box-rents  should  show  the 
number  of  the  box  and  tho  period  for  wliieh  tho  puyment  was  made.) 

4.  Of  all  other  rents,  emoluments,  and  moneys  received  l»y  him  as  postmaster,  or  as 
custodian  of  the  l>uildin;j  in  which  the  post-office  is  located. 

Every  postmaster  will  keep  the  above  accounts  separately,  and  charge  himself  with 
all  receipts  thereon.  He  will  make  quarterly  returns  thereof  to  the  Auditor,  ami  turn 
over  his  records  to  his  successor. 

Sec.  1169.  Duty  of  Postmasters  when  Returns  are  Lost  in  the  Mail. — The 

postiuasttT,  though  lie  nuiy  have  mailfd  his  returns,  will  not  be  considi-red  as  dis- 
charged from  the  penalty  mentioned  in  section  llol}  unhsss,  after  lieiug  notified  that 
they  have  not  been  receivt^d  at  the  Dejiartmeut,  he  transmits  forthwith  duplicate 
transcripts  from  the  orij^iual  accounts  retained  in  his  possession. 

Sec.  1170.  Unreasonable  Delay  in  Presenting  Claims.     Inference  from. — A 

Tuo  account-current  is  intended  to  show  the  net  proceeds  of  the  post-oHiceforthe  quar- 
ter, no  balance  due  on  a  former  quarter,  nor  any  payment  to  or  collection  for  the  De- 
partment in  a  former  quarter,  is  to  be  inserted  in  it.  All  vouchers  for  expenses 
charged  in  the  account-current  must  be  transmitted  with  the  said  accounts,  and  if 
for  advertising  letters,  must  state  the  number  of  letters.  Unreasonable  delay  not 
only  implies  neglect  of  the  public  business,  but  is  calculated  to  bring  suspicion  upon 
the  claims  withheld ;  and  the  Department,  therefore,  reserves  to  itself  the  right  to 
reject  .all  such  claims  after  the  quarterly  accounts  have  been  adjusted. 

Sec.  1171.  Allowance  for  Advertising  Letters. — When  proper  authority 

has  been  given  to  tho  postmaster  by  the  Postmaster-General,  one  cent  will  be  allowed 
for  advertising  each  letter,  and  the  printer's  receipt  must  state  the  number  ol  letters 
and  the  amount  paid  for  advertising. 

Sec.  1172.  Items  not  to  be  Entered  on  the  Account-Current. — Items  relat- 
ing to  Money  Order  Business,  to  ex])eiiditures  on  account  of  the  Free  Deli  very  System 
and  of  the  Railway  Postal  Service,  must  iu)t  be  entered  on  the  account-current. 

Sec.  1173.  No  Allowance  for  Expenditures  without  Vouchers. — No  allow- 
ance will  be  made  for  any  expenditure  (uiless  accompanied  by  the  proper  voucher — 
that  is,  a  bill  receipted. 

Sec.  1174.  No  Allowance  for  Administering  Oaths. — Xo  allowauce  cau  be 

made  for  fees  paid  for  administering  oaths  to  accounts. 

Sec.  1175.    Indorsement  on  Back  of  Account-Current. — The  postmaster 

must  indorse  plainly  upon  the  back  of  the  account-current,  in  the  blanks  prepared  for 
that  purpose,  the  class  and  name  of  the  post-ofirtce,  the  name  of  the  State,  the  period 
for  winch  the  account  is  rendered,  and  the  name  of  the  postmaster. 

Sec.  1176.  Blank  Forms,  how  Procured. — Blank  forms  for  quarterly  ac- 
counts-current are  furnished  on  application  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General, 
Blank  Agency  ;  and  postmasters  should  so  arrange  their  orders  as  to  have  a  supply  suf- 
ficient for  one  year  constantly  on  hand. 


CHAPTER  THREE. 
ACCOUNTS-CURRENT  AND  TRANSCRIPTS— FORMS. 

Sec.  [  Sec. 

1177.  Form.s  for  use  at  Prt'sidi'utwl  iK)st-ollici'S.  1178.  Fonu.s  for  use  at  fourth-class  post-offices. 

Sec.  1177.  Forms  for  Presidential  Post-Offices.— The  following  forms  of 

accounts-current  and  transcripts,  w  hich  are  i)rinted  upon  colored  or  tinted  paper,  are 
prescribed  for  the  use  of  postnuisters  at  post-offices  of  the  first,  second,  and  third 
classes : 

19   P   L 


290 


POSTAL   LAWS   AND   REGULATIONS. 


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TITLE    VIII AUDITING    POSTAL    ACCOUNTS.  291 

Jiox-niit  account. 

Qiiarter-ycaily  rotiini  of  ftll  roccipts  for  linxos  niid  drawers  by  mo  receivod  aa  postmaatcr  of , 

State  of ,  for  the  (luartor  i-uding ,  18 — . 


Rent  of  boxpn  ... 
Keut  of  dniwura  . 


No. 


Rate. 


Dollars. 


Ct8. 


I, ,  postmaster  of ,  do that  the  above  and  forcjroinjc  is  a  trne  and  correct  account  of 

all  receipts  for  rent  of  boxes  and  drawers  for  the  quarter  ending ,  18 — . 

,  Postmaster. 


-  antl  subscribed  before  the  undersigned,  a for  the of  - 


this- 


ilay  of ,  A.D.  18— . 


Detailed  statement  of  stamps,  .Jc,  received. 

(No.  1511.) 
Pest  Office : 


County  of . 


State  of . 


-,  18- 


A  detailed  statement  of  stamps  and  stamped  envelopes,  newspaiier  wrappers,  postal  cards,  newspaper 

and  periodical  stamps,  and  postage-duo  stamps  received  during  the  quarter  ended ,  18 — ,  and 

acknowledged  in  article  4  of  the  aocount-ouiTent  for  that  quarter. 


Date  of  receipt,     ^f^^' 

Description. 
(Whether  stamps,  envelopes,  newspaper  wrap- 
pers, or  postal  cards.) 

Amount. 

Dollars. 

Cents. 

Total 

1 

I  certify  the  above  statement  to  be  correct. 


raij-roU  of  clerks. 
"W'e,  the  undersigned,  officers  in  the  post-office  at ,  have  received  of 


the  several  sums  affixed  to  our  names,  in  full  for  services  to ,  inclusive. 


Postmaster. 


post-master. 


Names. 

Time  of  service. 

Signatures. 

292 


POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Poat  Office 


Expense  voucher. 
(Form  1526.) 

,  State  of. 

To 


_,  Dr. 


To 


Received  of 


-,  P.  M.  at  ,  State  of ,  the  above  sum  of i^sti  dollars,  for 


whicli have  signed  duplicate  receipts  this day  of ,  18 — . 


Detailed  statement  of  vouchers. 
(No.  1559.) 


Post  Office : 


County  of 


State  of 


,  18—. 

A  detailed  statement  of  vouchers  accompanying  quarterly  account-current  for  the  quarter  ended 
,  18 — ,  for  "Which  credit  is  claimed  in  art.  10  of  said  account-current. 


No.  of 

To  whom  paid. 

For  what  expended. 

Amount. 

voucher. 

Dollars. 

Cents. 

Totf 

il 

I  certify  the  above  statement  to  be  correct. 


-,  Postmaster. 


Sec.  1178.  Forms  for  Fourth-Class  Post-Offices. — The  following  forms, 

wliich  are  iiriuted  uitou  white  i)apcr  to  tlistingnish  thcni  from  those  of  presidential 
post-offices,  are  prescribed  for  the  use  of  postmasters  at  fourth-class  post-offices : 

1NSTKUCTION8. 

The  special  attention  of  postmasters  is  directed  to  the  following  instructions,  and  a 
strict  compliance  with  the  same  will  be  required : 

Article  1.  Enter  the  amount  received  for  waste-paper,  twine,  &c.,  sold  during  the 
quarter. 

Articlk  2.  Enter  the  amount  of  box-rent  collected  during  the  quarter. 

Postmasters  are  prohibited  from  collecting  or  I'eceiving  the  rent  of  boxes  for  more 
than  oiu'  qu.arter  in  advance. 

Akticlk  3.  Enter  the  exact  v.alue  of  all  postage-stamps,  postage-diui  stamps,  stamped 
envelopes,  newspaper  stamps,  newspaper  wrappers,  and  postal  cards  that  remained 


TITLE    VIII AUDITING   POSTAL    ACCOUNTS.  293 

on  liaud  at  the  close  of  the  preceding  qnaitcr.  Whore  a  cliange  of  postmasters  occurs, 
the  \  iiUie  of  stamps,  enveh)pe8,  curds,  etc.,  received  from  the  outgoing  postmaster 
shouhl  also  he  entered  in  this  article. 

Akticlk  4.  Enter  the  value  of  all  postajije-stamps,  postage-due  stamps,  stamped 
enveh)pes,  newspaper  stamps,  newspaper  wrapjiers,  and  postal  cards  receive<l  from 
the  Department  during  the  (juarter.  Then  a<hl  together  artiiles  3  and  4,  jilacing 
their  sums  directly  underneath  the  line  opposite  the  words  "Total  amount  of  stamps, 
etc." 

Article  5.  Enter  the  exact  value  of  all  postage-stamps,  postage-due  stamps,  stamped 
envelopes,  newspaper  stamps,  uewspajjcr  wrappers,  and  postal  cards  that  remained 
on  hand  the  last  day  of  the  <iuarter. 

Articlk  6.  Enter  the  value  of  damaged  stamps,  etc.,  returned  to  the  Department 
during  the  quarter  ;  hut  not  until  notice  of  allowance  shall  he  received  from  the  Third 
Assistant  Postmaster-General.  This  item  must  be  deducted  from  the  value  of  stamps 
sold  during  the  (juarter,  and  not  from  the  amount  remaining  on  hand. 

AuTiCM-:  7.  Enter  the  value  of  all  postage-stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  postal  cards, 
etc.,  sold  during  the  (piarter,  and  of  postage-due  stamps  affixed  upon  delivery  of  insuf- 
ficiently i)repaid  matter.  This  item  is  ascertained  by  subtracting  the  amount  on 
hand  (article  5)  from  the  sum  total  of  articles  3  and  4.  The  ditierence  being  the  amount 
sold,  less  any  damaged  stamps  that  may  have  been  returned  during  the  quarter. 

AUTICLE  8.  Compute  and  enter  the  commissions  on  the  aggregate  amount  charged 
under  article  1,  and  the  amount  of  canceled  stamps  shown  by  the  transcript  accom- 
panying the  aecount-current,  at  the  rates  provided  by  law  and  as  set  forth  on  the  in- 
side lower  margin  of  this  form.  Credit  should  also  he  taken  under  this  article  for  the 
whole  amount  of  box-rent  charged  under  article  2.  (See  section  117,  Postal  Laws  and 
Regulations,  edition  of  1879. 

Article  9.  Enter  the  number  of  ship  and  steamboat  letters  received  and  paid  for 
during  the  quarter,  taking  credit  for  the  amount  paid.  No  credit  will  be  allowed  in 
this  item  unless  accompanied  by  vouchers,  signed  by  the  master  of  the  ship,  showing 
the  name  of  the  vessel  and  port  from  which  the  letters  were  carried. 

Article  10.  Credit  should  be  taken  under  this  article  for  expenses  incurred  in  the 
repair  of  mail-hags,  and  for  office  furniture  and  clerk  hire  where  allowances  have  pre- 
viously been  granted  by  the  Postmaster-General: 

Article  U.  Under  this  article  should  be  entered  the  difference  between  the  total 
footing  of  the  debit  side  and  the  sum  of  the  credits  claimed  under  articles  8,  9,  and  10 
of  the  credit  side  of  the  account-current,  as  this  difference  constitutes  the  balance  due 
the  United  States. 

Credit  for  iiayments  made  to  the  mail-carrier  must  not  be  entered  in  this  account,  as 
such  credits  are  allowed  in  the  general  account  on  the  books  of  the  Auditor's  office 
immediately  on  receipt  of  the  carrier's  voucher. 


294 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


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TITLE    VIII AUDITING   POSTAL    ACCOUNTS. 


295 


Traimcrijit  for  fourth  clagg  officeg. 

Account  of  liox-ronts  collpotcd,  niul  daily  triiiisnipt  of  aiiinuiitof  poHtaco-stampB.  Btampe<l  enveloppH, 
postal  lanls,  and  lu'wspapi-r  ami  iiiriodical  Mtaiiips  raiictlfd  \\n  poMta^fH  on  matter  actually  niailcil. 
and  of  poMtaftt-tl""'  stamps  cauiikd  in  paynunt  of  undcrcliaiKod  and  uni)aid  i)o«taKis  upon  K.tlerH  d<r 

livend  at  the  post-olHceat ,  county  of andStat«'0f ,  durin>,'  the  quarter  cndinj? 

188—. 

This  lraiisfni>t  fonns  a  part  of  the  quart<Mly  rotuni,  and  must,  in  all  case«,  be  inclosed  in  and  trans- 
uiittod  to  tlie  Auditor  with  the  quarterly  account-current. 

Daily  trameript  of  amount  of  postage-stamps,  stamped  envelopes,  postal  cards,  and  newspaper  and  period- 
ical stamps  canceled  as  postages  on  matter  actually  mailed,  and  of  postage-due  stamps  canceled  in  pay- 
ment of  undercharges  and  unpaid  postages  upon  matter  delivered  during  the  quarter. 


Month. 

Day. 

Amoout. 

Month. 

Day. 

Amount. 

Month. 

Day. 

Ammmt. 

Dolls,    eta. 

DoUs. 

Cts. 

DoUa. 

Cts. 

1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 

1 
2 

3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
3i 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
• 

Total $ 

Total $ 

Total $ 

Total  amount  of  stamps,  &c.,  canceled  during  the  quarter,  t«  be  cai-ried  to  account-current,  $ 

Box-rent  account. 
Quarterly  account  of  all  receipts  for  rent  of  boxes  and  drawers  for  the  quarter  endmg ,  188 — . 


Rent  of  box<'s 

Bent  of  drawers 

Total — to  be  carried  to  articles  2  and  8  of  the 
account-current 


Xumber  of 
boxes  rented. 


Kate. 


Dollars. 


Cents. 


Post-Offlce  at . 


County  of . 


State  of. 


I  hereby  certify,  on  my  official  oath  as  postmaster,  that  the  above  and  within  transcript  is  a  true 
statement  from  the  records  of  this  office. 

,  Postmaster. 


296 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 


CHAPTER  FOUR. 


THE   GENERAL   POSTAL  ACCOUNT. 


Sec. 

1179.  Tlie  postmaster  to  teep  general  account. 

1180.  Statement  to  be  sent  quarterly  to  Auditor. 

1181.  Debit  side  of  accounts. 

1182.  Credit  side  of  accounts. 

1183.  Distinction  between  quarterly  and  general 

account. 

1184.  General  account  to  be  sent  separately  to 

Auditor. 


Sec. 

1185.  Vouchers  to  be  kept  by  postmasters. 

1186.  Postmasters   and  Auditor  to    compare  ac- 

counts. 

1187.  Blanks  for  gener<il  account. 

1188.  Fourth-class  postmasters'  general  account. 

1189.  All  payments  to  be  made  for  each  quarter 

before  tran.smitting  accounts. 

1190.  Form  of  account  for  fourth-class  post-offices. 


Sec.  1179.  All  Postmasters  to  keep  General  Account. — Every  postmaster 

is  required  to  keep  in  his  post-office  a  general  or  leilger  account  witli  the  United  States 
for  the  service  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  subject  to  the  inspection  of  the  Post- 
master-General, or  of  any  general  or  Special  Agent  of  the  Post-Office  Department, 

Sec,  1180,  Statement  to  be  Sent  Quarterly  to  Auditor, — Postmasters  at 
post-offices  of  the  first,  second,  and  third  classes  are  required  to  transmit  to  the 
Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department,  as  soon  as  possible  after  the 
close  of  each  quarter,  and  not  later  than  the  twentieth  day  of  the  first  month  of  the 
succeeding  quarter,  a  statement  of  their  general  postal  accounts  as  kept  by  themselves. 

Sec,  1181.  Debit  Side  of  Account. — On  tbe  debit  side  of  tbe  general 

postal  account  the  postmaster  will  charge  himself  with  the  balance  on  the  general 
account,  as  rendered,  for  the  preceding  quarter ;  with  corrections  of  former  quarterly 
and  general  account;  with  the  balance  on  the  quarterly  account  for  the  current 
quarter ;  with  drafts  collected  giving  dates  when  i)aid,  dates  of  issue,  numbera,  names 
of  post-offices,  and  by  whom  paid ;  with  deposits  received,  giving  dates,  names  of  post- 
offices,  and  depositors ;  Avith  transfers  from  money-order  fund  to  postal  fund,  giving 
dates  and  amounts. 

Sec.  1182.  Credit  Side  of  Account.— On  the  credit  side  should  be  entered 

corrections  of  former  quarterly  and  general  accounts;  aggregate  amounts,  for  the 
quarter,  paid  to  letter-carriers,  and  to  employes  of  the  railway  mail  service,  and  for 
incidental  expenses  of  the  railway  postal  system ;  amounts  and  dates  of  payments  to 
contractors,  mail-messengers  or  special  mail-can-iers ;  deposits  made,  when,  where, 
and  with  whom ;  drafts  paid,  with  dates  of  payment  and  of  issue,  numbers,  and  to 
whom  paid ;  also,  transfers  from  postal  to  money -order  fund,  with  an\ount  and  date 
of  each. 

Sec.  1183.  Distinction  between  Quarterly  and  General  Account. — Particu- 
lar care  should  be  taken  not  to  include  in  the  (piarterly  stat/cnueut  of  the  general 
postal  accounts  any  items  which  have  been  charged  or  creilited  in  the  quarterly 
accounts-current,  and  also  to  enter  all  the  items  of  the  general  po.stal  account  pertain- 
ing to,  and  all  payments  on  account  of,  the  (luarter  for  which  it  is  rendered. 

Sec.  1184.  General  Accounts  to  be  Sent  Separately  to  Auditor, — The  gen- 
eral postal  account  should  not  be  inclosed  with  the  quarterly  account-current,  but 
must  be  transmitted  in  a  separate  envelope  adiliossed  to  the  "Auditor  of  the  Treasury 
for  the  Post-Office  Department." 

Sec.  1185,  Vouchers  to  be  kept  by  Postmasters, — The  duplicate  quarterly 

accountH-current,  the  duplicate  certilicates  of  deposit,  the  duplicate  collection  orders, 
and  also  all  instructions,  are  to  be  kept  on  file  by  the  postmaster  as  vouchors  with 
this  account,  and  bo  subject  to  iuspectiou. 


TITLE    VIII AUDITING    POSTAL    ACCOUNTS.  297 

Sec.  1186.  Postmaster  and  Auditor  to  compare  Accounts. — Tlio  postmaster, 

iil)()U  bi'tii;^  riiiiii.slu!(l  with  ii  8t;itoiii(;ut  i)f  his  j;<iicr;il  iiccoiint  ;i.s  k('i»t  hy  the  Auditor, 
"will  iiinnediately  comparo  it  with  the  account  as  kept  by  himself,  and  at  ouco  ac- 
knowledj!;o  to  the  Auditor  the  balance  appearing;  on  such  stateiiieut,  or  i>oiiit  out 
.specihcally  the  jtartieulars  wherein  the  accounts  disagree. 

Sec.  1187.  Blanks  for  General  Accounts. — Blanks  for  j^oncral  accounts 

will  Itf  funiislicd  to  ii<)stiii;i.st<T,s  :it  j)()st-i)l'ficc.s  of  the  first,  second,  and  third  classes 
only,  on  apiilication  to  the  First  Assistant  I'ostniastcr-Cieneral. 

Sec.  1188.  Fourth-Class  Postmasters'  General  Account. — Pcstmasters  at 

post-ottices  of  the  fourth  class  are  not  recinired  to  render  a  statement  of  their  general 
accounts  to  the  Auditor  quarterly,  but  this  regulation  does  not  relieve  them  from  the 
duty  of  keeping  such  general  accounts  in  their  post-offices;  and  the  Auditor  may  at 
any  time,  if  Jie  deems  it  necessarj-,  require  postniasters  at  such  post-offices  to  fur- 
nish statements  of  their  general  accounts  for  examination  and  comparisou  with  the 
accounts  as  kept  in  hisottice. 

Sec.  1189.  All  Payments  to  be  Made  for  Each  Quarter  before  Transmitting. — 

The  law  reciuires  the  Auditor  to  close  the  accounts  of  the  department  quarterly,  and 
to  transmit  to  the  Postmaster-General  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  quarterly 
statements  of  its  receipts  and  expenditures.  That  he  may  be  enabled  to  discharge 
this  duty  fully  and  accurately,  postmasters  are  required  to  make  all  payments  on 
account  of  the  free-delivery  service,  employes  of  the  railway  mail  service,  mail-route 
messengers,  and  local-agents  service,  and  all  the  expenses  of  their  respective  post- 
offices  for  the  (juarter  just  expired,  before  transmitting  their  accounts  and  rolls  to  the 
Auditor,  which  must  be  done  on  or  before  the  20tli  day  of  the  next  quarter. 

Sec.  1190.  Form  of  Account  for  Fourth-Class  Post-Offices.--A8  a  guide  to 

postmasters  at  post-offices  of  the  fourth  class,  the  following  form  of  a  general  postal 
account  is  given : 


298 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 


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TITLE    VIII AUDITING    POSTAL    ACCOUNTS. 


299 


CHAPTER  FIVE. 


COLLECTION  OF  DEBTS  DUE  THE  DEPARTMENT. 


Sec. 

1191.  Collection  by  contractors'  orders. 

119  2.  Colle<tiou  by  drafts. 

1193.  Postnia.stcrs  expecU'd  to  bonor  drafts. 

1194.  Xotification  to  Auditor  of  payment  of  drafts- 

1195.  Xutiticatiuu  of  uou-payment. 

1196.  Report  of  cause  of  failure  to  collect. 


Sec. 

1197.  Responsibility  for  nncollect<>d  drafts. 

1198.  Postmasters  may  be  removed  for  neglect  to 

collect. 

1199.  Suits  upon  collection-drafts. 

1200.  Collection-drafts  not  issued  for  "money-order 

funds.  " 


Sec.  1191.  Collection  by  Contractors'  Orders. — ^Mion  tlie  convenience  of 

tlie  sorvito  rt'(i[uires  it,  contractors  arc  funiislied  Avitli  printed  blank  orders  upon  post- 
ina.ster9  on  their  routes,  to  whom,  upon  presentation  of  an  order  at  the  end  of  the 
quarter,  postmasters  are  required  to  pay  over  all  moneys  due  the  United  States,  from 
"whatever  source  received,  except  "  money-order  funds."  In  such  cases  uo  form  of 
order  or  receijtt  will  be  recognized  except  the  printed  blank  furnished  by  the  Depart- 
ment. A  payment  made  otherwise  than  strictlj'  according  to  the  regulations  is  null 
and  void. 

Sec.  1192.  Collection  by  Drafts. — ^Mienever  it  shall  be  deemed  advis- 
able by  the  Auditor,  drafts  will  be  i.ssued  for  the  collection  of  balances  due  by  post- 
masters, late  postmasters,  and  others;  and  ininiediatoly  upon  the  receipt  of  such 
drafts  by  the  postmaster  in  whose  favor  they  are  issued,  it  is  his  duty  to  notify  the 
party  or  parties  upon  whom  such  drafts  are  drawn  and  demand  prompt  payment 
thereof,  as  instructed  by  the  circulars  accompanying  the  diafts. 

Sec.  1193.  Postmasters  Expected  to  Honor  Drafts. — Upon  the  receipt  of 

such  notice  and  demand,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  postmasters,  or  other  persons  upon 
whom  such  drafts  are  drawn,  to  pay  the  amount  thereof  to  the  postmaster  in  whose 
favor  they  are  issued  without  delay  and  without  risk  or  expense  to  the  United 
States. 

Sec.  1194.  Notification  to  Auditor  of  Payment  of  Draft. — If  the  draft  be 
collected  by  the  postmaster,  he  shall  immediately  notify  the  Auditor  by  transmitting 
his  receiiit  for  the  amount,  as  instructed  by  the  circular  accompanying  the  draft,  and 
should  charge  himself  upon  his  general  postal  account  with  the  amount  of  such 
draft. 

Sec.  1195.  Notification  of  Non-Payment. — If  the  postmaster,  late  post- 
master, or  other  porsou  upon  whom  the  draft  is  drawn,  fail  to  respond  to  the  demand 
Avithin  the  time  named  in  the  Auditor's  circular  of  instructions,  the  postmaster  hold- 
ing the  draft  will  notify  the  Auditor  by  letter  of  such  failure,  communicating  the 
reply  to  his  demand,  if  any  bo  received,  when  further  instructions  will  be  sent  by  th® 
Auditor. 

Sec.  1196.  Report  of  Cause  of  Failure  to  Collect. — If  the  exertions  of  the 

postmaster  to  collect  from  the  party  or  his  sureties  prove  unavailing,  he  will  commu- 
nicate to  the  Auditor  the  cause  of  such  failure,  and  also  the  i-esidence  and  pecuniary 
circumstances  of  all  the  parties,  if  alive ;  or,  if  dead,  the  condition  of  their  estates 
and  the  names  of  their  administrators  or  executors. 

Sec.  1197.  Responsibility  for  Uncollected  Drafts. — If  dne  diligence  be  not 

used  in  making  the  collection,  or  if,  being  unsuccessful,  any  postmaster  fail  to  return 
the  draft  or  demaiul  to  the  Auditor,  or  otherwise  to  give  notice  of  such  failure,  or  fail 
to  give  any  information  required  in  relation  to  the  same,  .such  neglect  and  want  of 
fidelity  will  amount  to  a  breach  of  the  couditiou  of  his  bond,  and  the  ib'aft  will  bo 


300  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

permanently  charged  to  tlie  general  acconnt  of  the  postmaster  holding  it,  and  he  and 
his  snreties  will  be  held  responsible  for  the  amount  of  the  same. 

Sec.  1198.  Postmasters  may  be  Removed  for  Neglect  to  Collect. — The  fail- 
ure or  refusal  of  a  postmaster  to  comply  strictly  with  instructions  sent  him  in  rela- 
tion to  the  collection  of  drafts  will  be  considered  just  ground  for  his  removal  from  office. 

Sec.  1199.  Suits  upon  Collection-Drafts. — Upoii  the  return  of  a  collection- 
drafc  upon  a  late  postmaster  or  contractor  unpaid,  the  Auditor  will  at  once  prejiare 
and  transmit  to  the  Department  of  Justice  certified  copies  of  all  the  accounts  and 
other  papers  necessary  for  the  immediate  institution  of  a  suit  against  the  principal 
and  sureties  for  the  recovery  of  the  balance  due  the  United  States. 

Sec.  1200.  Collection-Drafts  not  Issued  for  Money-Order  Funds. — Collection- 
drafts  are  not  issued  upon  late  postmasters  for  balances  due  the  United  States  upon 
their  money-order  accounts.  If  a  late  postmaster  fails  to  pay  to  his  successor,  immedi- 
ately upon  his  taking  charge  of  the  iiost-otfice,  the  full  amount  of  money-order  funds 
in  his  hands,  as  shown  by  the  last  statement  rendered,  the  Aiulitor  will  instruct  the 
postmaster,  by  letter,  to  demand  immediate  payment  of  such  balance  ;  and  if  payment 
be  not  made  promptly,  the  i>ostmaster  will  be  directed  to  require  payment  of  the 
sureties  of  the  late  postmaster,  as  in  the  case  of  the  collection  of  drafts  for  postal 
balances.  Should  payment  be  refused  by  the  snreties,  the  case  will  be  submitted  to 
the  Department  of  Justice  for  suit,  as  provided  in  the  preceding  section. 


CHAPTER  SIX. 

RENEWAL  OF  LOST  WARRANTS  OR  DRAFTS. 


Sec. 

1201.  Indemnity  bond  for  duplicate  warrants. 

1202.  Certificate  of  non-payment. 

1203.  No  bond  required  for  duplicate  di'aft. 


Sec. 

1204.  Tenor,  force,  and  effect  of  duplicate. 

1205.  Renewal  of  loot  collection-drafts. 


Sec.  1201.  Indemnity  Bond  for  Duplicate  Warrant. — In  aU  cases  where 

application  is  made  for  the  issue  of  a  duplicate  warrant,  upon  the  allegation  that  the 
original  is  lost,  every  such  application  must  be  addressed  to  the  Auditor  of  the  Treas- 
ury for  the  Post-Office  Department,  who  will  furnish  the  applicant  with  a  blank 
"bond  of  indemnity,"  to  be  filled  up  in  accordance  with  the  conditions  specified  in 
the  same,  which  bond,  duly  executed,  must  be  returned  to  the  Auditor,  accompanied 
by  a  statement,  on  oath  or  affirmation,  by  the  aiiplicaut,  or  the  person  who  is  the 
legal  holder  thereof,  showing  the  time,  place,  and  all  the  circumstances  attend- 
ing the  loss  or  destruction  of  the  warrant,  with  its  number,  date,  and  amount;  in 
whose  favor  it  was  issued ;  and  if  assigned,  to  whom  made  payable ;  together  with 
any  other  particulars  relating  to  it  within  the  knowledge  of  the  applicant. 

Sec.  1202.  Certificate  of  Non-Payment. — The  applicant  must  also  pro- 
duce a  letter  or  certificate  from  the  officer  or  person  on  whom  the  warrant  may  have 
been  drawn,  showing  that  it  has  not  been  paid ;  also  that  payment  of  tUo  same  will 
not  thereafter  be  made  to  the  owner,  or  any  other  jterson  whatever. 

Sec.  1203.  No  Bond  Required  for  Duplicate  Draft. — When  the  application 
is  for  a  duplicate  draft,  the  applicant  must  conform  to  the  above  requirements,  except 
as  to  the  execution  of  the  bond  of  indemnity. 

Sec.  1204.  Tenor,  Force,  and  Effect  of  Duplicate. — The  duplicate,  when 

issued,  shall  have  the  same  tenor,  force,  and  effect  as  the  original,  unless,  in  case  of 
assignment,  the  assignee  of  the  lost  draft  or  warrant  produce  due  authority  from  the 
Iiayee  for  the  issue  of  the  duplicate  in  his  own  favor. 


TITLE    VIII AUDITING    POSTAL    ACCOUNTS.  301 

Sec.  1205.  Renewal  of  Lost  Collection-Drafts. — Where  collection-drafts 
sent  to  iHMtmasttTH  arc  lost,  tht-  posttnastcrs  to  wliom  they  arc  wMit  are  rfM|uin'rt  to 
make  alUduvit,  cither  that  thi>y  huvo  m-vor  roccived  tlio  same,  or  that  paymoiit  has 
Lecu  roijiu'stc'd  ami  refusod,  or  that  thf  draft  has  htM'n  forwanh'd  by  mail.  Tin-  post- 
ma.stnr  will  ho  roqiiirod  to  make  further  adhlavit  that  neither  the  whole  nor  any  part 
of  sncli  draft  has  been  i)aid  to  hiui  nor  to  any  (►ther  i)erson,  so  far  as  he  knows  or  is 
able  to  ascertain.     Forms  for  this  affidavit  will  bo  furnished  by  the  Auditor. 


CHAPTER  SEVEN. 

PROCEEDINGS  IN  SUITS. 


Sec. 

1206.  Circnitanil  <H.strict  courts,  jurisdiction  nnder 

postal  laws. 

1207.  Attachments  on  postal  suits. 


Sec. 

1216.  Attachments  dissolved  in  conformity  with 

State  laws. 

1217.  What  credits  allowed  in  suits. 


1208.  Application  for  warrant,  by  whom  and  how  '  1218.  Suitsof  the FnitedStatesaj^aiust  individuals, 

made.  I                 what  credits  allowed. 

1209.  Issuing  warrant;    duty  of  clerk  and  mar-  1219.  Judgment  at  return  term,  unless. 

ahal.  1220.  Interest  on  balances  due  Post-OflSce  Depart - 

1210.  Ownership  of  attached  property,  trial.  I                 ment. 

1211.  Proceeds  of  attached  property  to  be  invest-  [  1221.  Duties  of  United  States  attorneys. 

ed.  I  1222.  Proceedings  in  equity,  when. 

1212.  Publication  of  attachment.  1223.  Copies  of  post-otKce  records  and  of  Auditor's 


1213.  Holders  of  defendant's  property  to  account 

for  it. 

1214.  Discharge  of  attachment ;  bond. 
1213.  Accrued  rights  not  to  be  abridged. 


statement  of  accounts. 

1224.  Copies  of  statements  of  demands  by  Post- 

Office  Department. 

1225.  Return  of  marshal  to  Auditor. 


Sec.  1206.  Circuit  and  District  Courts,  Jurisdiction  under  Postal  Laws. — 
The  circuit  courts  [of  the  Uiiiteil  States]  sh-all  have  orioinal  jurisdiction 
as  follows:  *  *  *  Fourth.  *  *  *  of  all  causes  arising  under  the 
postal  laws.  The  district  courts  [of  the  United  States]  shall  have  juris- 
diction as  follows :  *  *  *  Seventh.  Of  all  causes  of  action  arising 
under  the  postal  laws  of  tlie  United  States.  All  suits  arising  under  the 
postal  laws  shall  be  brought  in  the  name  of  the  United  States.  (K.  S., 
§  5G3,  G29,  919.) 

Sec.  1207.  Attachments  in  Postal  Suits. — In  all  cases  where  debts  are 
due  from  defaulting  or  deliiKpient  postmasters,  contractors,  or  other 
officers,  agents,  or  employes  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  a  warrant  of 
attachment  may  issue  against  all  real  and  personal  property  and  legal 
and  equitable  rights  belonging  to  such  officer,  agent,  or  employe,  and 
liis  sureties,  or  either  of  them,  in  the  following  cases : 

First.  When  such  officer,  agent,  or  employe,  and  liis  sureties,  or  either 
of  them,  is  a  non-resident  of  the  district  where  such  officer,  agent,  or 
employ^  was  appointed,  or  has  departed  from  such  district  for  the  pur- 
pose of  permanently  residing  out  of  the  same,  or  of  defrauding  the  United 
States,  or  of  avoiding  the  service  of  civil  process. 

Second.  When  such  officer,  agent,  or  employ^,  and  his  sureties,  or 
either  of  them,  has  conveyed  away,  or  is  about  to  convey  away  his  prop- 
erty, or  any  part  thereof,  or  has  removed  or  is  about  to  remove  the  same 


302  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

or  any  part  thereof  from  the  district  wherein  it  is  situate,  with  intent  to 
defraud  the  United  States. 

And  when  any  such  property  has  been  removed,  certified  copies  of  the 
warrant  may  be  sent  to  the  marshal  of  the  district  into  which  the  same 
has  been  removed,  under  which  certified  copies  he  may  seize  said  prop- 
erty and  convey  it  to  some  convenient  point  within  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  court  from  which  the  warrant  originally  issued.  And  alias  warrants 
may  be  issued  in  such  cases  upon  due  application,  and  the  validity  of 
the  warrant  first  issued  shall  continue  until  the  return  day  thereof. 
(R.  S.,  §924.) 

Sec.  1208.  Application  for  Warrant ;  by  Whom  and  how  Made. — Applica- 
tion for  such  warrant  of  attachment  may  be  made  by  any  district  or 
assistant  district  attorney,  or  any  other  person  authorized  by  the  Post- 
master-General, before  the  judge,  or,  in  his  absence,  before  the  clerk  of 
any  court  of  the  United  States  having  original  jurisdiction  of  the  cause 
of  action.  And  such  application  shall  be  made  upon  an  affidavit  of  the 
applicant,  or  of  some  other  credible  person,  stating  the  existence  of 
either  of  the  grounds  of  attachment  enumerated  in  the  preceding  section, 
and  upon  production  of  legal  evidence  of  the  debt.     (R.  S.,  §  925.) 

Sec.  1209.  Issuing  Warrant;  Duty  of  Clerk  and  Marshal. — Upon  any 
such  application  and  upon  due  order  of  any  judge  of  the  court,  or,  in 
his  absence,  without  such  order,  the  clerk  shall  issue  a  warrant  for  the 
attachment  of  all  the  property  of  any  kind  belonging  to  the  person 
specified  in  the  affidavit,  which  warrant  shall  be  executed  with  all  pos- 
sible dispatch  by  the  marshal,  who  shall  take  the  property  attached,  if 
personal,  into  his  custody,  and  hold  the  same  subject  to  all  interlocutory 
or  final  orders  of  the  court.     (R.  S.,  §  920.) 

Sec.  1210.  Ownership  of  Attached  Property  ;  Trial. — At  any  time  within 
twenty  days  before  the  return  day  of  such  warrant,  the  party  whose 
property  is  attached  may,  on  giving  notice  to  the  district  attorney  of 
his  intention,  file  a  plea  in  abatement,  traversing  the  allegations  of  the 
affidavit,  or  denying  the  ownership  of  the  property  attached  to  be  in 
the  defendants  or  either  of  them ;  in  which  case  the  court  may,  upon 
application  of  either  party,  order  an  immediate  trial  by  jury  of  the 
issues  raised  by  the  affidavit  and  plea ;  but  the  parties  may,  by  con- 
sent, waive  a  trial  by  jury,  in  which  case  the  court  shall  decide  the  is- 
sues raised.  And  any  party  claiming  ownership  of  the  property  attached 
and  a  specific  return  thereof,  shall  be  confined  to  the  remedy  herein 
afforded,  but  his  right  to  an  action  of  trespass,  or  other  action  for  dam- 
ages, shall  not  be  impaired  hereby.     (R.  S.,  §  927.) 

Sec.  1211.  Proceeds  of  Attached  Property  to  be  Invested. — When  the  prop- 
erty attached  is  sold  on  any  interlocutory  order  of  the  court  or  is  pro- 
ducing any  revenue,  the  money  arising  from  such  sale  or  revenue  shall 
be  invested  in  securities  of  the  United  States,  under  the  order  of  the 
court,  and  all  accretions  shall  be  held  subject  to  the  orders  of  the  same. 
(R.  S.,  §  928.) 


TITLE   VIII — AUDITING   POSTAL   ACCOUNTS.  303 

Seo.  1212.  Publication  of  Attachment. — Immefliatoly  upon  the  execution 
ofauy  .siicli  warraiitofiittiiclimciit,  tlu^  inarslial  shall  (taiiscMhic  puhlicatioii 
thereof  to  be  made,  in  the  cast'-  of  abscoiidiiij;  debtor.s  for  two  months 
and  of  non-residents  for  four  months.  The  publication  shall  be  made  in 
some  niiNVspaper  published  in  the  <listrict  where  the  property  is  situate, 
and  the  details  thereof  shall  be  regulated  by  the  onler  mider  which  the 
warrant  is  issued.     (K.  S.,  §  920.) 

Sec.  1213.  Holders  of  Defendant's  Property  to  Account  for  it. — After  the 
first  publication  of  such  notice  of  attachment  as  rcijuircdby  law,  every 
person  indebted  to,  or  having;  possession  of  any  property  l)elonj^ing  to, 
the  said  defendants,  or  either  of  them,  and  havin<^  knowledf^e  of  such 
notice,  shall  account  and  answer  for  the  amount  of  such  debt  and  the 
value  of  such  property ;  and  any  disposal  or  attempt  to  dispose  of  any 
such  property,  to  the  injury  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  illegal  and 
void.  And  when  the  person  indebted  to,  or  having  possession  of  the 
property  of,  such  defendants,  or  either  of  them,  is  known  to  the  district 
attorney  or  marshal,  sucli  officer  shall  see  that  personal  notice  of  the 
attachment  is  served  upon  such  person,  but  the  want  of  such  notice 
shall  not  invalidate  the  attachment.     (R.  S.,  §  930.) 

Sec.  1214.  Discharge  of  Attachment ;  Bond. — Upon  application  of  the 
party  whose  property  has  been  attached,  the  court,  or  any  judge  thereof, 
may  discharge  the  warrant  of  attachment  as  to  the  property  of  the  ap- 
plicant, pro\ided  such  a[)plicaut  shall  execute  to  the  United  States  a 
good  and  sufficient  penal  bond,  in  double  the  value  of  the  property  at- 
tached, to  be  approved  by  a  judge  of  the  court,  and  with  condition  for 
the  return  of  said  i)roperty,  or  to  answer  any  judgment  which  may  be 
rendered  bj'  the  court  in  the  premises.     (R.  S.,  §  931.) 

Sec.  1215.  Accrued  Rights  not  to  be  Abridged. — Xothing  contained  in  the 
preceding  eight  sections  shall  be  construed  to  limit  or  abridge,  in  any 
manner,  such  rights  of  the  United  States  as  have  accrued  or  been  allowed 
in  any  district  under  the  former  practice  of,  or  the  adoption  of  State 
laws  by,  the  United  States  courts.     (R.  S.,  §  932.) 

Sec.  1216.  Attachments  Dissolved  in  Conformity  with  State  Laws. — An 
attachment  of  property,  upon  i)rocess  instituted  in  any  court  of  the 
United  States,  to  satisfy  such  judgment  as  maybe  recovered  bj^the 
plaintiff  therein,  except  in  the  cases  mentioned  in  the  preceding  nine  sec- 
tions, shall  be  dissolved  when  any  contingency  occurs  by  which,  accord- 
ing to  the  laws  of  the  State  where  said  court  is  held,  such  attachment 
would  be  dissolved  upon  like  process  instituted  in  the  courts  of  said 
State :  Provided,  That  nothing  herein  contained  shall  interfere  with  any 
priority  of  the  United  States  in  the  payment  of  debts.     (R.  S.,  §  933.) 

Sec.  1217.  What  Credits  Allowed  in  Suits. — No  claim  for  a  credit  shall  be 
allowed  upon  the  trial  of  any  suit  for  delinquency  against  a  postmaster, 
contractor,  or  other  officer,  agent,  or  employe  of  the  Post-Office  Depart- 
ment, unless  the  same  has  been  presented  to  the  {Si.vtli]  Auditor  [of  the 
Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department]  andbyhim  disallowed,  in  whole 
or  in  part,  or  nnless  it  is  proved  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  court  that  the 


304  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

defendant  is,  at  the  time  oftrial,  in  possession  of  vouchers  not  before  in  Ms 
power  to  procure,  and  that  he  was  prevented  from  exhibiting  to  the  said  au- 
ditor a  claim  for  such  credit  by  some  unavoidable  accident.  (E.  S.,  §  952.) 
Sec.  1218.  Suits  of  United  States  against  Individuals.  What  Credits  Al- 
lowed.— In  suits  brought  by  the  United  States  against  individuals,  no 
claim  for  a  credit  shall  be  admitted,  upon  trial,  except  such  as  appear  to 
have  been  presented  to  the  accounting  officers  of  the  Treasury,  for  their 
examination,  and  to  have  been  by  them  disallowed,  in  whole  or  in  part, 
unless  it  is  proved  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  court  that  the  defendant  is, 
at  the  time  of  the  trial,  in  possession  of  vouchers  not  before  in  his  power 
to  procui-e,  and  that  he  was  prevented  from  exhibiting  a  claim  for  such 
credit  at  the  Treasury  by  absence  from  the  United  States  or  by  some 
unavoidable  accident.     (R.  S.,  §  951.) 

In  U.  S.  vs.  Wilkius,  6  Wli.,  143,  it  was  decided  that  under  the  3d  and  4th  sections  of 
the  act  of  March  3,  1797,  the  defendant  is  entitled  at  liis  trial  to  the  benefit  of  any  credit 
in  his  favor  whether  arising  out  of  the  particular  transaction  for  which  he  was  sued,  or 
out  of  distinct  and  independent  transactions  which  would  constitute  a  legal  or  equit- 
able set-off  in  whole  or  in  part  to  the  debt  sued  for  by  the  United  States.  (Vide  note 
to  Ware'sedition,  1866,  p.  84.)  U.  S.  vs.  Robeson,  9  Peters,  319.  U.  S.  vs.  Eckford,  6 
Wall.,  484,  and  large  numbers  of  decisions  cited  under  this  section  in  Revised  Statutes.) 

Sec.  1219.  Judgment  at  Return  Term,  unless. — In  suits  arising  under  the 
postal  laws  the  court  shall  proceed  to  trial,  and  render  judgment  at  the 
return  term ;  but  whenever  service  of  process  is  not  made  at  least  twenty 
days  before  the  return  day  of  such  term,  the  defendant  is  entitled  to 
one  continuance,  if,  on  his  statement,  the  court  deems  it  expedient ;  and 
if  he  makes  affidavit  that  he  has  a  claim  against  the  Post-Oftice  Depart- 
ment, which  has  been  submitted  to  and  disallowed  by  the  [Sixth]  Auditor 
[of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Department],  specifying  such  claim 
in  his  affidavit,  and  that  he  could  not  be  prepared  for  trial  at  such  term 
for  want  of  evidence,  the  court,  if  satisfied  thereof,  may  grant  a  continu- 
ance until  the  next  term.     {11.  S.,  §  958.) 

Sec.  1220.  Interest  on  Balances  Due  Post-OflBice  Department. — In  all  suits 
for  balances  dne  to  the  Post-Office  Department,  interest  thereon  shall  be 
recovered,  from  the  time  of  the  defaidt,  at  the  rate  of  six  per  centum  a 
year.  (R.  S.,  §  9G4. 

Sec.  1221.  Duties  of  United  States  Attorneys. — In  the  prosecution  of  any 
suit  for  money  due  the  Post-Office  Department,  the  United  States  attor- 
ney conducting  the  same  shall  obey  the  directions  which  may  be  given 
him  by  the  Department  of  Justice.     (R.  S.,  §  381.) 

Sec.  1222.  Proceedings  in  Equity,  when. — Wlien  proceedings  at  law  for 
money  due  the  Post-Office  Department  are  fruitless,  the  Department  of 
Justice  may  direct  the  institution  of  a  suit  in  chancery,  m  any  United 
States  district  or  circuit  court,  to  set  aside  fraudulent  conveyances  or 
trusts,  or  attach  debts  due  the  defendant,  or  obtain  any  other  proper 
exercise  of  the  powers  of  equity  to  have  satisfaction  of  any  judgment 
against  such  defendant.     (R.  S.,  382.) 

Sec.  1223.  Copies  of  Post-Office  Records  and  of  Auditor's  Statement  of 
Accounts. — Copies  of  the  quarterly  returns  of  postmasters  and  of  any 


TITLE    VIII AUDITING    POSTAL    ACCOUNTS.  305 

papers  pertaining  to  tlie  accounts  in  the  office  of  the  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of 
the  Treasury  for  the  Tost-Onice  Departincnl],  ;in<l  transcripts  from  the 
money-order  account-books  of  the  I'ost-Ollicc  J)«'i»arm«'nt,  when  certified 
by  the  f^'uY/<]  Auditor  fof  the  Treasury  for  tlie  Tost-Otlice  Deiiartment] 
under  the  seal  of  his  office,  sliall  be  admitted  as  evich'iicc  in  the  <ourts 
of  the  United  iStates,  in  civil  suits  and  criminal  i>rosecutions  ;  and  in  any 
civil  suit,  in  case  of  delin(piency  of  any  postmaster  or  contractor,  a  state- 
ment of  the  account,  certitied  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  admitted  in  evidence, 
and  the  court  shall  be  authorized  thereupon  to  give  judgment  and  award 
execution,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  law  as  to  proceedings  in  such  civil 
suits.  (11.  S.,  §  889.) 
(See  U.  S.  r.  Hodge,  KJ  Hoav.,  478;  Lawrence  r.  U.  S.,  2  McLean,  58L) 
Sec.  1224.  Copies  of  Statements  of  Demands  by  Post-Office  Department. — 
In  all  suits  for  the  recovery  of  balances  due  from  i)ostmasters,  a  copy, 
diily  certified  under  the  seal  of  the  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the  Treasury  for 
the  Post-Office  Department],  of  the  statement  of  any  postmaster,  .special 
agent,  or  other  person,  employed  I>y  the  Postmaster-General  or  the 
Auditor  for  that  purpose,  that  he  has  mailed  a  letter  to  such  delinquent 
postmaster  at  the  post-office  where  the  indebteness  accrued,  or  at  his 
last  usual  idace  of  abode ;  that  a  sufficient  time  has  elapsed  for  said 
letter  to  have  reached  its  destination  in  the  ordinary  course  of  the  mail ; 
and  that  payment  of  such  balance  has  not  been  received,  within  the 
time  designated  in  his  instructions,  shall  be  received  as  sufficient  evi- 
dence in  the  courts  of  the  United  States,  or  other  courts,  that  a  demand 
has  been  made  upon  the  delipquent  postnuister;  but  when  the  account 
of  a  late  iiostmaster  has  been  once  adjusted  and  settled,  and  a  demand 
has  been  made  for  the  balance  appearing  to  be  due,  and  afterward  allow- 
ances are  made  or  credits  entered,  it  shall  not  be  necessary  to  make  a 
farther  demand  for  the  new  balance  found  to  be  due.     (1\.  S.,  §  800.) 

Sec.  1225.  Returns  of  Marshal  to  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post- 
Office  Department. — Every  marshal  to  whom  any  execution  upon  a  judg- 
ment in  any  suit  for  moneys  due  on  account  of  the  Po.st-Office  Depart- 
ment has  been  directed,  shall  make  returns  to  the  [Sixth]  Auditor  [of  the 
Treasury]  for  that  Department,  at  such  times  as  he  may  direct  of  the  pro- 
ceedings which  haA'e  taken  place  upon  the  said  process  of  execution. 
(K.  S.,  §792.) 
20  P  L 


TITLE    IX 


Sec. 

Sec. 

12-2r>. 

Fnrjiinf;  postal  monoy-ordtM-s. 

1239. 

1227. 

Forfriug  or  coimterfeitiug    postage-stamps, 

1240. 

dies,  &c. 

1241. 

1228, 

Forging  or  counterfeiting  foreign  postage- 

1242. 

stainps. 

1243. 

1229, 

Injuriiig  mail-matter  in  street  mailing  box^ 

1244. 

&c. 

124.i. 

1230. 

Eiiibczzlomeiit  of  letters  containing  inclo.s- 
ures. 

1246. 

1231. 

Meaning  of  words  "intended  to  be  conveyed 

1247. 

by  mail." 

1248. 

1232. 

Penalty  for  detaining  letters. 

1249. 

1233. 

Penalty  for  detaining,  opening,  or  destroying 

letters. 

12.50. 

1234. 

Penalty  for  interoeptiiig  or  secreting  letters. 

1251. 

1235. 

Stealing  or  fraud  ulently  obtaining  mail,  open- 

ing valuable  letters. 

12.52. 

1236. 

Keceiving  articles  stolen  from  the  mail. 

1237. 

Stealing,    detaining,    or    destroying    ncws- 
papeis. 

1253. 

1238. 

Bobbery  of  the  mail. 

CRIMES  AND  MISI>EMEANOIlS  AOAINST 
THE  OPERATIONS  OF  THE  POST-OFFICE 
DEPARTMENT. 


Attempting  to  rob  the  mail. 

Deserting  the  mail. 

Stealing  post-ofMee  property. 

Injuring  mail-bags,  &,c. 

Stealing  or  forging  mail  looks  or  keys. 

Breaking  into  and  entering  ])o»t-ottiee. 

Counterfeiting  bid,  bond,  &e. 

Sending  letters  through  the  mail  wtth  intent 
to  defraud. 

Accessorj'  to  robbery  of  the  mail. 

Accessory  to  stealing  mail  matter. 

Willfully  neglecting  to  deposit  postal  reve- 
nues. 

Fraudulent  receipts  of  postage. 

Painting  upon  vessels,  &c.,  words  "TJ.  S- 
Mail." 

Penalty  for  using,  washing,  selling,  canceled 
stamps. 

Aiding  or  abetting  in  trading  in  obscene 
literature. 


Sec.  1226.  Forging  Postal  Money-Orders. — Any  per.son  wTio  .slmll,  with 
intent  to  defraud,  falsely  make,  forge,  counterfeit,  engrave,  or  print,  or 
cause  or  procure  to  be  falsely  made,  forged,  counterfeited,  engraved,  or 
printed,  or  willingly  aid  or  assist  in  falsely  making,  forging,  counterfeit- 
ing, engraving,  or  iirinting,  any  order  in  imitation  of  or  purporting  to 
be  a  money-order  issued  by  the  Post-Ofifice  Department,  or  any  of  its 
postmasters  or  agents,  or  any  material  signature  or  indorsement  thereon; 
any  person  who  shall  falsely  alter,  or  cause  or  procure  to  be  altered,  or 
willingly  aid  or  assist  in  falsely  altering  any  such  money-order;  any 
person  who  shall,  with  intent  to  defraud,  pass,  utter,  or  publish,  or  at- 
tempt to  pass,  utter,  or  publish,  as  true,  any  such  false,  forged,  counter- 
feited, or  altered  money-order,  knowing  the  same,  or  any  signature  or 
indorsement  thereon,  to  be  false,  forged,  counterfeited,  or  altered,  shall 
be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  five  thousand  dollars,  or  by  im- 
prisonment at  hard  labor  for  not  less  than  two  years  and  not  more  than 
five  year.s.     (K.  S.,  §  5403.) 

Sec.  1227.  Forging  or  Counterfeiting  Postage-Stamps,  Dies,  etc. — Any  per- 
son Avho  shall  forge  or  counterfeit  any  po.stagestainp,  or  any  stamp 
printed  upon  any  stamped  envelope,  postal  card,  or  any  die,  plate,  or 
engraving  therefor;  any  person  who  shall  make,  or  print,  or  knowingly 
use  or  sell,  or  have  in  possession,  with  intent  to  use  or  sell,  any  such 
forged  or  counterfeited  postage-stamp,  stamped  envelope,  postal  card, 

307 


308  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

die,  plate,  or  engraving ;  any  person  "wlio  shall  make,  or  knowingly  use 
or  sell,  or  have  in  possession,  with  intent  to  use  or  sell,  any  paper  bear- 
ing the  water-mark  of  any  stamiietl  envelope,  postal  card,  or  any  fraud- 
ulent imitation  thereof;  any  person  who  shall  make  or  print,  or  authorize 
or  procnre  to  be  made  or  printed,  any  postage-stamp,  stamped  envelope, 
or  postal  card,  of  the  kind  authorized  and  provided  by  the  Post-OfiBce 
Department,  without  the  special  authority  and  direction  of  the  Depart- 
ment ;  any  person  who  shall,  after  such  postage-stamps,  stamped  enve- 
lopes, or  postal  card,  have  been  printed,  and  with  intent  to  defraud  the 
postal  revenue,  deliver  the  same  to  any  person  not  authorized  by  an  in- 
strument of  writing  duly  executed  under  the  hand  of  the  Postmaster- 
General  and  the  seal  of  the  Post-OfBce  Department  to  receive  them, 
shall  be  punished  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  or  by 
imprisonment  at  hard  labor  not  more  than  five  years,  or  by  both  such 
fine  and  imprisonment.     (R.  S.,  5464.) 

Sec.  1228.  Forging  or  Counterfeiting  Foreign  Postage-Stamps. — Any  per- 
son who  shall  forge  or  counterfeit  or  knowingly  utter  or  use  any  forged 
or  counterfeited  postage- stami^  of  any  foreign  government,  shall  be 
punished  by  imi)risonment  at  hard  labor  of  not  less  than  two  nor  more 
than  ten  years.     (E.  S.,  §  54C5.) 

Sec.  1229.  Injuring  Mail-Matter  in  Street  Mailing-Box,  etc. — ^Any  person 
who  shall  willfully  or  maliciously  injure,  deface,  or  destroy  any  mail-matter 
deposited  in  any  letter-box,  pillar-box,  or  other  receptacle  established 
by  authority  of  the  Postmaster-General  for  the  safe  deposit  of  matter 
for  the  mail  or  for  delivery,  or  who  shall  willfully  aid  or  assist  in  injur- 
ing such  mail-matter,  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  five 
hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  for  not  more  than  three  years.  (E. 
S.,  §  54G6.) 

Sec.  1230.  Embezzlement  of  Letters  Containing  Inclosures. — Any  person 
employed  in  any  department  of  the  postal  service  who  shall  secrete, 
embezzle,  or  destroy  any  letter,  ]3acket,  bag,  or  mail  of  letters  intrusted 
to  him,  or  which  shall  come  into  his  possession,  and  which  was  intended 
to  be  conveyed  by  mail,  or  carried  or  delivered  by  any  mail  carrier, 
mail-messenger,  route-agent,  letter-carrier,  or  other  person  employed  in 
any  department  of  the  postal  service,  or  forwarded  through  or  delivered 
from  any  post-ofHce  or  branch  i>ost-office  established  by  authority  of  the 
Postmaster-General,  and  which  shall  contain  any  note,  bond,  draft, 
check,  warrant,  revenue  stamp,  postage-stamp,  stamped  envelope, 
postal  card,  money-order,  certificate  of  stock,  or  other  pecuniary  obliga- 
tion or  security  of  the  Government,  or  of  any  officer  or  fiscal  agent 
thereof,  of  any  description  whatever;  any  bank-note,  bank  x>ost  bill, 
bill  of  exchange,  or  note  of  assignment  of  stock  in  the  funds ;  any  letter 
of  attorney  for  receiving  annuities  or  dividends,  selling  stock  in  the 
funds,  or  collecting  the  interest  thereof;  any  letter  of  credit,  note,  bond, 
warrant,  draft,  bill,  promissory  note,  covenant,  contract,  or  agreement 
whatsoever,  for  or  relating  to  the  payment  of  money,  or  the  delivery  of 


TITLE    IX — CRIMES    AND    MISDEMEANORS.  dO'J 

any  article  of  valno,  or  tlio  x)erformanco  o(  any  act,  matter,  or  tltin;;"; 
any  reccii)t,  release  acquittance,  or  discliarj^c  of  or  fioni  any  debt,  cove- 
nant, or  demand,  or  any  part  tliereof ;  any  co[)y  of  the  record  of  any 
jud;j:ment  or  decree  in  any  court  of  law  or  chancery  or  any  execution 
which  may  have  issued  tliereon ;  any  co})y  of  any  otlier  re(;ord,  or  any 
other  article  of  value,  or  writin<^  representing;  the  same;  any  such  per- 
son who  shall  steal  or  take  any  of  the  things  aforesaid  out  of  any  letter, 
packet,  bajx,  or  mail  of  letters  which  shall  have  come  into  his  possession, 
either  in  the  regular  course  of  his  oflicial  duties  or  in  any  other  manner 
■whatever,  aud  provided  the  same  shall  not  have  been  deliv^ered  to  the 
l>arty  to  whom  it  is  directed,  shall  be  punishable  by  im])risonment  at 
hard  labor  for  not  less  than  one  year  nor  more  than  five  years.  (K.  S., 
§  54(57.) 

All  indictment  which  charges  the  defendant  with  uuhiwfuUy  abstracting  a  letter 
containing  bank-notes  from  the  mail  is  good,  if  it  alleges  that  the  letter  containing 
bank-notes  was  put  into  the  post-office  to  be  conveyed  by  post,  and  came  into  posses- 
sion of  defendant  as  a  driver  of  the  mail-stage.  (The  United  States  vs.  Martin,  2  Mc- 
Lean, 256.) 

In  an  indictment  for  embezzlement,  under  this  section,  it  is  sufficient  to  charge  "  that 
defendant  was  a  person  employed  in  one  of  the  departments  of  the  Post-Office  estab- 
lishment of  the  United  States."     (The  United  States  v-t.  Patterson,  6  McLean,  466.) 

It  is  not  necessary  to  aver  in  an  indictment,  nnder  tliis  section,  that  the  letter  em- 
bezzled was  intended  to  be  conveyed  to  any  ])articular  place;  an  averment  that  it  was 
intended  to  be  conveyed  by  post  being  sufficient.  (U.  S.  r».  Okie,  5  Blatch.,  576.  See 
also  U.  S.  vs.  Randall,  1  Deady,  524;  l^  S  vs.  Hardyman.  i;{  Pet.,  176;  U.  S.  vs.  Gold- 
ing,  2  Curtis's  C.  C,  212;  U.  S.  vs.  Winter;   U.  S.  vs.  Jenther,  13  Bhitch.,  333,  .335.) 

Sec.  1231.  Meaning  of  Words  "  Intended  to  be  Conveyed  by  Mail." — The 
fact  that  any  letter,  packet,  bag',  or  mail  of  letters  has  been  dej^osited  in 
any  post-ofiice  or  branch  post-office  established  b}'  authority  of  the  Post- 
master-General, or  in  any  other  authorized  depository  for  mail-matter, 
or  in  charge  of  any  jiostmaster,  assistant  clerk,  carrier,  agent,  or  mes- 
senger employed  ill  any  departmentof  the  postal  service,  shall  be  evidence 
that  the  same  was  "  intended  to  be  conveyed  by  mail"  within  the  mean- 
ing of  the  two  preceding  sections.     (R.  S.,  §  5408.) 

Sec.  1232.  Penalty  for  Detaining  Letters. — Any  postmaster  who  shall 
unlawfully  detain  in  his  office  any  letter  or  other  mail-matter,  the  iiost- 
ing  of  which  is  not  prohibited  by  law,  with  intent  to  prevent  the  arrival 
and  delivery  of  the  same  to  the  person  to  whom  it  is  addressed,  shall  be 
punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  and  by 
imprisonment  for  not  more  than  six  months,  and  he  shall  be  forever 
thereafter  incapable  of  holding  the  office  of  postmaster.     (R.  S.,  §  3890.) 

Sec.  1233.  Penalty  for  Detaining,  Opening,  or  Destroying  Letters. — Any 
person  employed  in  any  department  of  the  postal  service,  who  shall 
unlawfully  detain,  delay,  or  open  any  letter,  packet,  bag,  or  mail  of  let- 
ters intrusted  to  him,  or  Avhich  has  come  into  his  possession,  and  which 
was  intended  to  be  conveyed  by  mail,  or  carried  or  deliveretl  by  any 
mail-carrier,  mail-messenger,  route-agent,  letter-carrier,  or  other  person 
employed  in  any  department  of  the  postal  service,  or  forwarded  through 


310  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATI0N8. 

or  delivered  from  any  i^ost-oSice  or  branch  post-office  established  by 
authority  of  the  Postmaster-General;  or  who  shall  secrete,  embezzle,  or 
destroy  any  such  letter,  packet,  bdg,  or  mail  of  letters,  although  it  does 
not  contain  any  security  for  or  assurance  relating  to  money  or  other 
thing  of  value,  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  five  hun- 
dred dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  for  not  more  than  one  year,  or  by 
both.     (R.  S.,  §  3891.) 

Sec.  1234.  Penalty  for  Intercepting  or  Secreting  Letters. — Any  person 
who  shall  take  any  letter,  i^ostal  card,  or  packet,  although  it  does  not 
contain  any  article  of  value  or  evidence  thereof,  out  of  a  post-office  or 
branch  post-office,  or  from  a  letter  or  mail  carrier,  or  which  has  been  in 
any  post-office  or  branch  post-office  or  in  the  custody  of  any  letter  or 
mail  carrier,  before  it  has  been  delivered  to  the  person  to  whom  it  was 
directed,  with  a  design  to  obstruct  the  correspondence,  or  to  pry  into 
the  business  or  secrets  of  another,  or  shall  secrete,  embezzle,  or  destroy 
the  same,  shall,  for  every  such  ofiense,  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not 
more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor  for 
not  more  than  one  year,  or  by  both.     (R.  S.,  §  3892.) 

See  U.  S.  IS.  Bond.  2  Curtis,  265;  U.  S.  vs.  Lancaster,  *2  McLean,  431. 

Sec.  1235.  Stealing  or  Fraudulently  Obtaining  Mail,  Opening  Valuable  Let- 
ters.— Any  person  who  shall  steal  the  mail,  or  steal  or  take  from  or  out 
of  any  mail  or  post-office,  brancli  post-office,  or  other  authorized  de- 
pository for  mail-matter,  any  letter  or  jiacket ;  any  i)ersou  who  shall 
take  the  mail,  or  anj^  letter  or  packet  therefrom,  or  from  any  post-office, 
branch  post-office,  or  other  authorized  depository  for  mail-matter,  with 
or  without  the  consent  of  the  person  having  custody  thereof,  and  open, 
embezzle,  or  destroj""  any  such  mail,  letter,  or  package  which  shall  con- 
tain any  note,  bond,  draft,  check,  warrant,  revenue-stamp,  jiostage-stamp, 
stamped  envelope,  money-order,  certificate  of  stock,  or  other  pecuniary 
obligation  or  security  of  the  Government,  or  of  any  officer  or  fiscal  agent 
thereof,  of  any  description  whatever;  any  bank-note,  bank  post-bill,  bill 
of  exchange,  or  note  of  assignment  of  stock  in  the  funds;  any  letter  of 
attorney  for  receiving  annuities  or  dividends,  selling  stock  in  the  funds, 
or  collecting  the  interest  thereof;  any  letter  of  credit,  note,  bond,  war- 
rant, draft,  bill,  promissory  note,  covenant,  contract,  or  agreement  what- 
soever, for  or  relating  to  the  payment  or  the  delivery  of  anj^  article  of 
value,  or  the  performance  of  any  act,  matter,  or  thing ;  any  receipt, 
release,  acquittance,  or  discharge  of  or  from  any  debt,  covenant,  or  de- 
mand, or  any  part  thereof;  any  copy  of  the  record  of  any  judgment  or 
decree  in  any  court  of  law  or  chancery,  or  any  execution  which  may 
have  issued  thereon ;  any  copy  of  any  other  record,  or  any  other  article 
of  value,  or  any  writing  representing  the  same;  any  person  who  shall, 
by  fraud  or  deception,  obtain,  from  any  person  having  custody  thereof, 
any  such  mail,  letter,  or  packet  containing  any  such  article  of  value 
shall,  although  not  employed  in  the  postal  service,  be  punishable  by 


TITLE    IX — CRIMES   AND    MISDEMEANORS.  311 

imprisonment  at  hard  labor  for  not  less  than  one  year  and  not  more 
tliun  five  years.     (11.  S.,  §5409.     See  also  li.  S,,  §55.'i.j.) 

TluH  section  doe*  not  look  bey<»iul  a  i>o.ssc'Ssiou  of  letters  obtained  \crongfuUy  from 
tlic  post-oftice  or  from  a  mail-carrier.  After  tho  voluntary  teruiiuatitm  of  the  custody 
of  a  letter  by  tho  post-otHce  or  its  ajjentij  the  riylits  of  tho  real  proprietor  of  the  letter 
are  under  tho  guardianship  of  the  local  law  and  uot  of  that  of  the  United  States 
U.  S.  vs.  Parsons,  2  Blatch.,  104. 

To  constitute  a  post-office  under  this  section,  the  place  where  the  business  of  keep- 
ing, forwarding,  and  distributing  mailable  matter  is  conducted  need  not  bo  a  building 
set  apart  for  that  use,  or  any  apartment  or  room  in  a  building ;  but,  according  to  the 
extent  of  the  business  done,  may  bo  a  desk,  or  a  trunk,  or  box,  carried  about  a  house 
or  from  one  building  to  another.     (Tho  United  States  vs.  Marselis,  2  Blatch.,  108.) 

A  decoy  letter,  containing  nionej',  mailed  for  the  purpose  of  entrapping  a  clerk  in  a 
post-office,  etc.,  is  within  this  section.  (U.  S.  vs.  CoUingham,  2  Blatch.,  470.  Vide  also 
U.  S.  vs.  Pond,  2  Curtis's  C.  C,  265;  U.  S.  vs.  Lauder,  6  McLean,  598;  U.  S.  vs.  Fisher, 
2  McLean,  23.) 

Sec.  1236.  Receiving  Articles  Stolen  from  the  Mails. — ^Any  person  who 
shall  buy,  receive,  or  conceal,  or  aid  in  buying,  receiving,  or  concealing, 
any  note,  bond,  draft,  check,  warrant,  revenue-stamp,  postagestamj), 
stami^ed  envelope,  postal  card,  money-order,  certificate  of  stock,  or  other 
pecuniary  obligation  or  security  of  the  government,  or  of  any  officer  or 
fiscal  agent  thereof,  of  any  description  whatever ;  any  bank-note,  bank 
post-bill,  bill  of  exchange,  or  note  of  assignment  of  stock  in  the  funds ; 
any  letter  of  attorney  for  receiving  annuities  or  dividends,  selling  stock 
in  the  funds,  or  collecting  the  interest  thereof;  any  letter  of  credit,  note, 
bond,  warrant,  draft,  bill,  promissory  note,  covenant,  contract,  or  agree- 
ment whatsoever,  for  or  relating  to  the  payment  of  money  or  the  delivery 
of  any  article  of  value,  or  the  performance  of  any  act,  matter,  or  thing ; 
any  receipt,  release,  acquittal,  or  discharge  of  or  from  any  debt,  cove- 
nant, or  demand,  or  any  part  thereof;  any  coi)y  of  the  record  of  any 
judgment  or  decree  in  any  court  of  law  or  chancery,  or  any  execution 
which  may  have  issued  thereon  any  copy  of  any  other  record;  or  any 
other  article  of  value  or  writing  representing  the  same,  knowing  any 
such  article  or  thing  to  have  been  stolen  or  embezzled  from  the  mail,  or 
out  of  any  post-office,  branch  i)ost-office,  or  other  authorized  depository 
for  mail-matter,  or  from  any  person  having  custody  thereof,  shall  be 
punishable  by  a  line  of  not  more  than  two  thousand  dollars,  and  by 
imiirisonment  at  hard  labor  for  not  more  than  five  years.     (R.  S.,  §  5470.) 

See  U.  S.  vs.  Hardyman,  13  Pet.,  176. 

Sec.  1237.  Stealing,  Detaining,  or  Destroying  Newspapers. — Any  person 
employed  in  any  department  of  the  postal  service  who  shall  improperly 
detain,  delay,  embezzle,  or  destroy  any  newspaper,  or  permit  any  other 
X)erson  to  detain,  delay,  embezzle,  or  destroy  the  same,  or  open,  or  per- 
mit any  other  per.son  to  open,  any  mail  or  package  of  newspapers  not 
directed  to  the  office  where  he  is  employed,  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine 
of  not  more  than  fifty  dollars.  And  if  any  other  person  shall  open, 
embezzle,  or  destroy  any  mail  or  package  of  newspapers  not  being 
directed  to  him,  and  he  uot  being  authorized  to  open  or  receive  the  same, 


312  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    KEGULATIONS. 

lie  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  twenty  dollars.  And 
any  person  who  shall  take  or  steal  any  mail  or  x>ackage  of  newspapers 
from  any  post-oftice,  or  from  any  person  having  custody  thereof,  shall 
be  imprisoned  at  hard  labor  for  not  more  than  three  months.  (R.  S.,  § 
5471.) 

Sec.  1238.  Robbery  of  the  Mail. — Any  person  who  shall  rob  any  carrier, 
agent,  or  other  person  intrusted  with  the  mail,  of  such  mail,  or  any  part 
thereof,  shall  be  j)unishable  by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor  for  not  less 
than  five  years  and  not  more  than  ten  years ;  and  if  convicted  a  second 
time  of  a  like  offense,  or  if,  in  effecting  such  robbery  the  first  time,  the 
robber  shall  wound  the  person  having  custody  of  the  mail,  or  put  his 
life  in  jeopardy  by  the  use  ot  dangerous  weapons,  such  offender  shall 
be  punishable  by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor  for  the  term  of  his  natiu^al 
life.     (E.  S.,  §  5472.) 

Sec.  1239.  Attempting  to  rob  the  Mail. — Any  person  who  shall  attempt 
to  rob  the  mail  bj^  assaulting  the  person  having  custody  thereof,  shoot- 
ing at  him  or  his  horse,  or  threatening  him  with  dangerous  weajions, 
and  shall  not  effect  such  robbery,  shall  be  punishable  by  imprisonment 
at  hard  labor  for  not  less  than  two  years  and  not  more  than  ten  years 
(E.  S.,  §  547.3.) 

Sec.  1240.  Deserting  the  Mail. — Any  person  who  shall  have  taken  charge 
of  the  mail  and  shall  voluntarily  quit  or  desert  the  same  before  he  has 
delivered  it  into  the  post-ofdce  at  the  termination  of  the  route,  or  to 
some  known  mail-carrier,  messenger,  agent,  or  other  employe  of  the 
Post-Ofl&ce  Department  authorized  to  receive  the  same,  shall  be  punish- 
able by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  and  by  imprison- 
ment for  not  less  than  three  months  nor  more  than  one  year.  (E.  S.,  § 
5474.) 

Sec.  1241.  Stealing  Post-Office  Property. — Any  person  who  shall  steal, 
jiurloin,  or  embezzle  an.y  mail-bag  or  other  property  in  use  by  or  belong- 
ing to  the  Post-OfiSce  Department,  or  who  shall,  for  any  lucre,  gain,  or 
convenience,  appropriate  any  such  property  to  his  own  or  any  other 
than  its  proper  use,  or  who  shall,  for  any  lucre  or  gain,  convey  away 
any  such  property  to  the  hinderance  or  detriment  of  the  public  service  ; 
if  the  value  of  the  property  be  twenty-five  dollars  or  more,  the  offender 
shall  be  punished  by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor  for  not  more  than 
three  years,  and  if  the  value  of  the  property  be  less  than  twenty-five 
dollars,  the  offender  shall  be  punishable  by  imprisonment  for  not  more 
than  one  year,  or  by  a  fine  of  not  less  than  ten  dollars  and  not  more  than 
two  hundred  dollars.     (E.  S.,  §  5475.) 

Sec.  1242.  Injuring  Mail-Bags,  etc. — Any  person  who  shall  tear,  cnt,  or 
otherwise  injure  any  mail-bag,  pouch,  or  other  tiling  used  or  designed 
for  use  in  the  conveyance  of  the  mail,  or  who  shall  draw  or  break  any 
staple,  or  loosen  any  part  of  any  lock,  chain,  or  strap  attached  thereto, 
with  intent  to  rob  or  steal  any  sucli  mail,  or  to  render  the  same  insecure, 
shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars  and 


TITLE    IX — CRIMES    AND    MISDEMEANORS.  313 

not  more  tliiin  five  hundred,  or  by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor  for  not 
less  tliaii  one  y«'ar  and  not  more  tlian  throe  years.     (K.  S.,  §  547(5.) 

Sec.  1243.  Stealing  or  Forging  Mail  Locks  or  Keys. — If  any  ])<T.son  Avho 
shall  steal,  pudoin,  or  embezzle,  or  obtain  l)y  any  fals(qiretens«',  or  shall 
aid  or  assist  in  stealinj>-,  ])arloiuin^,  euibezzlinjjf,  or  obtaininj^  by  any 
folse  pretense,  any  key  snited  to  any  lock  adopted  by  the  Post-Office 
])epartment  and  in  nseon  any  of  the  mails  or  bags  tliereof;  any  person 
who  shall  knowingly  and  nulawfuUy  make,  forge,  or  connterfeit,  or 
cause  to  be  unlawfully  made,  forged  or  counterfeited,  or  knowingly  aid 
or  assist  in  making,  forging  or  counterfeiting  any  sueh  key;  any  person 
who  shall  have  in  his  possession  any  such  mail  lock  or  key,  with  the 
intent  unlawfully  or  improperly  to  use,  sell,  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the 
same,  or  cause  the  same  to  be  unlawfully  or  iinproperly  used,  sold,  or 
otherwise  disposed  of;  or  any  person  engaged  as  contractor  or  other- 
wise in  the  manufacture  of  any  such  mail  locks  or  keys,  who  shall  de- 
liver, or  cause  to  be  delivered,  any  finished  or  unfinished  lock  or  key  used 
or  designed  for  use  by  the  Department,  or  the  interior  part  of  any  such 
lock,  to  any  person  not  duly  authorized,  under  the  hand  of  the  Post- 
master-General and  the  seal  of  the  Post-Office  Department,  to  receive 
the  same,  unless  the  person  receiving  is  the  contractor  for  furnishing 
the  same,  or  engaged  in  the  manufacture  thereof  in  the  manner  author- 
ized by  the  contract,  or  the  agent  for  such  manufacturer,  shall  be  pun- 
ishable by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor  for  not  more  than  ten  years. 
(R.  S.,  §  5477.) 

Sec.  1244.  Breaking  and  Entering  Post-Office. — Any  person  who  shall 
forcibly  break  into,  or  attempt  to  break  into  any  post-office,  or  any 
building  used  in  whole  or  in  ixirt  as  a  post-office,  with  intent  to  commit 
therein  larceny  or  other  depredation,  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of 
not  more  than  one  thousand  dollars  and  by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor 
for  not  more  than  five  years.     (R.  S.,  §  5478.) 

Sec.  1245.  Counterfeiting  Bid,  Bond,  etc. — If  any  person  shall  fjilsely 
make,  alter,  forge,  or  counterfeit,  or  cause  or  procure  to  be  falsely  made, 
altered,  forged,  or  counterfeited,  or  willingly  aid  or  assist  in  the  false 
making,  altering,  forging,  or  counterfeiting  any  bond,  bid,  proposal, 
guarantee,  security,  official  bond,  public  record,  affidaWt,  or  other  writ- 
ing, for  the  purjiose  of  defrauding  the  United  States  ;  or  shall  utter  or 
publish  as  true,  or  cause  to  be  uttered  or  published  as  true,  any  such 
false,  forged,  altered,  or  counterfeited  bond,  bid,  proposal,  guarantee, 
security,  official  bond,  public  record,  affida%at,  or  other  writing,  for  the 
purpose  of  defrauding  the  United  States,  knowing  the  same  to  be  false, 
forged,  altered,  or  counterfeited ;  or  shall  transmit  to  or  present  at,  or 
cause  [to]  [or]  procure  to  be  transmitted  to  or  jiresented  at,  the  office  of  any 
officer  of  the  United  States,  any  such  false,  forged,  altered,  or  counter- 
feited bond,  bid,  proposal,  guarantee,  security,  official  bond,  public 
record,  affida^^t,  or  other  writing,  knowing  the  same  to  l>e  false,  forged, 
altered,  or  counterfeited,  for  the  purpose  of  defrauding  the  United 


314  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

States,  shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  one  thousand 
dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  at  hard  labor  for  not  more  than  ten  years, 
or  by  both  saeh  punishments.     (R.  S.,  §  5479;  see,  also,  E.  S.,  §  5418.) 

Sec.  1246.  Sending  Letters  Through  the  Mails  with  Intent  to  Defraud. — 
If  any  person  having  devised  or  intending  to  devise  any  scheme  or 
artifice  to  defraud,  or  be  effected  by  either  opening  or  intending  to  open 
correspondence  or  communication  with  any  other  person,  whether  resi- 
dent within  or  outside  of  the  United  States,  by  means  of  the  Post-Office 
Establishment  of  the  United  States,  or  by  inciting  such  other  person  to 
open  communication  with  the  person  so  devising  or  mtending,  shall,  in 
and  for  executing  such  scheme  or  artifice,  or  attempting  so  to  do,  place 
any  letter  or  packet  in  any  post-ofiice  of  the  United  States,  or  take  or 
receive  any  therefrom,  such  person  so  misusing  the  Post-OfiQce  Estab- 
lishment shall  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  more  than  five  hundred 
dollars,  and  by  imprisonment  for  not  more  than  eighteen  months,  or  by 
both  such  punishments.  The  indictment,  information,  or  complaint  may 
severally  charge  offences  to  the  number  of  three  when  committed  within 
the  same  six  calendar  months ;  but  the  court  thereupon  shall  give  a 
single  sentence,  and  shall  proportion  the  punishment  especially  to  the 
degree  in  which  the  abuse  of  the  Post-Ofiice  Establishment  enters  as  an 
instrument  into  such  fraudulent  scheme  or  device.     (R.  S.,  §  5480.) 

See  also  sections  875  and  1043,  Postal  Laws  and  Regulations. 

Sec.  1247.  Accessory  to  Robbery  of  the  Mail. — Every  accessory  after  the 
fact  to  any  robbery  of  the  carrier,  agent,  or  other  person  intrusted  with 
the  mail,  of  such  mail,  or  of  any  part  thereof,  shall  be  fined  not  more  than 
two  thousand  dollars,  and  be  imi^risoned  at  hard  labor  not  more  than 
ten  years.     (R.  S.,  §  5434.) 

Sec.  1248.  Accessory  to  Stealing  Mail-Matter — Every  accessory  after  the 
fact  to  the  offense  of  stealing  or  taking  any  letter  or  other  mail-matter, 
or  any  inclosure  therein,  shall  be  fined  not  more  than  one  thousand  dob 
lars,  and  be  imprisoned  not  more  than  five  years.     (R.  S.,  §  5435.) 

Sec.  1249.  Willfully  Neglecting  to  Deposit  Postal  Revenues — Any  oificer, 
agent,  postmaster,  clerk,  or  other  person  employed  in  any  branch  of  the 
postal  service  having  temporary  custody  of  any  money  taken  from  dead- 
letters;  any  money  derived  from  the  sale  of  waste  paper  or  other  public 
13ro]3erty  of  the  Post-Ofl&ce  Department ;  or  any  money  derived  from 
any  other  source  which  by  law  is  part  of  the  postal  revenues,  who  shall 
willfully  neglect  to  deposit  the  same  in  the  Treasury  of,  the  United 
States,  or  in  some  other  depository  authorized  to  receive  the  same,  shall 
be  deemed  guilty  of  embezzlement,  and  be  subject  to  a  fine  of  not  more 
than  double  the  sum  so  retained,  or  to  imprisonment  for  not  more  than 
three  years,  or  both.  And  any  person  intrusted  by  law  with  the  sale  of 
postage-stamps  or  stamped  envelopes,  who  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  ac- 
count for  the  same,  or  who  shall  pledge  or  hypothecate  or  unlawfully 
dispose  of  them,  for  any  purpose  whatever,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of 
embezzlement,  and  shall  be  punishable  by  like  fine  and  imprisonment  as 


TITLE    IX CRIMES    AND    MISDEMEANORS.  315 

are  provided  in  this  section  for  the  embezzlement  of  money.     (R.  S.,  § 

40.~.;{.) 

Sec.  1250.  Fraudulent  Receipts  of  Postage. — If  any  postmaster,  or  other 
persons  jiiitlioriyAMl  by  the  I'ostiiiiistcr-Gencral  to  receive  th<;  i)«)staj,'e  of 
letters,  shallfniutlulcntly  demand  or  receive  any  rate  of  posta;j;e  or  ;frutuity 
or  reward  other  than  is  provided  by  this  section  for  the  ])osta^e  of  letters 
or  pa(!kets,  he  shall  be  i)unishable  by  a  fine  of  one  hundred  dollars.  (R. 
S.,  §38im.) 

Sec.  1251.  Painting  upon  Vessels,  etc.,  the  Words  <'  United  States  Mail." — 
Any  person  who  shall  paint,  print,  or  in  any  manner  place  upon  or  at- 
tach to  any  steand)oat  or  other  vessel,  or  any  stage-coach  or  other 
vehicle,  not  actually  used  in  carrying  the  mail,  the  words  "  United  States 
mail,"  or  any  words,  letters,  or  characters  of  like  import;  or  any  per.son 
who  shall  give  notice,  by  publishing  in  any  newspaper  or  otherwise,  that 
any  steamboat  or  other  vessel,  or  any  stage-coa<;h  or  other  vehicle,  is 
used  in  carrying  the  mail,  when  the  same  is  not  actually  so  used,  every 
person  so  oftending,  or  willfully  aiding  or  abetting  therein,  shall,  for  every 
such  oft'ense,  be  punishable  by  line  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars, 
nor  more  than  live  hundred  dollars.     (R.  S.,  §  3979.) 

Sec.  1252.  Penalty  for  Using,  Washing,  Selling  Canceled  Stamps. — Any 
person  who  shall  use,  or  attempt  to  use,  in  payment  of  postage,  any 
canceled  postage-stami)  or  postage-stamps,  whether  the  same  have  been 
before  used  or  not,  or  who  shall  by  any  means  remove,  or  attempt  to  re- 
move, or  assist  in  removing,  marks  from  any  i)ostage-stamp  or  postage- 
stamps,  with  intent  to  use  the  same  in  paymeutof  postage,  or  Mho  know- 
ingly shall  have  in  his  possession  any  postage-stamp  or  i^ostage-stamps 
canceled,  with  intent  to  use  the  same,  or  from  which  such  cancellation 
marks  have  been  removed,  or  who  shall  sell  or  offer  to  sell  anj'  such  stamp 
or  stamps,  or  who  shall  use  or  attempt  to  use  the  same  in  payment  of 
postage,  or  who  shall  remove  the  superscrii)tion  from  any  stamped  en- 
velope or  postal  card  that  has  once  been  used  in  the  payment  of  postage, 
with  intent  to  again  use  the  same  for  a  like  purpose,  shall  be  deemed 
guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  aud  shall,  on  couviction  thereof,  be  puuished 
by  iuiprisonment  for  not  less  than  six  months  nor  more  than  one  year , 
or  by  a  fine  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars  nor  more  than  five 
hundred  dollars  for  each  offense,  or  by  both  such  flue  aud  imprisonment, 
in  the  discretion  of  the  court.  (Act  of  March  3,  1879,  §  28 ;  20  Stat., 
p.  362.) 

Any  person  employed  in  any  branch  of  the  postal  service  who  shall 
willfully  and  unlawfully  remove  from  any  mail-matter  any  postage-stamp 
affixed  thereto  in  payment  of  the  postage,  shall  be  i^unishable  by  a  fine 
of  not  more  than  one  hundred  dollars,  or  by  imiirisonmeut  for  not  more 
than  six  months.     (R.  S.,  3922.) 

Any  person  who  shall  use  or  attempt  to  use,  inpayment  of  the  postage 
on  any  mail-matter  conveyed  by  mail  or  otherwise,  any  postage-stamp 
or  stamped  envelope,  or  any  stamp  cut  from  any  such  stamped  envelope, 


316  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

which  has  been  before  used  for  a  like  purpose,  shall  be  liable  to  a  penalty 
of  fifty  dollars.     (R.  S.,  §  3923.) 

If  any  person  emploj^ed  in  any  department  of  the  Post-Ofiftce  Estab- 
lishment of  the  United  States  shall  willfully  and  knowingly  use,  or  cause 
to  be  used,  in  jirepayment  of  postage,  any  postage-stamp,  postal  card, 
or  stamped  euvelope  issued,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  issued,  byauthority 
of  an  act  of  Congress,  or  of  the  Postmaster-General,  which  has  already 
been  once  used  for  a  like  purpose,  or  shall  remove,  or  attempt  to  remove, 
the  canceling  or  defacing  marks  from  any  such  postage-stamp,  or  stamped 
envelope,  or  postal  card,  with  intent  to  use  or  cause  the  use  of  the  same 
a  second  time,  or  to  sell,  or  offer  to  sell,  the  same,  or  shall  remove  from 
letters  or  other  mail  matter  deposited  in  or  received  at  a  post-office  the 
stamps  attached  to  the  same  in  payment  of  postage  with  intent  to  use 
the  same  a  second  time  for  a  like  purpose,  or  to  sell,  or  offer  to  sell,  the 
same,  every  such  offender  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  felony,  and  shall  be 
imprisoned  for  not  less  than  one  year  nor  more  than  three  years.  (R.  S. 
§  3924.) 

If  any  person  not  employed  in  any  department  of  the  Post-Oflfice 
Establishment  of  the  United  States  shall  commit  any  of  the  offenses  de- 
scribed in  the  preceding  section,  every  such  person  shall  be  deemed 
guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  be  punishable  by  imprisonment  for  not 
less  than  six  months  nor  more  than  one  year,  or  by  a  fine  of  not  less  than 
one  hundred  dollars  nor  more  than  five  hundred  dollars,  for  each  offense, 
or  by  both.     (R.  S.,  §  3925.) 

Sec.  1253.  Aiding  or  Abetting  in  Trading  in  Obscene  Literature,  etc. — 
Whoever,  being  an  officer,  agent,  or  employe  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States,  shall  knowingly  aid  or  abet  any  person  engaged  in  any 
violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  law  prohibiting  importing,  adver- 
tising, dealing  in,  exhibiting,  or  sending  or  receiving  by  mail,  obscene 
or  indecent  publications,  or  representations,  or  means  for  preventing 
conception  or  procuring  abortion,  or  other  articles  of  indecent  or  im- 
moral use  or  tendency,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and 
shall  for  every  offense  be  punishable  by  a  fine  of  not  less  than  one 
hundred  dollars  and  not  more  than  five  thousand,  or  by  imprisonment 
at  hard  labor  for  not  less  than  one  year  nor  more  than  ten,  or  both. 
(R.  S.,  §  1785;  see  sections  225  and  228,  Postal  Laws  and  Regulations.) 


TITLE    X. 


POSTAL    ANO    OFFICIAL    TELEGRAMS. 


Sec. 

1254.  Telegraph  conipauies  granted  right  of  way 

over  public  <loinalii. 

1255.  Telegi'aph  coiupauies  to  take  material  from 

public  laniU. 

1256.  Telegraph  companies  may  not  transfer  above- 

granted  rights. 

1257.  Priority  of  official  telegrams. 

1258.  United  States  may  purchase  telegraph  lines. 


.Sec. 

1259.  To  sccnre  rights  telegraph  companies  mnat 

accept  obligations. 
1200.  Penalty  for  refusal  to  transmit  dispatches  at 

rates  fixed. 

1261.  Hates  for  official  telegrams  as  fixed  by  the 

Postmaster-General. 

1262.  Telegraph  companies  subject  to  foregoing 

sections. 


Sec.  1254.  Telegraph  Companies  Granted  Right  of  Way  over  Public 
Domain. — Any  tt'legiai)]i  coniiiaiiy  now  organized,  or  Avhieli  may  Lere- 
alter  be  organized,  under  the  laws  of  any  State,  shall  have  the  right  to 
construct,  maintain,  and  operate  lines  of  telegraph  through  and  over 
any  portion  of  the  public  domain  of  the  United  States,  over  and  along 
any  of  the  military  or  post  roads  of  the  United  States  which  have  been 
or  may  hereafter  be  declared  such  by  law,  and  over,  under,  or  across 
the  navigable  streams  or  waters  of  the  United  States ;  but  such  lines 
of  telegraph  shall  be  so  constructed  and  maintained  as  not  to  obstruct 
the  navigation  of  such  streams  and  waters,  or  interfeie  with  the  ordinaiy 
travel  on  such  military  or  po.st  roads.     (E.  S.,  §  5203.) 

Sec.  1255.  Telegraph  Companies  to  Take  Materials  from  Public  Lands. — 
Any  telegraph  comi^any  organized  under  the  laws  of  any  btate  shall 
have  the  right  to  take  and  use  from  the  public  lands  through  which  its 
lines  of  telegraph  may  pass,  the  necessary  stone,  timber,  and  other 
materials  for  its  posts,  piers,  stations,  and  other  needful  uses  in  the 
construction,  maiatenance,  and  operation  of  its  lines  of  telegraph,  and 
may  pre-emi^t  and  use  such  portion  of  the  unoccupied  public  lands  sub- 
ject to  pre-emption  through  which  their  lines  of  telegraph  may  be  located 
as  may  be  necessary  for  their  stations,  not  exceeding  forty  acres  for  each 
station ;  but  such  stations  shall  not  be  within  fifteen  miles  of  each  other. 
(R.  S.,  §  5264.) 

Sec.  1256.  Telegraph  Companies  may  not  Transfer  above-granted  Rights. — 
The  rights  and  privileges  granted  under  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  July 
twenty-four,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-six,  entitled  ''An  act  to  aid  in 
the  construction  of  telegraph  lines,  and  to  secure  to  the  Government  the 
use  of  the  same  for  postal,  military,  and  other  purposes,''  or  under  this 
Title,  shall  not  be  transferred  by  any  company  acting  thereunder  to  anj- 
other  corporation,  association,  or  person.  (R.  S.,  §  5205 ;  see  14  Upin- 
ons,  153,  278.) 

Sec.  1257.  Priority  of  Official  Telegrams;  Postmaster-General  to  fix  Rates.— 
Telegrams  between  the  several  Departments  of  the  Government  and  their 

317 


318  POSTAL   LAWS   AND   REGULATIONS. 

officers  and  agents,  iu  their  transmission  over  the  lines  of  any  telegraph 
company  to  which  has  been  given  the  right  of  way,  timber,  or  station 
lands  from  the  public  domain  shall  have  priority  over  all  other  business, 
at  such  rates  as  the  Postmaster-General  ahall  annually  fix.  And  no 
j)art  of  any  appropriation  for  the  several  Departments  of  the  Government 
shall  be  paid  to  any  company  which  neglects  or  refuses  to  transmit  such 
telegrams  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  section.  (R.  S.,  § 
52G5.) 

Sec.  1258.  The  United  States  may  Purchase  Telegraph  Lines. — The  United 
States  may,  for  postal,  military,  or  other  purposes,  purchase  all  the  tele- 
graph lines,  property,  and  effects  of  any  or  all  companies  acting  under 
the  provisions  of  the  act  of  July  twenty-fourth,  eighteen  hundred  and 
sixty-six,  entitled  "An  act  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  telegraph  lines, 
and  to  secure  to  the  Government  the  use  of  the  same  for  postal,  military, 
and  other  ijurposes,"  or  under  this  Title,  at  an  appraised  value,  to  be 
ascertained  by  five  competent,  disinterested  persons,  two  of  whom  shall 
be  selected  by  the  Postmaster-General  of  the  United  States,  two  by  the 
company  interested,  and  one  by  the  four  so  prenously  selected.  (R.  S., 
§  5267.) 

Seo.  1259.  To  Secure  Rights  Telegraph  Companies  must  Accept  Obliga- 
tions.— Before  any  telegraph  company  shall  exercise  any  of  the  powers 
or  privileges  conferred  by  law,  such  company  shall  file  their  written  ac- 
ceptance with  the  Postmaster-General  of  the  restrictions  and  obligations 
required  by  law.     (R.  S.,  §  5268.) 

Seo.  1269.  Penalty  for  Refusal  to  Transmit  Dispatches  at  Rates  Fixed. — 
Whenever  any  telegraph  company,  after  having  filed  its  written  accept- 
ance with  the  Postmaster-General  of  the  restrictions  and  obligations 
required  by  the  act  approved  July  twenty-fourth,  eighteen  hundred  and 
sixty-six,  entitled  "An  act  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  telegraph  lines, 
and  to  secure  to  the  Government  the  use  of  the  same  for  postal,  military, 
and  other  purposes,"  or  by  this  Title,  shall,  by  its  agents  or  employes, 
refuse  or  neglect  to  transmit  any  such  telegraphic  communications  as 
are  provided  for  by  the  aforesaid  act,  or  by  this  Title,  or  by  the  provis- 
ions of  section  two  hundred  and  twenty-one.  Title  "  The  Department 
OP  War,"  authorizing  the  Secretary  of  War  to  provide  for  taking  meteor- 
ological observations  at  the  military  stations  and  other  points  of  the  in- 
terior of  the  continent,  and  for  giving  notice  on  the  northern  lakes  and 
sea-board  of  the  approach  and  force  of  storms,  such  telegraph  company 
shall  be  liable  to  a  penalty  of  not  less  than  one  hundred  dollars  and  not 
more  tban  one  thousand  dolhirs  for  each  such  refusal  or  neglect.  (R. 
S.,  §  5269.) 
Seo.  1261.  Rates  for  Official  Telegrams  as  Fixed  by  the  Postmaster-General. 

— 'The  rnte  tor  all  telegraphic  cotiiiiuiuiL'atioiis,  sent  otherwise  than  over  circnita  estab- 
lished by  the  Chief  8ignal-0ttieer  of  the  Army  for  the  transmission  of  enciphered  weather 
reports,  sh.all  be  as  follows,  viz  : 

One  cent  per  Word  for  each  circnit  through  which  it  shall  bo  transmitted,  said  rate 
to  be  computed  subject  to  the  following  conditions,  viz  : 


TITLE   X — POSTAL   AND    OFFICLVL   TELEGRAM.**.  319 

A  distance  of  flvehumlrod  miloa,  a«  computed  by  thotrtl)lo»of  the  Po»t-Offlce  Depart- 
nifiiit,*  slinll  bo  dociiit'd  a  circuit,  and  the  HliortPst  ]>racticablc  rout*"  of  tbc  ronipany 
trauBuiittiug  tlic  uicssaf^c  uliall  iu  all  cascH  bo  tbc  Ijanin  of  computation. 

It",  in  cou\piitinf{  circuits,  tlicrc  shall  he  found  one  or  niorc  circuits  and  a  fraction  of 
a  circuit,  such  fraction  shall  he  deemed  a  circuit. 

If  a  connnunicatiou  shall  he  sent  rt  distance  loss  than  five  hundred  milcB,  that  dis- 
tance shall  he  deemed  a  circuit. 

All  words  of  the  comnuinication  transmitted  are  to  be  counted,  exccirting  the  date 
and  place  at  which  such  couununicati<tn  is  filed. 

All  messages  of  less  than  twenty-hvc!  words,  .iddress  and  wfjnature  included,  Miall 
be  rat(Ml  as  if  containing  twenty-five  Words,  and  all  messages  exceeding  twenty-five 
words  shall  ho  rated  by  the  exact  number  of  words  they  contain,  address  and  signa- 
ture included. 

Each  company  will  be  allowed  to  charge  for  messages  received  from  another  line  at 
the  same  rates  as  if  received  from  the  Oovemment  direct  for  transmi-ssiou  over  its  own 
line. 

Companies  forwarding  messages  to  another  line  will  be  entitled  to  compensation  at 
established  rates  to  the  terminus  of  their  lines,  at  the  sanie  rates  as  if  for  messages 
transmitted  exclusively  over  their  own  lines. 

The  ratejfor  all  telegraphic  communications  known  as  the  Signal-service  weather 
reports  shall  not  exceed  three  cents  for  each  word  of  said  reports  for  each  circuit  over 
which  they  may  pass,  in  accordance  with  the  schedule  of  circuits  aiul  plans  of  the 
Chief  Signal-Officer  of  the  Army,  which  are  now  or  may  hereafter  be  adopted  by  him 
for  transmitting  these  reports,  or  such  parts  thereof  as  he  may  designate,  in  such  words 
or  ciphers  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  directed  by  him.  The  annnint  thus  estimated 
is  to  bo  taken  iu  full  payment  for  said  reports  ;  no  additional  allowance  to  be  made 
for  drops,  office  messages,  or  other  services  or  special  facilities  recpiired  by  the  Chief 
Signal-Offlcer  for  the  correct  and  prompt  transmission  of  said  Signal-scn'ice-reports. 

If,  at  any  time,  from  competition  or  other  cause,  telegraph  rates  should  be  reduced 
80  that  a  message  of  ten  words  may  be  sent  for  the  public  at  a  less  rate  than  that  above 
mentioned  for  a  twenty-tive-word  message,  then,  and  in  that  case,  this  order  shall  be 
changed  to  meet  such  lower  public  rate ;  it  being  intended  by  this  proviso  that  in  no 
case  shall  the  Govei*nment  be  compelled  to  pay  more  for  a  twenty-five-word  message, 
including  address  and  signature,  than  the  public  is  required  to  pay  for  a  ten-wox-d  mes- 
sage, exclusive  of  such  address  and  signature. 

All  officers  of  the  United  States  Government  are  requested  to  report  to  the  Postmas- 
ter-General any  ch.arges  in  excess  of  the  .ibove  rates. 

Sec.  1262.  Telegraph  Companies  Subject  to  Foregoing  Sections.— The  fol- 
lowing is  a  list  of  telegraph  companies  that  have  filed  their  acceptauceHof  the  provis- 
ions of  the  preceding  sections  of  this  Title  up  to  the  first  day  of  June,  1879: 

8.  Mississippi  Valley  N.ational  Telegraph 
Comjiany  of  Saint  Louis,  Mo, 

9.  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company  of 
New  York,  N.  Y, 

10.  Northwestern  Telegraph  Company  of 
Kenosha,  Wis. 

IL  Great  Western  Telegraph  Conqiany  of 
New  York,  N,  Y. 

12.  The  Franklin  Telegraph  Company  of 
Boston,  Mass. 

13.  The  Insulated  Lines  Telegraph  Com- 
pany of  Boston,  Mass. 

14.  Pacific  and  Atlantic  Telegraph  Com- 
pany of  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 


1.  The  National  Telegraiih  Company  of 
New  York,  N.  Y. 

2.  The  Globe  Insulated  Lines  Telegraph 
Company  of  New  York. 

3.  The   American    Submarine    Telegraph 
Conqiany  of  New  York,  N.  Y. 

4.  International  Telegraph  Company  of 
Portland,  Me. 

5.  The   Atlantic   and   Pacific   Telegraph 
Company  of  New  York,  N.  Y. 

6.  The  Franco-American  Laud  and  Ocean 
Telegraph  Company  of  New  York,  N.  Y. 

7.  The  Globe  Telegraph  Company  of  New 
York. 


See  section  27,  p.  39. 


320 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


15.  The  Alantic  and  Pacific  States  Tele- 
graph Compauy  of  Sacramento,  Cal. 

16.  The  Eastern  Telegraph  Compauy  of 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 

17.  The  Delaware  Eiver  Telegraph  Com- 
pauy, Philadelphia,  Pa. 

18.  Peninsula  Telegrax^h  Company,  New 
York  City. 

19.  Cape  May  and  Shore  Telegraph  Com- 
pany, New  York  City. 

20.  Ocean  Telegraph  Company  of  Boston, 
Mass. 

21.  The  American  Cable  Comiiany  of  New 
York,  N.  Y. 

22.  Southern  and  Atlantic  Telegraph  Com- 
pauy of  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

23.  lutemational  Ocean  Telegrai)h  Com- 
pany, New  York  City. 

24.  Missouri   Eiver  Telegraph   Company 
of  Sioux  City,  Iowa. 


25.  Atlantic  and  Pacific  Telegraph  Com- 
pany of  Missouri.  Executive  Office,  145 
Broadway,  New  York  City.  Received 
and  filed  May  8,  1S77. 

26.  New  Jersey  and  New  England  Tele- 
graph Company.  Received  and  filed 
November  21,  1878.  Address  A.  L. 
Worthington,  No.  10  Green  street, 
Trenton,  N.  J. 

27.  Central  Union  Telegraph  Company, 
145  Broadway,  New  York.  Received 
and  filed  May  9,  1879. 

28.  New  York  Land  and  Ocean  Telegraph 
Comj)any.  Received  and  filed  May  10, 
1879. 

29.  Deseret  Telegraph  Company,  Salt 
Lake  City,  Utah.  Received  and  filed 
May  19,  1879. 


TITLE    XL 

EXECUTIVE    ORDERS    AFFECTING    THE 
POSTAL    SERVICE. 

rrp»i(lcnt   Grant's  order  ia  rr<;iir<l   to  Fnitoil  I  2.  Explanation  of  the  fini'Koiiif;  order. 
States  ollicera  holding  Statu  and  muuicipttl     3.  President  Hayes's  civil-service  order, 
offices.  I 


E.VECUTIVE    ORDER  IX    REGARD    TO   UNITED   STATES    OFFICERS    HOLDING    STATE    AND 

MUNICIPAL  OFFICES. 

Ji}j  the  President  of  the  United  Stat^  : 

Whereas  it  has  beeu  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  President  of  the  United  States 
that  many  persons  holding  eivil  office  by  appointment  from  him,  or  otherwise,  nnder 
the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States,  while  holding  such  Federal  positioii.s, 
accept  offices  under  the  authority  of  the  States  and  Territories  in  which  they  reside, 
or  of  municipal  corporations,  under  the  charters  and  ordinances  of  sudi  corporations, 
thereby  assuming  the  duties  of  the  State,  Territorial,  or  rauuicip.al  office  at  the  same 
time  that  they  are  charged  with  the  duties  of  the  civil  office  held  under  Federal  au- 
thority; and 

Whereas  it  is>  beliered  that,  with  few  exceptions,  the  holding  of  two  such  officea  by 
the  same  person  is  incompatible  with  a  due  and  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of 
either  office;  that  it  frequently  gives  rise  to  great  inconvenience,  and  often  results  in 
detriment  to  the  public  service,  and  moreover  is  not  in  harmony  with  the  genius  of 
the  government: 

In  view  of  the  premises,  therefore,  the  President  has  deemed  it  proper  thus  and 
hereby  to  give  public  notice  that,  from  and  after  the  fourth  day  of  March,  A.  D.  187;], 
except  as  herein  specified,  persons  holding  any  Federal  civil  office  by  appointment 
under  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  will  be  expected,  while  holding 
such  office,  not  to  accept  or  hold  any  office  nnder  any  State  or  Territorial  government, 
or  under  the  charter  or  ordinances  of  any  municipal  corporation ;  and,  further,  tha* 
the  acceptance  or  continued  holding  of  any  such  State,  Territorial,  or  municipal  office, 
whether  elective  or  by  appointment,  by  any  person  holding  civil  office,  as  aforesaid',, 
nnder  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  other  than  judicial  offices  under  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  United  States,  will  be  deemed  a  vacation  of  the  Federal  office  held  by 
such  person,  and  will  be  taken  to  be,  and  will  be,  ti'eated  as  a  resignation  by  such 
Federal  officer  of  his  commission  or  appointment  in  the  service  of  the  United  States.. 

The  officer  of  justices  of  the  peace,  of  notaries  ]>ublic,  and  of  commissioners  to  take 
the  acknowledgment  of  deeds,  or  bail,  or  to  administer  oaths,  shall  not  be  deemed 
witliiu  the  imrview  of  this  order,  and  are  excepted  from  its  operation,  and  may  Ije 
held  by  Federal  officers.  The  appointment  of  deputy  marshal  of  the  United  States 
maybe  conferred  n]»on  sheritts  or  deputy  sheriffs ;  and  deputy  postniastei-s,  the  emolu- 
ments of  whoso  office  do  not  exceed  $600  per  annum,  are  also  excepted  from  the 
operations  of  this  order,  and  may  accept  and  hold  appointments  under  State,  Terri- 
torial, or  municipal  authority,  provided  the  same  be  found  not  to  interfere  with  the 
discharge  of  their  duties  a^s  postmaster.  Heads  of  Departments  and  other  officei-s  of 
the  government  who  have  the  appointment  of  subordinate  officers  are  reqtiired  to  take 

sa 

21  PL 


322  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  EEGULATIONS. 

notice  of  this  order,  and  to  see  to  tlie  enforcement  of  its  provisions  and  terms  within 
the  sjihere  of  their  respective  Departments  or  offices,  and  as  relates  to  the  several 
persons  holding  appointments  nnder  them  respectively. 
By  order  of  the  President : 

HAMILTON  FISH, 

Secretary  of  State. 
Washingtox,  January  17,  1873. 

Note. — The  President  has  modified  the  above  order  so  as  not  to  apply  to  post-offices 
the  salary  of  which  is  less  than  .$1,000. 

2. 

who  are  extitled  to  hold  state  and  municipal  offices  under  the  order  of 

the  president. 

Department  of  State, 
Washington^  D.  C,  January  28,  1873. 
Inquiries  having  been  made  from  various  quarters  as  to  the  application  of  the  Ex- 
ecvitive  order  issued  on  the  17th  of  January,  relating  to  the  h(dding  of  State  and 
municipal  offices  by  persons  holding  civil  offices  under  the  Federal  government,  the 
President  directs  the  following  reply  to  be  made : 

It  has  been  asked  whether  the  order  prohibits  a  Federal  officer  from  holding  also 
the  office  of  au  alderman,  or  of  a  common  councilman  in  a  city,  or  of  a  town  council- 
man of  a  town  or  village,  or  of  appointment  under  city,  town,  or  village  governments. 
By  some  it  has  been  suggested  that  there  may  be  distinction  made  in  case  the  office 
be  held  with  or  without  salary  or  compensation. 

The  city  or  town  officers  of  the  description  referred  to,  by  whatever  names  they  may 
be  locally  known,  whether  held  by  election  or  by  appointment,  and  whether  with  or 
Avithout  salary  or  compensation,  are  of  the  class  which  the  Executive  order  intends 
not  to  be  held  by  persons  holding  Federal  offices. 

It  has  been  asked  whether  the  order  prohibits  Federal  officers  from  holding  positions 
on  boards  of  education,  school  committees,  public  libraries,  religious  or  eleemosynary 
institutions,  incoii)orated  or  established  or  sustained  by  State  or  municipal  authority. 
Positions  and  service  on  such  boards  or  committees  and  professorships  in  colleges 
are  not  regarded  as  "offices"  within  the  contemplation  of  the  Executive  order,  but 
as  employments  or  service  in  which  all  good  citizens  may  engage  without  incompat- 
ibility, and  in  many  cases  without  necessary  interference  with  any  position  which 
they  may  hold  under  the  Federal  Government.  Officers  of  the  Federal  Government 
may,  therefore,  engage  in  such  service,  provided  the  attention  required  by  such  em- 
ployment floes  not  interfere  with  the  regular  and  official  discharge  of  the  duties  of 
their  office  under  the  Federal  Government.  The  head  of  the  department  under  whom 
the  Federal  office  is  held  will  in  all  cases  be  the  sole  judge  whether  or  not  the  employ- 
ment does  thus  interfere. 
The  question  has  also  been  asked  with  regard  to  the  officers  of  the  State  militia. 
Congress  having  exercised  the  power  conferred  by  the  Constitution  to  provide  for 
organizing  the  militia,  which  is  liable  to  be  called  forth  to  be  employed  in  the  service 
of  the  United  States,  and  is  thus  in  some  sense  under  the  control  of  the  General  Gov- 
ernment, and  is,  moreover,  of  the  great^^st  value  to  the  public,  the  Executive  order  of 
17th  January  is  not  considered  as  prohibiting  Federal  officers  from  being  officers  of  the 
militia  in  the  States  and  Teiritories. 

It  has  been  asked  whether  the  order  prohibits  persons  holding  office  under  the  Fed- 
eral Government  being  members  of  local  or  municipal  iiro  departnuuits ;  also,  whether 
it  applies  to  mechanics  employed  by  the  day  in  the  armoiies,  arsenals,  and  navy-yards. 
&c.,  of  the  United  States. 

Unpaid  service  in  local  or  municipal  lire  departments  is  not  regarded  as  an  office 
within  the  intent  of  the  Executive  order,  and  may  be  i)erformed  by  Federal  officers, 


TITLE   XI — EXECUTIVE    ORDERS.  323 

providi'd  it  docs  not  iiitorfcrc  with  tlio  rf<;iiliir  and  otTlcii-nt.  discliar;jo  of  tlio  duties  of 
the  Federal  olliec,  of  wliiidi  the  head  of  the  department  mider  which  tlie  ollice  is  hehl 
will  in  each  case  bo  the  judge. 

Employment  by  the  day  us  mechanics  or  laborers  in  the  armories,  arsenals,  navy- 
yards,  &c.,  does  not  constitute  an  ofiico  of  any  kind,  and  thos<;  thus  employe<l  are  not 
within  the  contemplation  of  the  Executive  order.  Master-workmen  and  others  who 
hold  appointments  from  the  goverunn-nt  or  from  any  Department,  whether  for  a  fixed 
time  or  at  the  pleasure  of  the  appointing  power,  are  embraced  within  the  operation  of 
the  order. 

By  order  of  the  President : 

HAMILTON  FISH, 

Secretary  of  State. 


postal  officers  forbidden  to  participate  ie  political  campaigns,  etc. 

Executive  Mansion, 

Washington,  June  22,  1877. 
Sir:  I  desire  to  call  your  attention  to  the  following  paragraph  in  a  letter  addressed 
by  me  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  on  the  conduct  to  be  observed  by  officers  of 
the  general  government  in  relation  to  the  elections: 

"  Xo  officer  should  be  required  or  permitted  to  take  part  in  the  management  of  polit- 
ical organizations,  caucuses,  conventions,  or  electiou  campaigns.  Their  right  to  vote 
and  to  express  their  views  on  public  questions,  either  orally  or  through  the  jiress, 
is  not  denied,  provided  it  does  not  interfere  with  the  discharge  of  their  official  duties. 
No  assessment  for  political  purposes  on  officers  or  subordinates  should  be  allowed." 
This  rule  is  applicable  to  every  Department  of  the  civil  service.  It  should  be  under- 
stood by  every  officer  of  the  general  government  that  he  is  expected  to  conform  his 
conduct  to  its  requirements. 
Very  respectfully, 

R.  B.  HAYES. 
To  the  Postmaster-Gekeral. 


TITLE    XII. 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  ASSISTANT  ATTORN  KY- 
OENERAL  FOIl  THE  POST-OFFICE  DEPART- 
MENT. 


No. 

1  (6) 


(11). 


(14). 
(24). 


Local  or  drop  letters,  their  character  and 
rights. 

Delivery  of  letters ;  effect  of  iivjunction  of 
State  court. 

Mail-matter  by  express. 

Production  of  letters  before  a  State  court 
under  process  duces  tecum. 

Letter-boxes ;  letteis  addressed   to  ficti- 
tious names,  how  disposed  of. 

Sureties  upon  contracts;  their  liability, 
how  tested. 
7  (122).  Official  envelopes;  misase  of,  by  private 
individuals. 


5  (26). 

6  (83). 


No. 

8  (130).  PajTuent  of  money-orders   to   fictitious 

address ;  validity  of  power  of  attorney 
after  decease  of  grantor. 

9  (132).  Fraudulent  use  of  the  mails. 

10  (157).  Advertising  sheets;  what  constitutes  a 

regular  publication  designed  primarily 
for  advertising  purposes. 

11  (159).  Delivery  ofletters  to  trustees  of  an  insolv- 

ent firm. 
12.  List  of  all  opinions  given  by  the  Assistant 

Attomey-Genei-al  for   the   Post-OfBce 
Department. 


Note. — Only  such  opinions  as  are  of  general  importance  are  given  at  length.  The  numbers  in  paren- 
theses refer  to  the  docket  number.  At  the  close  of  this  Title  will  be  found  a  full  index  to  all  opinions  not 
printed  in  full  in  this  volume,  which  are  on  tile  in  the  ofhce  of  the  Assistant  Attorney-General  for  the 
Post-Office  Department. 

[Number  (6)  One.] 

Local  or  Drop  Letters. 

1.  TThen  a  drop-letter  properly  stamped  has  been  deposited  in  the  post-office  for  delivery,  and  the 
person  to  whom  it  is  addressed  requests  that  it  should  be  forwarded  to  another  post-office,  under  that 
request  the  character  of  a  drop-letter  is  entirely  lost  to  it,  and  it  assumes  the  character  of  a  letter  de- 
posited "for  mailing,"  without  any  stamp  for  that  purpose. 

2.  The  postage  on  a  drop-letter  must  be  prepaid,  and,  to  that  extent,  it  falls  within  the  general  therms 
of  a  piepaid  letter,  but  the  prepayment  is  not  such  as  would  entitle  the  depositor  to  have  it  carried  be- 
yond the  bounds  of  delivery  of  the  post-office  where  deposited,  or  even  to  be  put  into  the  mails. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorxey-Gexeral 

FOR  THE  Post-Office  Departmext, 

Washington,  July  29,  1873. 

Sir:  I  have  considered  your  communication  of  July  25,  1873,  inclosing  the  letter  of 
Mr.  C.  W.  Bennett,  and  the  envelopes  accompanying  it,  addressed  to  the  postmaster 
of  this  city. 

Mr.  Bennett  excepts  to  the  postage  charged  on  the  envelopes  by  the  postmaster  here. 
The  envelopes  appear  to  have  been  deposited  in  this  office,  addressed  to  Mr.  Bennett 
at  this  place,  with  stamps  affixed  to  tliem,  at  the  time  they  were  deposited,  sufficient 
to  cause  them  to  be  received  and  delivered  to  their  address  as  drop  or  local  letters. 

Upon  their  receipt  at  this  office  as  drop  or  local  letters  the  stamps  affixed  to  them 
were  canceled ;  and  Mr.  Bennett  having  reqtiested  that  all  letters  deposited  or  received 
at  this  office  to  his  address  should  be  forwarded  to  him  at  another  office,  through  the 
mails,  stamps  proper  to  be  charged  on  such  letters,  as  letters  deposited  "for  mailing," 
were  affixed  thereto  at  this  office,  and  the  letters  forwarded,  as  Mr.  Bennett  requested. 

The  postmaster  here,  in  affixing  the  stamps,  in  order  that  they  shouM  be  forwarded 
through  the  mails  to  another  office,  has  charged  the  postage  on  them  without  regard 
to  the  postage  which  had  been  paid  on  them  as  drop-letters.  It  is  to  the  postage  so 
charged  that  Mr.  Bennett  excepts. 

325 


326  POSTAL   LAWS   AND    EEGULATIONS. 

The  letters  forwarded  were  letters  wliich  had  been  deposited  in  this  office  with 
postage  prepaid  as  local  or  drop  letters.  Letters  of  that  character  are  mentioned  in  only 
two  sections,  the  156th  and  157th  sections  of  the  act  of  June  8,  1872,  entitled  "An  act 
to  revise,  consolidate,  and  amend  the  statutes  relating  to  the  Post-Office  Dei)artment," 
commonly  called  the  "Postal  Code." 

In  tlie  156th  section  although  they  are  recognized  as  "  mail-matter  wholly  or  partly 
in  writing,"  yet  to  mark  their  special  and  distinctive  character  they  are  expressly 
excepted  from  the  postage  of  three  cents  for  each  half  ounce  or  fraction  thereof,  which 
hy  that  section  is  charged  on  other  letters. 

The  157th  section  describes  a  local  or  drop  letter,  and  directs  the  postage  with 
which  such  a  letter  shall  be  charged,  and  is  in  the  following  terms: 

"That  letters  commonly  known  as  drop  or  local  letters,  delivered  througJi  the  post-office 
or  its  carrier,  shall  be  charged  with  postage  at  the  rate  of  two  cents,  where  the  system 
of  free  delivery  is  established,  and  one  cent  where  such  system  is  not  established,  for 
each  half  ounce  or  fraction  thereof." 

The  description  of  a  local  or  drop  letter  is  probably  more  clearly  drawn  in  the  laws 
which  it  was  the  purpose  of  the  Postal  Code  to  "revise,  consolidate,  and  amend,"  than 
in  these  sections  of  that  code.  Thus,  in  the  23d  and  22d  sections  of  the  act  of  March 
3,  1863,  we  have  the  distinction  clearly  drawn  between  drop  or  local  letters  and  other 
domestic  letters.  The  language  in  the  22d  section  is  that  "the  rate  of  postage  on 
all  domestic  letters,  transmitted  in  the  mails  of  the  United  States,  and  not  exceeding 
one-half  ounce  in  weight,  shall  bo  uniform  at  three  cents."  Of  the  23d  section  it  is  : 
"That  the  rate  of  postage  on  all  letters  not  transmitted  throur/h  the  mails  of  the  United 
States,  but  delivered  through  the  post-office  or  its  carriers,  commontij  described  as  local 
or  drop  letters,  not  exceeding  one-half  ounce  in  weight,  shall  be  uniform  at  two  cents," 
etc. 

In  this  23d  section  we  have  the  character  or  a  local  or  drop  letter  defined  as  a  letter 
not  to  he  "  transmitted  through  the  mails."  In  the  act  of  March  3, 1855,  section  1,  a  drop- 
letter  is  still  more  accurately  described  in  different  language,  but  of  the  same  pur- 
port, in  the  following  terms:  "And  all  drop-letters  or  letters  ^ilaced  in  any  post-office 
not  for  transmission  through  the  mails,  hut  for  delivery  only." 

From  the  language  of  these  several  statutes  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  tlie  local 
or  drop  letter  intended  in  the  157th  section  was  a  letter  deposited  in  the  post-office 
not  to  be  transmitted  through  the  mails,  but  for  delivery  only.  All  letters  deposited 
in  a  post-office,  whether  to  be  transmitted  through  the  mails  or  for  delivery  only, 
must  be  prepaid  by  stamps,  according  to  the  purpose  for  which  they  are  deposited, 
before  they  can  be  officially  received  ;  that  is,  received  so  as  to  impose  an  obligation 
on  the  Department  to  transmit  theui  through  the  mails  or  deliver  them  from  the  office 
where  deposited,  or  by  its  earners,  to  their  address.  The  prepayment  of  postage  en- 
titles the  person  depositing  a  letter  to  have  it  so  officially  received. 

When  a  letter  properly  stamped  is  officially  received,  the  stamp  has  performed  its 
office,  and  is  canceled,  and  when  canceled  is  no  further  available  for  any  purpose. 

When  a  drop-letter,  proi>erly  stamped,  has  been  deposited  in  the  office  for  delivery, 
and  the  person  to  whom  it  is  addressed  requests  that  it  should  be  forwarded  to  an- 
other office  under  that  request,  the  character  of  a  drop-letter  is  entirely  lost  to  it, 
and  it  assumes  the  character  of  a  letter  deposited  "for  mailing"  without  any  stamp 
for  that  purpose.  The  stamp  affixed  to  it  when  deposited  was  so  affixed  in  order 
that  it  should  be  received  for  the  purpose  of  delivery  only,  and  was  not  intended  to 
be,  nor  was,  available  for  anj'  other  purpose. 

If  the  request  "to  forward"  is  to  be  gratified,  it  can  only  be  by  the  prepayment  of 
the  postage  proper  to  be  chargtid  on  a  letter  deposited  to  be  transmitted  through  tbe 
mails  to  the  address  contained  in  the  request. 

The  comprehensive  terms  of  the  lt>9th  section  are  well  calculated  to  mislead  if  read 
without  regard  to  other  parts  of  the  Code.  The  terms  of  the  19Dth  section  are,  "  That 
prepaid  and  free  letters  shall  be  forwarded  from  one  post-office  to  another  at  the 


TITLE    XII OPINIONS.  327 

rpqucst  of  till'  i)arty  addressed  without  additional  charge  for  postage."  It  is  evident, 
however,  for  iiiauy  reasons,  notwitlistainlinj^  the  eoinpreheusivcness  of  its  terms,  tliat 
this  section  was  not  intended  to  apply  to  drop-letters.  In  the;  lirst  jilaee,  the  lan^^najje 
of  the  seetion  clearly  implies  that  the  letter  to  he  forwanled  under  its  i»rovisions  lias 
heen  already  carried  through  the  mails  from  one  post-olHee  to  another,  and  that  post- 
age for  that  service  has  heen  jiaid.  But  inasmuch  as  the  prei)ayment  of  one  full  rate 
of  postage  entitles  the  sender  to  have  his  letter  carried  through  the  lUiiils  anywhere 
where  the  mails  are  carried,  the  right  so  purchased  is  not  exhausted  under  the  i)ro- 
visions  of  this  section  until  it  reached  not  only  the  destination  which  the  sender  has 
given  to  it,  hut  also  that  further  destinatitm  which  may  he  given  to  it  hy  the  person 
to  whom  it  is  addressed.  But  the  prepayment  to  which  this  right  is  incident  is  that 
which  would  have  carried  the  forwarded  letter  to  its  last  destination  if  it  had  been 
so  directed  when  deposited  for  mailing. 

The  i)Ostage  on  a  drop-letter  it  is  true  must  be  prepaid,  and  to  that  extent  it  falls 
within  the  general  terms  of  a  prepaid  letter,  but  the  prepayment  is  not  such  as  would 
entitle  the  depositor  to  have  it  carried  beyond  the  bounds  of  delivery  of  the  othce 
where  deposited,  or  even  to  be  put  into  the  mails.  In  the  language  of  the  acts  of 
1855  and  1863  it  is  placed  in  the  office  "  not  for  transmission  through  the  mails." 

Hence  it  cannot  be  held  or  considered  to  be  embraced  within  that  class  of  prepay- 
ments to  which  the  right  is  incident  to  have  the  letter  carried  any  and  every  where 
where  letters  are  carried  through  the  mails;  and  that  is  the  prepayment  which  is 
clearly  contemplated  in  the  199th  section. 

Again,  from  all  the  provisions  of  the  code  relating  to  this  subject,  we  can  come  to 
uo  other  conclusion  than  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the  law  that  no  letter  should  be 
carried  through  the  mails  from  one  post-office  to  another  except  upon  tlie  prepaj'nient 
by  stamps  of  three  cents  for  each  half  ounce  or  fraction  thereof,  and  yet,  by  a  con- 
struction different  from  that  which  I  have  given,  a  letter  deposited  in  an  office  "/or 
delivery  only  "  may  be  carried  across  the  continent  for  a  postage-stamp  of  one  cent ;  for 
if  a  drop  letter  on  which  one  cent  postage  by  stamp  has  been  paid,  at  an  office  where 
there  is  uo  free  delivery,  is  a  prepaid  letter,  embraced  within  the  intendment  of  the 
199th  section,  then,  on  the  request  of  the  person  to  whom  the  letter  is  addressed,  it 
must  be  forwarded  "  without  additional  postayc"  to  any  office  he  may  direct.  This  was 
clearly  not  intended  by  the  law. 

For  these  reasons,  I  can  see  no  error  in  the  action  of  the  postmaster  at  Washington 
in  treating  the  letters,  of  which  the  envelopes  covering  them  are  before  me,  as  drop 
letters,  not  entitled,  by  any  postage  which  might  have  been  paid  on  them  as  such,  to 
he  transmitted  through  the  mails,  and  if  transmitted  after  their  official  receipt  as  drop 
letters  at  the  request  of  the  person  to  whom  they  are  addressed  to  another  post-office, 
the  postage  directed  by  law  to  be  prepaid  on  letters  deposited  for  "mailing"  must  be 
charged  and  prepaid  on  them. 

I  herewith  return  the  letter  of  Mr.  Bennett,  with  the  accomj)anying  envelopes,  sent 
with  your  couuuuuicatiou. 
Very  respectfully, 

T.  A.  SPENCE, 
Assistant  Attorney-General  Post-Office  Department. 

Hon.  John  A.  J.  Creswell, 

Postmaster-General. 


328  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    EEGULATIONS. 

[Number  (11)  Two.] 

Delivery  of  Letters.    Effect  of  Injunction  of  State  Court. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorney-General 

FOR  the  Post-Office  Department, 

Washington,  August  11,  1873. 

Sir  :  I  have  carefully  esamineLl  the  papers  transmitted  for  my  consideration  with 
your  communication  of  August  1. 

From  those  papers  I  infer  the  following  facts :  Alvan  W.  Chase,  being  the  proprietor 
of  the  copyright  of  a  book  which  he  had  published,  and  a  large  steam-printing  house, 
in  August  1839,  for  a  valuable  consideration  sold  the  said  copyright  and  steam-print- 
ing house  to  Rice  A.  Beal ;  and  in  the  contract  of  sale,  among  other  agreements,  the 
said  Chase  contracted  with  the  said  Beal  "that  all  letters  and  packages  that  should 
thereafter  be  received  at  the  post-office  in  said  city  of  Ann  Arbor,  addressed  to  the 
paid  Chase,  whether  registered  or  otherwise,  and  not  having  the  description  by  num- 
ber of  his  private  box,  should  be  delivered  to  the  said  Beal;"  that  the  postmaster  at 
the  said  city  of  Ann  Arbor,  having  knowledge  of  the  said  sale  and  contract,  did,  from 
the  time  of  his  appointment  to  the  said  office  in  June,  1870,  to  September,  1872,  deliver 
to  the  said  Beal  all  letters  and  packages  addressed  to  the  said  Chase,  not  having 
thereon  the  description,  by  number,  of  the  private  box  of  the  said  Chase  in  the  said 
office ;  that  in  the  month  of  September,  1872,  the  said  Chase,  by  his  written  order,  di- 
rected the  said  postmaster,  after  the  date  of  the  said  order,  to  wit,  September  19, 1872, 
to  place  all  letters  addressed  to  him  in  his  box,  unless  there  was  something  in  the  ad- 
dress of  the  letter  to  indicate  that  it  was  intended  for  the  publisher  of  Dr.  Chase's  recipes 
or  the  proprietor  of  Dr.  Chase's  steam-printing  house ;  and  thereafter,  in  compliance  with 
said  order,  the  said  postmaster  placed  in  the  letter-box  of  the  said  Chase,  to  be  deliv- 
ered to  him,  or  his  order,  all  letters  adtlressed  to  him,  as  by  the  said  order  directed. 
That  the  said  Rice  A.  Beal  subsequently,  after  the  order  aforesaid  of  the  said  Chase 
to  the  said  postmaster,  filed  in  the  circuit  court  of  Washtenaw  County,  in  the  State 
of  Michigan,  his  bill  of  complaint  against  the  said  Alvan  W.  Chase  and  others,  with 
a  prayer  for  an  iujunctiou.  The  circuit  court  for  Washtenaw  County,  on  the  filing  of 
the  said  bill  of  complaint,  ordered  a  writ  of  injunction  as  prayed,  and,  amongst  other 
restraints  therein,  enjoined  the  said  defendants  "  from  taking  or  receiving  from  the 
post-office  in  the  city  of  Ann  Arbor  any  letter  or  letters  that  may  be  received  at  said 
office  addressed  to  the  said  Alvan  W.  Chase  which  shall  not  have  upon  them  a  des- 
ignation of  the  number  of  said  Chase's  private  letter-box  at  said  office,  or  in  any  man- 
ner interfering  to  prevent  the  delivery  of  the  same  to  the  said  complainant,  Rice  A. 
Beal,  at  said  post-office  ;"  that  the  defendants,  after  service  of  the  said  writ  of  injunc- 
tion, without  having  filed  a  plea  or  answer  to  the  said  bill,  but  upon  affidavits  which 
they  filed  to  be  read  at  the  hearing  of  the  motion,  moved  the  court  to  dissolve  the  in. 
junction.  The  motion  to  dissolve  the  injunction  was  heard  and  considered,  and  was 
denied.    The  court  in  denying  the  motion  passed  the  following  order  : 

"The  motion  to  dissolve  the  injunction  is  therefoio  denied,  and  it  is  ordered  that  the 
modification  of  the  same,  as  ordered  on  the  21st  of  July  instant,  be,  and  is  hereby,  set 
aside  and  held  for  nought,  and  that  the  injunction  do  stand  in  full  force  and  effect  as 
originally  granted,  without  modification  or  alteration,  iintil  the  coming  in  of  the 
defendant's  answer  to  said  bill  of  complaint,  and  until  the  fui'ther  order  of  this  court) 
except  that  the  said  defendant.  Chase,  shall  not  be  prevented  by  said  injunction  from 
taking  from  the  post-otfice  any  and  all  letters  directed  tohimself  or  family  which  shall 
be  designated  by  the  number  of  his  post-office  box,  351,  written  thereon." 

Rice  A.  Beal,  under  his  purchase  from,  and  contract  with,  Alvan  W.  Chase,  herein- 
before stated,  and  this  order  of  the  court,  now  demands  of  the  postmaster  at  the  city 
of  Ann  Arbor  the  letters  and  packages  received  at  his  office  addressed  to  the  said 


TITLE    XII OPINIONS.  329 

Chase  "  which  shall  uot  be  desiguateil  by  the  number  of  bin  post-offlce  box,  351,  written 
thereon." 

Under  these  facts  the  postmaster  at  the  city  of  Ann  Arbor,  in  liis  b-tter  afrompany- 
ing  your  conuiiiiiiiiatioii,  asks  the  roHtiiuiHttT-Goiu'ral  to  b(^  inroniicd  of  bis  duty  iu 
the  preinist's;  to  whom  lie  shall  deliver,  or  what  disposition  be  shall  make  of  tlio 
letters  addresseil  to  Alvan  W.  Chase,  and  now  demanded  by  Kiec  A.  Keal. 

After  a  careful  examination  of  all  the  facts  presented,  I  can  find  nothing  that  would 
relieve  the  postmaster  from  his  duty,  as  clearly  and  e.xplicitly  stated  in  the  r)8th  an<l 
59th  sections  of  the  regulations  of  1SS3  of  this  Department.  Those  regulations  are  as 
follows. 

"Sec.  58.  The  persons  entitled  to  letters  received  by  mail  are  those  whose  names 
are  iu  the  address." 

"Sec.  59.  The  delivery  should  be  either  to  the  person  addressed  or  according  to  his 
or  her  order." 

Under  this  law,  making  plain  the  duty  of  postmasters,  and  controlling  their  action, 
the  postmaster  at  the  city  of  Ann  Arbor  must  deliver  to  Alvan  W.  Chase,  or  to  his 
order,  all  letters  and  packages  addressed  to  the  said  Chase,  received  at  the  said  post- 
ofiice,  "unless  there  is  something  in  the  address  of  the  letter  or  package  to  indicate 
that  it  is  iuteudod  for  the  publisher  of  Dr.  Chase's  recipes  or  the  proprietor  of  Dr. 
Chase's  steam-printing  house";  and  he  must  do  so  on  retiuest,  notwithstanding  the 
injunction  which  enjoins  the  said  Chase  from  receiving  them. 

If  Alvan  W.  Chase  should  take  from  the  post-office  the  letters  he  has  been  enjoined 
from  taking  or  receiving,  he  would  thereby  otfend  against  the  order  of  the  court,  and 
may  be  punished  for  the  contempt;  but  the  postmaster,  as  such,  has  not  been  made  a 
party  to  the  proceeding  in  ecpiity,  referred  to,  of  Beal  vs.  Chase  and  others  ;  nor  is  he 
in  any  manner  controlled  by  the  order  of  the  court ;  nor  would  he  be  protected  by  it, 
in  violating  bis  duty,  as  imposed  by  the  regulations  of  the  department  referred  to. 

The  postmaster  uniler  these  rules,  iu  the  discharge  of  his  official  duties,  is  bound  to 
respect  the  written  order  given  him  by  Alvan  W.  Chase  on  the  19th  September,  1872, 
however  much  in  his  private  judgiueut  such  order  mig  ht  be  inconsistent  with,  or 
violate  the  contract  hereiubeforo  set  out  in,  the  statement  of  facts,  which  the  said 
Chase  had  made  with  the  said  Beal  iu  August,  1869. 

It  is  not  the  duty,  nor  is  it  proper,  for  a  postmaster  to  decide  the  validity  and  legal 
eftect  of  contracts,  nor  to  act  on  any  construction  which  he  may  give  them,  when 
such  action  is  in  direct  contravention  of  the  plain  law  of  his  duty. 

Under  the  order  of  Alvan  W.  Chase,  of  the  19th  September,  1872,  it  was  the  duty 
of  the  postmaster  to  place  in  the  private  letter-box  of  the  said  Chase  the  letters  ad- 
dressed to  him,  as  by  the  said  order  he  was  directed. 

It  does  jiot  appear,  from  any  of  the  papers  before  me,  that  that  order  has  ever  been 
rescinded;  and  until  it  is  rescinded,  the  same  duty  remains  and  continues.  It  is  not 
to  be  presumed  that  Alvan  W.  Chase  will  olfend  against  the  order  of  the  court,  and 
take  from  the  office  the  letters  he  has  been  enjoined  from  taking;  and  they  will,  there- 
fore, remain  in  the  office,  and  be  treated  by  the  postmaster  as  unclaimed  letters, 
unless  specially  ordereil  by  the  Postmaster-General  to  hold  them  for  delivery,  or  to  be 
disposed  of  under  a  future  order.  The  present  order  of  the  circuit  court  of  Washtenaw 
County  is  only  temporary;  the  injunction  may  be  dissolved  or  made  perpetual  when 
the  defendants  have  filed  their  answer  to  the  bill  of  complaint  and  further  proceed- 
ings shall  have  been  had  thereon,  or  the  court  may  pass  other  and  further  orders 
in  the  cause,  considering  that  the  neglect  or  refusal  of  A.  W.  Chase  to  rescind  the 
order  which  controls  the  action  of  the  postmaster,  and  prevents  K.  A.  Beal  from  re- 
ceiving the  letters  and  packages  which  under  the  contract  aforesaid,  as  construed  by 
the  court,  the  said  Beal  is  in  eiiuity  entitled  to  have,  is  a  violation  of  the  present  order 
of  the  court  and  a  contempt  of  its  authority. 

In  conclusion,  I  can  see  nothing  in  the  papers  transmitted  with  your  communication 
which  would  authorize  or  justify  the  postmaster  at  the  city  of  Ann  Arbor  in  deliver- 


330  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

ing  the  letters  and  packages  received  at  this  office,  addressed  to  A.  W.  Chase,  to  R. 
A.  Beal,  in  viohitiou  of  the  order  aforesaid  of  the  said  Chase  of  the  19tli  Sei^tember, 
1872,  or  until  that  order  is  in  some  manner,  directly  or  indirectly,  rescinded  or  an- 
nulled. 


Yours,  respectfully, 


Hon.  J.  A.  J.  Cresavell, 
Postmaster-  General. 


T.  A.  SPENCE, 

Assistant  Attorney-General,  Post-Office  Department. 


[Number  (14)  Three.] 

Mail-Matter  by  Express. 

1.  There  is  notliinj!;  "in  any  existing  statute  upon  the  subject  of  postal  matter"  which  discriminates 
in  favor  of  the  Departments  of  the  Government  in  relation  to  the  mode  and  manner  of  transmitting 
mailable  matter. 

2.  Distinction  between  packet  and  package  discussed. 

3.  No  limit  of  weight  or  size  for  first-class  mail-matter. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorxey-General 

FOR  THE  Post-Office  Department, 

Washington,  D.  C,  August  26,  1873. 
Sir:  I  have  carefully  considered  the  letter  of  the  honorable  the  Secretary  of  War  of 
the  14th  instant,  addressed  to  you,  and  the  papers  accompanying  it. 

Enclosed  in  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  is  a  copy  of  an  order  of  the  War  Department 
iu  the  following  words : 

"General  Orders,  No,  80. 

"War  Department,  Adjutant-General's  Office, 

''Washington,  Aug.  1st,  1873. 
"Where  any  considerable  saving  would  result,  packages  of  official  mail-matter,  such 
as  returns,  &c.,  weighty  or  bulky  in  character,  maybe  transmitted  by  express,  in- 
stead of  through  the  mails  as  heretofore,  the  expressage  to  be  paid  out  of  the  apiiro- 
priations  for  the  military  service. 
"By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  AVar. 

"THOMAS  M.  VINCENT, 
''Assistant  Adjutant-General. 
"Official: 

"E.   D.   TOWNSEND, 

"Adjutant- General." 

And  you  are  asked  if  the  forwarding  of  mailable  matter  by  express,  as  directed  by 
that  order,  "is  considered  by  the  Department  iu  conflict  with  existing  statutes  upon 
the  subject  of  postal  matter." 

There  is  nothing  "in  any  existing  statute  upon  the  subject  of  postal  matter" 
which  discriminates  in  favor  of  the  Departments  of  the  Government  in  relation  to  the 
mode  and  manner  of  transmitting  mailable  matter. 

The  law  is  general,  aud  since  the  abolition  of  the  franking  privilege  by  the  act  of 
Congress  passed  January  31,  1873,  all  of  the  restrictions  and  prohibitions  of  the  act 
passed  June  8,  1872,  entitled  "An  act  to  revise,  consolidate,  and  amend  the  statutes 
relating  to  the  Post-Office  Department,"  which  apply  to  the  private  citizen,  are  appli- 
cable, to  the  same  extent,  to  an  officer  of  any  of  the  Departments. 

If  the  private  citizen,  by  the  jirovisions  of  that  act,  and  particularly  by  the  230th 
section  thereof,  is  inhibited  from  using  an  express,  or  other  unlawful  means,  for  the 
transmission  of  mailable  matter,  so  also  is  the  public  officer;  nor  are  the  inhibitions 
in  any  manner  aft'ected  by  the  public  or  private  character  of  the  mailable  matter. 


TITLE    XII OPINIONS.  331 

It  will  not  1)0  supposed  that  a  juivate  citizen  woiiM  l>e  porinitto<l  to  violate-  witli 
impmiity  the  provisions  of  the  2;{0th  section  of  tlui  act  refciTcd  to,  wliicii  jirovidea 
"that  no  j)cr.s()n  shall  transmit,  l>y  ]>rivato  exj)reHs  or  other  unlawful  means,  or  d«»- 
liver  to  any  ii;;ent  of  siuli  unlawful  exjiress,  or  ilejiosit,  or  cause  to  be  dejiosited,  at 
Jiny  appointed  place,  for  the  ])nrj»ose  of  being  transmitte«l,  any  letter  or  ])acket,  and 
W  every  such  oft'enso  the  party  so  offending  shall  forfeit  and  pay  fifty  ilollars,"  for 
any  consideration  of  the  saving  of  postage  to  him  for  the  violation.  Much  less 
could  it  be  allowed  an  officer  of  a  Department  to  violate  the  same  law  for  a  similar 
consideration,  especially  in  view  of  the  fiict  that  Congress  has  provided  so  lilx-rally 
by  appropriation  for  the  payment  of  the  postage  of  the  several  Departnu-nts. 

It  may  not  be  improper  in  this  conimtinication  to  notice  a  matter  intimately  con- 
nected with  this  subject,  although  iu)t  directly  responsive  to  the  question  projtounded 
in  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  It  was  the  purpose  of  the  228th,  229tli,  'I.VHh, 
and  2:Ust  sections  of  the  act  of  June  8,  1872,  to  prevent,  ]»y  penal  enactments,  the 
transmission  of  mailable  matter  of  the  first  class  (all  correspondence  wholly  or  ]>artly 
in  Avriting)  by  express  or  other  unlawful  means.  By  the  134th  section  of  th(^  same 
act,  it  is  provided  that  " jyackuf/es  weighing  more  than  four  pounds  shall  not  be  re- 
ceived for  conveyance  by  mail." 

The  term  packar/c  in  this  section,  and  throughout  the  law,  appears  to  l)e  used  in 
a  diflerent  sense  and  with  a  different  intendment  from  the  term  "packet"  found  in 
the  sections  above  referred  to. 

The  latter  is  restricted  to  mailable  matter  of  the  first  class ;  the  former  is  used 
throughout  the  law  as  applicable  to  mailable  matter  of  the  second  and  third  classes. 
And  inasmuch  as  mailable  matter  of  the  second  and  third  classes,  under  the  restrictions 
of  the  134th  section,  cannot  be  received  into  the  mails  when  each  of  the  several  proper 
mailable  parcels  of  such  matter,  made  up  in  a  package,  exceeds  four  pounds  in  weight, 
such  packages  are  not  within  the  contemplation  of  the  Postal  Code,  and  may  be  sent 
by  express,  or  in  any  other  manner,  without  a  violation  of  law ;  but  the  134th  section 
not  being  applicable  to  mailable  matter  of  the  first  class,  all  matter  of  that  class  can 
be  conveyed  through  the  mails  without  regard  to  its  weight,  and  all  the  inhibitions 
of  the  several  sections  of  the  Postal  Code,  prohibiting  its  transmission  by  express  or 
other  unlawful  means,  apply  to  it. 
Very  respectfully,  yours,  &c., 

T.  A.  SPENCE, 
Assistant  Attoniey-General,  Post-Office  Department. 
Hon.  John  A.  J.  Creswell, 

Postmaster-Genei'al. 


[Number  (24)  Four.] 

Production  of  Letters  before  a  Court  under  Process  Duces  Tecum. 
Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorney-Gener.\l, 

FOR  THE   PoST-OfFICE   DEPARTMENT, 

Washington,  D.  C,  January  24,  1874. 

Sir  :  My  opinion  is  asked  as  to  the  duty  of  the  postmaster  at  Greeusburgh,  in  the 
State  of  Indiana,  under  the  following  circumstances  : 

There  is  in  the  post-office  at  Greeusburgh,  in  the  said  State  of  Indiana,  a  letter  ad- 
dressed to  Sally  Covert ;  that  fact  having  come  to  the  knowledge  of  a  certain  William 
Den  wood,  and  he  desiring  to  know  and  be  informed  of  its  contents,  and  to  ol)tainthe 
information,  in.stituted  suit  in  the  circuit  court  of  Decatur  County,  in  the  State  afore- 
said, against  a  certain  Nicholas  Howard,  and  caused  sul)i)a>ua  to  be  is.sued  out  of  the 
court  in  which  the  said  suit  was  brought,  commanding  the  sheriff  of  said  county  to 
summon  George  H.  Dunu  (the  postmaster  at  Greeusburgh)  to  produce  on  the  trial  a 


332  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

letter  in  his  possession  addressed  to  Sallie  Covert,  Greensburgli,  Indiana,  and  to  ap- 
pear before  the  said  court  to  testify  in  tlie  said  suit.  The  subpoena  has  been  served  in 
due  form  of  law  on  the  said  George  H.  Dunn. 

From  the  subpcena  it  appears  that  George  H.  Dunn  has  been  summoned  as  an  indi- 
vidual, not  as  an  officer,  to  produce  in  court  a  letter  which  he  has  in  his  possession 
addressed  to  Sallie  Covert.  If  he  has  in  his  possession  as  an  individual,  and  not  in 
his  official  character  as  postmaster,  a  letter  addressed  to  Sallie  Covert,  it  will  be  his 
duty  to  obey  the  summons  of  the  court  imj)Iicitly  ;  but  if  the  letter  sought  to  be  ob- 
tained is  in  the  post-office  at  Greensburgh  as  proper  mail-matter,  and  he  is  summoned 
as  postmaster,  having  charge  of  the  said  office,  to  take  the  letter  from  the  office  to  pro- 
duce the  same  before  the  circuit  court  for  Decatur  County,  to  be  used  as  evidence,  or 
for  any  other  purpose,  he  should  respectfully  decline  to  obey  the  summons.  The  let- 
ler  addressed  to  Sallie  Covert,  having  through  the  mails  reached  its  destination, 
according  to  its  address,  at  the  post-office  at  Greensburgh,  it  is  then,  until  delivered 
to  the  person  to  whom  it  is  addressed  or  disposed  of  as  the  postal  laws  and  regula- 
tions direct,  in  the  custody  of  the  Post-Office  Department  of  the  government,  by  its 
agent  or  representative,  the  postmaster  of  the  office.  His  custody  or  jjossession  of  the 
mail-matter  in  the  office  is  purely  representative,  not  personal;  and  his  duties  as 
the  representative  are  clearly  and  distinctly  defined  by  the  laws  and  regulations  gov- 
erning the  postal  service.  They  are  to  him  his  only  rule  of  conduct.  No  mandate  or 
order  of  any  tribunal,  judicial  or  otherwise,  directing  or  commanding  him  to  disobey 
or  disregard  them,  or  to  act  in  contravention  to  them,  will  justify  him  in  so  doing,  or 
excuse  or  protect  him  from  any  and  all  penalties  which  would  follow  the  violation  of 
his  official  duties. 

The  government,  in  receiving  the  letter  addressed  to  Sallie  Covert  in  the  mails,  un- 
dertook to  carry  that  letter  to  its  destination  at  the  office  of  delivery,  and  there  to 
deliver  it  to  the  person  to  whom  it  is  addressed  without  unnecessary  detention  or  de- 
lay. Any  act  which  would  or  might  detain  or  delay  the  delivery  to  the  person  to 
whom  the  letter  is  addressed  would  not  only  be  a  default  in  the  undertaking,  but 
would  be  ou  the  part  of  the  postu)aster  a  palpable  violation  of  the  Postal  Code,  for 
which  offense,  according  to  its  gravity,  the  punishment  of  fine  and  imprisonment  is 
provided  by  law.  The  post-office  at  the  office  of  delivery  is  the  only  proper  place  of 
custody  of  mail-matter  until  it  is  delivered;  and  a  postmaster  cannot  be  justified  in 
taking  letters  from  the  post-office  for  any  purpose  otlier  than  for  delivery  to  the  person 
addressed,  except  in  exceptional  cases,  for  greater  security. 

The  postmaster  at  Greensburgh,  in  obeying  the  summons  of  the  circuit  court  for  De- 
catur County  to  produce  this  letter  before  it  for  the  purposes  of  evidence,  would  not 
only  violate  his  duty  as  to  the  proper  custody  of  the  letter  before  its  delivery,  but  he 
would  further  violate  the  plain  letter  of  the  law  in  doing  an  act  naturally  tending  to 
detain  and  delay  the  delivery  of  the  letter.  The  circuit  court  for  Decatur  County  can- 
not properly  interfere  with  the  postmaster  at  Greensburgh  in  the  lawful  and  proper 
discharge  of  his  official  duties,  nor  require  him  to  do  that  which  would  violate  in 
their  letter  or  their  spirit  the  laws  and  regulations  relating  to  the  Post-Office  Depart- 
ment. 

The  court  may  exercise  its  jurisdiction  over  individuals,  but  not  to  couti"ol  the  offi- 
cers of  the  government  to  a  violation  of  the  laws  relating  to  their  office.  It  may,  in 
the  proper  exercise  of  its  jurisdiction,  restrain  au  individual  to  whom  a  letter  is  ad- 
dressed from  taking  it  from  the  post-office,  or,  if  the  letter  luis  been  delivered,  and 
thereby  all  connection  of  the  government  with  it,  or  relating  to  it,  toriuinated,  the 
court  may  then  exercise  its  jurisdiction  to  compel  its  j)rod action  before  it,  in  whose- 
soever possession  it  may  be  found. 

But  it  may  be,  and  probably  is,  alleged  that  the  address  "Sallie  Covert "  is  fictitious, 
and  that  the  letter  under  that  address  is  intended  for  the  wife  of  the  plaintitf  in  this 
action,  William  Denwood.  If  such  an  allegation  w.as  true,  it  might  and  would  affect 
the  duties  of  the  postmaster  as  to  its  disposition,  but  none  the  more  justify  him  in 


TITLE    XII — OPINIONS.  333 

obeying  the  sninmons  of  the  conrt  which  has  been  nerved  on  him.  If  the  addresH  is 
fictitinuH,  there  is  no  person  to  whom  it  can  be  delivered,  and  his  dnty  in  relation  to 
it  is  clearly  delined  by  the  rejjiilations  of  the  Department.  He  must  return  it  at  the 
end  of  the  month  to  the  Doad-Lotter  OHlce,  there  to  he  disposed  of  as  jirovided  by 
the  laws  relating  to  and  the  rejjalations  of  the  Department. 

I  would,  tlierofore,  advise  that  the  postmaster  at  Groensburg  be  instructed  to 
appear  in  person  before  the  circuit  court  of  Decatur  County  on  the  day  named  in  the 
writ  of  sunmions,  but  not  produce  before  it  the  letter  which  by  the  said  writ  he  is 
ordered  to  produce;  and  that,  if  retiuired,  he  should  purge  himself  of  any  alleged 
contempt  of  the  conrt  by  the  statement  that  the  letter  mentioned  in  the  writ  is  in  his 
custody,  not  as  an  individual,  but  as  an  officer  of  the  government,  and  that  he  cannot 
obey  the  summons  of  the  court  without  violating  the  laws  relating  to  and  the  rules 
and  regulations  of  the  Post-Office  Deiiartment. 
Very  respectfully,  yours, 

T.  A.  SPENCE, 
Assistant  Attorney-General  Post-Office  Department. 
Hon.  John  A.  J.  Creswell, 

rostmaster-General. 


[Number  (26)  Five.] 

Letter-Boxes.    Letters  Addressed  to  Fictitious  Names ;  How  Disposed  of. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorney-General 

FOR  the   POST-OfFICE  DEPARTMENT, 

Washington,  D.  C,  February  4,  1874. 

Sir:  An  opinion  on  the  facts  presented  by  the  application  of  Dr.  John  M.  Dagnall 
"to  have  delivered  to  him  a  large  number  of  letters  addressed  to  Nathaniel  Mayfair, 
P.  O.  bos  153,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,"  which  have  been  sent  by  the  postmaster  at  Brooklyn 
to  the  Dead-Letter  Office  of  the  Department,  requires  a  review  of  the  laws  and  postal 
regulations  relating  to  the  jiurpose  and  use  of  letter-boxes,  the  delivery  of  letters, 
and  the  use  of  a  fictitious  address  on  mailable  matter. 

While  letter-boxes  are  frequently  recognized  in  the  Postal  Code  as  a  proper  part  of 
postal  facilities,  and  as  a  source  of  postal  revenues,  they  are  never  provided  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  Departments,  "  except  when  the  building  is  owned  by  the  United  States." 
They  may  be  and  are  provided  by  postmasters  and  indi\iduals.  Boxes  "put  up"  by 
postmasters  are  the  private  proj)erty  of  the  postmasters,  but  the  rents  or  revenues 
thereof  must  be  paid  over  to  the  Department.  Box-holders  may  provide  lock-boxes  or 
drawers  for  their  own  use  at  their  own  expense,  which  upon  their  erection  become 
the  property  of  the  United  States,  subject  to  the  direction  and  control  of  the  Depart- 
ments, and  for  which  a  rent  is  expected  equal  to  that  of  other  boxes  in  the  same  office. 
A  letter-box  may  be  considered  a  particular  space  in  the  post  office,  which  for  a  con- 
sideration is  set  apart  for  the  exclasive  use  of  an  individual  for  the  greater  facility  of 
the  person  to  whom  it  is  assigned  in  receiving  his  mail-matter,  and  to  be  a  source  of 
revenue  to  the  Department.  Its  use  is  subject  to  and  controlled  l)y  the  regulations  of 
the  Department,  which  have  been  framed  and  adopted  with  a  proper  regard  to  the 
purposes  for  which  it  is  allowed  to  be  and  is  erected. 

For  the  convenience  of  the  person  renting  a  box,  he  is  entitled  to  have  put  in  it  the 
letters  of  his  family,  firm,  or  company,  and  those  of  his  friends  stopping  temporarily 
with  him,  if  directed  to  his  care  or  the  number  of  his  box  ;  but  to  protect  the  revenues 
of  the  Dep.artment  it  is  provided,  that  letters  addressed  to  other  persons  residing  in 
the  same  place,  ai\d  living  and  doing  business  separate  and  apart  from  a  box-holder, 
should  not  be  placed  in  the  box. 


334  POSTAL   LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

In  order  to  protect  the  revenues  aud  to  prevent  the  improper  use  of  the  privilege  of 
box-holders,  postmasters  should  use  proper  care  that  none  should  have  the  jirivilege 
of  the  box  except  those  to  whom  it  is  allowed  under  the  regulations. 

In  the  exercise  of  this  care,  the  difficulties  and  embarrassments  that  will  most 
frequently  occur  to  postmasters  will  be  the  disposition  to  be  properly  made  of  letters 
addressed  to  initials  or  fictitious  names. 

This  embarrassment  may  be  removed  by  instructions  from  the  renter  of  the  box 
directing  the  jiostmaster  that  letters  so  addressed  are  intended  for  some  of  the  persons 
who  are  allowed  to  have  his  or  her  letters  put  in  his  box.  All  the  regulations  of  the 
Department  in  relation  to  the  delivery  of  letters  are  framed  with  care  to  secure  the 
certain  delivery  of  the  letters  to  the  persons  to  whom  they  are  addressed  aud  to  none 
other. 

The  Department  may  be  relieved  from  the  duty  of  delivering  them  directly  to  the 
person  to  whom  they  are  addressed  if  the  address  directs  them  to  be  delivered  at  a 
designated  place  withiu  the  delivery  of  the  office  to  which  they  are  addressed.  But 
the  question  may  uot  unfrequently  be  asked,  Is  a  box  in  a  post-office  a  designated 
place  within  the  intendment  of  the  term  as  used  in  the  regulations  of  the  Department, 
and  in  which  letters  addressed  to  fictitious  persons,  or  firm.s,  or  to  initials,  or  to  no 
particular  person  or  firm,  aud,  further,  addressed  to  a  box  of  particular  number,  can  be 
placed  ?  I  think  not,  in  the  absence  of  instructious  from  the  renter  of  the  box,  satis- 
factory to  the  postmaster,  that  the  letters  so  addressed  are  intended  for  some  of  the 
persons  allowed  under  the  rules  to  have  their  letters  deposited  in  that  particular  box. 

If  it  was  otherwise,  the  restrictions  of  the  regulations  to  i)rotect  the  revenue  of  the 
Department  would  be  unavailing,  as  the  use  of  the  box  would  be  open  to  any  one  who 
desired  to  use  it,  and  for  that  purpose  would  resort  in  their  correspondence  to  the  use 
of  initials  or  fictitious  names. 

When  a  letter  is  addressed  only  to  a  particular  box  in  a  post-office,  the  presumption 
is  that  it  is  intended  for  the  person  who  rents  the  box  ;  but  that  presumption  does  not 
arise  when,  in  addition  to  the  address  to  the  box,  there  is  that  of  initials  or  names,  which 
are  not  the  initials  or  names  of  persons  whose  letters,  under  the  regulations,  are  enti- 
tled or  allowed  to  be  put  in  the  box.  These  remarks  are  not  applicable  to  registerd 
letters.  These  regulations  ^irovide  that  such  letters  "must  never  be  delivered  to  any 
person  but  the  one  to  whom  they  are  addressed,  or  to  a  person  whom  the  postmaster 
knows  to  be  authorized  to  receive  them.  A  receipt  for  each  registered  letter  delivered 
must  always  appear  on  the  sheets  provided  for  that  purjiose." 

In  relation  to  the  delivery  of  letters  addressed  to  fictitious  persons  or  firms,  to  initials? 
or  to  no  particular  person  or  firm,  the  157th  section  of  the  regulations  provides  that 
"such  letters  must  be  returned  at  the  end  of  each  mouth  to  the  Dead-Letter  Office, 
unless  directed  to  be  delivered  at  a  designated  i^lace,  or  to  the  care  of  a  certain  person 
or  firm,  within  the  delivery  of  the  office  to  which  they  are  addressed." 

Such  direction  relieves  the  Department,  in  the  delivery,  from  the  emban'assment 
arising  from  the  uncertainty  of  the  address. 

The  term  used  in  this  section  of  the  regulations  is  "fictitious  persons  or  finns,"  and 
is  not  applicable  to  firms  or  companies  conducting  a  real  and  legitimate  business  under 
a  style  or  name  which  is  not  that  of  any  member  of  the  firm  or  company,  and  for  that 
reason  might  be  termed  a  fictitious  name.  In  such  cases  letters  addressed  to  the  firm 
or  company  by  its  style  or  name  only  can  be  properly  delivered  to  any  known  member 
of  it.  The  proper  construction  of  this  term  of  the  regulation  would  limit  its  applica- 
tion to  letters  addressed  to  persons  or  firms  having  no  real  or  business  existence. 

It  appears  from  the  statements  accompanying  your  communication  that  John  M. 
Dagnall  rented  box  No.  153,  in  the  post-office  at  Brooklyn  ;  that  a  large  number  of 
letters  addressed  to  "Nathaniel  Mayfair,  P.  O.  box  153,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,"  arrived  at 
the  post-office  at  the  city  of  Brooklyn  for  delivery. 

From  this  address  the  postmaster,  in  the  absence  of  information  to  the  contrary, 
•would  properly  presume  that  "  Nathaniel  Mayfair"  was  the  name  of  a  real  aud  not  a 


TITLE    XII — OPINIONS.  335 

fictitious  person,  for  whom  the  h-tters  wore  intciKlfd,  aiul,  ho  jirosniiuii;^,  couhl  not  put 
them  for  delivery  in  the  box  rented  by  John  M.  DugniiU  until  sjitislied  that  Natlmniel 
Mayfair,  for  whom  the  letters  were  intended,  was  a  member  of  his  family  or  a  friend 
stopping  temporarily  with  him.  But,  if  against  this  presumption,  he  should  be  in- 
formed that  "Nathaniel  Mayfair"  was  a  fictitions  name,  which  John  M.  Dagnall  had 
assumed  for  a  presumed  legitimate  purpose  in  his  correspondence,  and  that  the  letters 
HO  addressed  were  intended  for  him,  then  the  letters  should  be  put  in  his  box  for  de- 
livery to  him,  the  address  to  the  box  being  equal  in  all  respects  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
livery to  an  address  to  his  care. 

The  use  of  initials  and  fictitious  names,  as  an  address  on  letters  to  be  sent  through 
the  mails  for  fraudulent  and  immoral  purposes,  is  much  to  be  deprecated,  but  they 
can  be  and  are  used  extensively  for  legitimate  and  proper  purposes,  and  in  the  ab- 
sence of  express  legislation  directing  it,  no  further  or  other  restriction  or  limitation 
coi\l(l  properly  be  imjiosed  upon  their  use  than  that  provided  by  a  fair  and  i)roper 
construction  of  the  157th  regulation  hereinbefore  referred  to. 

There  is  nothing  in  your  communication,  aside  from  the  suspicion  T\hich  attaches 
itself  to  the  use  of  a  tictitious  name  tinder  any  circumstances,  tending  to  show  that 
the  letters  uiuler  the  address  of  "Nathaniel  Mayfair"  were  used  for  a  purpose  -\vliich 
should,  under  the  law,  exclude  them  from  the  mails ;  and  the  statement  of  John  M. 
Dagnall  that  "Nathaniel  Mayfair"  is  a  fictitious  name  for  himself,  that  he  has  assumed 
in  his  correspondence  for  a  legitimate  purpose,  and  that  statement  being  confirmed  by 
the  address  to  the  box  of  which  he  is  the  renter,  and  other  circumstaTices,  I  can  see  no 
impropriety  in  gratifying  his  reciuest  "that  the  letters  now  in  the  Department  ad- 
dressed to  "Nathaniel  Mayfair,  P.  O.  box  153,  Brooklyn,"  should  be  delivered  to  him 
as  the  person  for  whom  they  were  intended. 
Resi>ectfully,  yours, 

T.  A.  PPENCE, 
Assistant  Attorney-General,  Post-Office  Department. 

Hon.  JoHX  A.  J.  Cheswell, 
Postniaster-Genei-al. 


[Number  (83)  Six.] 
Sureties  upon  Contracts.    Their  Liability,  how  Tested. 

1.  No  certain  and  unerriii<i  rule  can  be  laid  down  by  ■wliich  tbe  effect  of  other  liabilities  upon  the 
pecuttiary  rcsponsilulity  or  sutHeicncy  as  surety  of  a  person  assuming  them  may  be  measured  or  de- 
termined; and  the  only  safe  rule  of  conduct,  by  one  who  is  called  upon  in  the  di8chai;:e  of  an  official 
duty  to  detemiine  the  efl'ect  and  extent  of  sueli  liabilities,  is  to  act  in  the  case  presented  as  a  prudent 
man  Would  act  in  a  similar  case  when  transacting  his  own  private  business. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorxey-General 

FOR  the  Post-Office  Depart.mext, 

Washington,  D.  C,  March  13,  1876. 
Sir:  I  have  carefully  considered  the  questions  embodied  in  the  following  letter, 
■which  you  have  submitted  to  me  : 

"  Washington',  March  10,  1876. 

".Sir;  In  the  matter  of  sureties  on  mail  contracts,  I  desire  instructions  on  the  fol- 
lowing points: 

"  1st.  Is  each  contract  to  be  considered  an  independent  transaction,  and  the  ability 
of  the  sureties  to  be  tested  as  to  its  amount  without  reference  to  the  fact  as  to  whether 
they  have  assumed  liability  on  other  contracts  ? 

"2d.  Where  the  same  sureties  have  assumed  liabilities  on  more  than  one  contract, 
shall  their  responsibility  be  tested  a<j  to  the  aggregate  liability,  and  their  ability  be  re- 


336  POSTAL   LAWS   AND   EEGULATIONS. 

quired  to  be  equal  to  the  aggregate  of  liability  assumed  on  all  the  contracts?    And  if 
not,  to  what  extent? 

' '  Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"J.   M.  EDMUNDS, 

'^Postmaster. 
"  Hon.  Marshall  Jewell, 

"Fostma^to'-General." 

I  would  state,  in  reply  to  the  first  question,  that  although  each  contract  is  to  be 
considered  an  independent  transaction,  yet  the  ability  of  the  sxireties  is  not  to  be  tested 
as  to  its  amount  without  reference  to  the  fact  as  to  whether  they  have  assumed  lia- 
bility on  other  contracts. 

As  to  the  second  question :  The  obligation  of  a  surety  in  the  bond  of  a  bidder  for 
mail  transportation  is  not  a  debt  in  the  ordinary  acceptation  of  the  term,  yet  it  is  a 
liability  which  affects  his  pecuniary  responsibility,  and  his  sufficiency  as  surety  in  any 
other  bond  is  diminished  in  proportion  to  the  number  and  extent  of  such  liabilities 
compared  with  his  property,  real  and  personal. 

No  certain  and  unerring  rule  can  be  laid  down  by  which  the  eifect  of  other  liabilities 
upon  the  pecuniary  responsibility  or  sufficiency  as  surety  of  a  person  assuming  them 
may  be  measured  or  determined  ;  and  the  only  safe  rule  of  condvict  by  one  who  is  called 
upon  in  the  discharge  of  an  official  duty  to  determine  the  effect  and  extent  of  such 
liabilities  is  to  act  in  the  case  presented  as  a  prudent  man  would  act  in  a  similar  case 
when  transacting  his  own  private  business. 

A  prudent  man  when  called  upon  in  the  transaction  of  his  private  business  to  deter- 
mine the  sufficiency  as  a  surety  of  a  person  offered  as  such,  to  secure  a  debt  or  the  i)er- 
formance  of  a  contract,  would  properly  inquire  into  the  property,  real  and  personal,  of 
the  person  offered,  and  the  direct  and  contingent  liabilities  for  which  his  property 
might  in  any  event  be  made  resiionsible.  With  the  same  carefulness  of  inquiry  does 
the  law  require  a  postmaster  to  act  before  he  certifies  to  the  sufficiency  of  the  sureties 
in  the  bond  or  contract  of  a  bidder.  The  law  expressly  requires  the  exercise  of  due 
diligence  by  a  postmaster  on  approving  the  bond  of  a  bidder,  under  the  penalties  of 
dismissal  from  office,  disqualification  from  holding  a  like  office  in  the  future,  and  pun- 
ishment, on  conviction,  by  fine  and  imprisonment ;  that  requirement  is  not  complied 
with  without  a  careful  inquiry  as  to  the  property  and  liabilities  of  the  persons  ofi'ered 
as  sureties,  and  the  exercise  of  an  impartial  judgment  upon  the  information  obtained 
by  snch  inquiry. 

This  is  my  answer  to  the  second  question. 
I  am,  very  respectfully, 

T.  A.  SPENCE, 
Assistant  Attorney-General,  Post-Office  Department. 

Hon  Marshall  Jewell, 
Postmaster-Genei'al. 


[Number  (122)  Seven.] 

Official  Envelopes,  Misuse  of,  by  Private  Individuals. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorney-General 

FOR  THE  Post-Office  Dkpartment, 

Washington,  D.  C,  November  8,  1877. 
Sir  :  Yonr  communication  of  the  2d  instant,  referring  to  this  office  certain  interrog- 
atories from  Charles  H.  Coster,  lias  been  considered.  In  reply,  1  liave  to  suggest  that 
so  far  as  disclosed  by  the  papers  submitted,  Mr.  Coster  sustains  no  such  rel.ation  to 
the  Department  as  entitles  him  to  the  information  sought.  If,  however,  you  should 
deem  it  proper  to  answer  hi»  comuuiuication,  I  have  the  honor  to  advise  you  that 


TITLE    XII OPINIONS.  337 

under  uo  tircunistancea  liii.s  a  postina.sti'r  a  ri^^ht  to  dftaiii  a  letter  iii»i>ii  wliieh  tlio 
full  anioiiiit  of  ])osta^e  lias  been  jtaitl.  lie  eaiiiiot,  luuler  any  circiuiiMtaiices,  l»e 
allowed  to  l)as(»  his  action  upon  a  i)resunu!d  kno\vle<l;r,)  <,{"  the  contents  of  a  Healed 
letter.  The  Haerc<lness  of  a  seal  is  inviolable.  The  law  ]>resuines  that  the  contents 
of  a  sealed  lett<'r  are  eonlidt-ntial,  except  in  so  far  as  they  may  he  divulged  hy  the 
jierson  havinjr  the  authority  to  break  the  seal,  and  this  presumption  is  conclusive. 
The  postmaster  has  no  right  to  know  and  has  no  authority  to  inquire  into  the  con- 
tents of  a  sealed  letter.  If  it  should  coiuo  to  his  knowledge,  aside  from  any  informa- 
tion that  the  letter  itself  might  furnish,  that  the  writer  had  improperly  and  illegally 
used  an  olticial  stamp  or  envelope,  it  would  bo  his  duty  to  report  such  violation  of  the 
law  to  the  proper  authorities  of  the  government.  It  would,  however,  even  in  that 
case,  be  his  duty  to  deliver  the  letter,  unless  restrained  from  so  doing  by  some  com- 
petent authority. 

KespectfuUv, 

A.  A.  FREEMAN, 

Assistant  Attorney-General  for  the  Post-Office  Department. 
Hon.  A.  D.  Hazen, 

Third  Assistant  Fostmanter-General, 


[Number  (130)  Eight.] 

Payment  of    Money-Orders  to  Fictitious   Address. — Validity   of  Power   of 
Attorney  after  Decease  of  Grantor. 

1.  Distinction  is  to  be  niacle  in  tlic  payment  of  uiouey-oideis  between  those  cases  where  assumed  names 
are  made  use  of  to  cover  a  le;iitimate  bona-fide  business  earned  on  with  a  legitimate  intent,  and  those 
where  the  business  itself  is  ((iiestionable  and  the  intent  a  frandulent  one. 

2.  Power  of  attorney  is  personal,  and  dies  with  the  party  giving  it. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorxey-Gexeral 

FOR  THE  Post-Office  Departmext, 

Washington,  D.  C,  July  16,  1878. 

Sir  :  Your  letter  of  the  8th  instant,  together  witli  inclosurcs,  has  been  considered. 

The  subject-matter  of  said  communication  and  inclosures  may  be  considered  under 
the  three  specitic  interrogatories  which  you  have  propounded  to  me,  and  which  are  in 
the  following  words,  to  wit : 

"1st.  Whether  a  money-order  issued  in  favor  of  a  person  or  company  having  no  ex- 
istence in  fact,  could  properly  be  paid  to  one  doing  business  behind  the  advertised 
name  or  style  of  such  pretended  person  or  company  ;  and  if  so  what  form  of  signature 
would  render  the  order  a  valid  voucher  under  the  provisions  of  law  respecting  the 
issue  and  payment  of  money-orders  ?  " 

"2d.  Where  an  advertised  business  conducted  under  a  personal  name,  such  as  'Jos. 
T.  Inman,'  has  been  legally  transferred,  would  it  be  proper  to  pay  to  successors  in  such 
business,  say  'Allison  and  Hearue,'  an  order  drawn  in  favor  of  Joseph  T.  luman  ;  and 
if  so,  Avould  a  receipt  in  form  like  Allison  and  Hearue,  successors  to  Jos.  T.  Inman,  or 
Allison  «&  Hearue,  doing  business  under  the  name  of  Joseph  T.  Inman,  serve  to  render 
the  order  a  sufficient  voucher  for  the  payment  ?" 

"3d.  Would  a  power  of  attorney  to  collect  or  to  sign  be  of  effect,  or  could  efifect  be 
given  thereto,  under  any  circumstances  in  the  case  of  a  money-order  drawn,  or  of  ono 
presented  for  payment,  after  the  decease  of  the  person  named  as  payee  of  such  order, 
and  by  whom  such  power  of  attorney  Avas  executed  ?" 

In  reply  to  your  Urst  question,  as  to  whether  a  money-order  issued  in  favor  of  a 

person  or  company  having  no  existence  in  fact  could  properly  be  paid  to  one  doing 

business  behind  the  advertised  name  or  style  of  such  pretended  person  or  company,  I 

have  to  advise  you  that  a  proper  solution  of  the  question  depends  upon  a  correct  ascer- 

22  p  L 


338  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 

tainment  of  the  facts  of  eacli  particular  case  as  it  may  arise.  EverytMug,  or  at  least 
very  much,  depeuds  upon  the  quo  animo  of  the  party  using  the  name.  Distinction  is  to 
be  made  between  those  cases  where  assumed  names  are  made  use  of  to  cover  a  legiti- 
mate iona  fide  business  carried  on  with  a  legitimate  intent  and  those  cases  where  the 
business  itself  is  questionable  and  the  intent  a  fraudulent  one.  Imaginary  or  catch 
titles  are  often  made  use  of,  in  this  country  at  least,  as  a  means  of  advertising  a  strictly 
legitimate  business. 

One  of  the  cases  cited  by  the  postmaster  at  New  York,  in  his  letter  of  the  2Sth  June, 
will  serve  as  an  illustration  of  this. 

J.  T.  Gilman  is  a  responsible  tea  merchant,  but  he  does  his  business  under  the  names 
of  "The  Great  American  Tea  Co.,"  "The  Great  Atlantic  and  Pacific  Tea  Co.,"  etc. 
He  doubtless  finds  it  to  his  advantage  to  thus  advertise,  and  the  use  of  these  titles 
can  scarcely  subject  him  to  the  charge  of  using  a  fictitious  title  within  the  meaning 
of  the  statute.  If,  however,  J.  T.  Gilman  should  be  an  assumed  name,  and  if  in  addi- 
tion he  should  make  use  of  any  one  or  all  of  these  titles,  and  be  not  engaged  in  the 
trade  which  these  titles  indicate,  or  if  he  should  make  use  of  a  legitimate  title  to  cover 
a  fraudulent  business  or  a  business  of  the  class  denounced  in  section  3929  of  the 
Revised  Statutes,  he  would  clearlj'  come  within  the  scope  of  your  first  interrogatory. 

In  the  case  which  you  have  particularly  referred  to  this  office  it  appears  that  Messrs. 
Allison  and  Hearne  make  and  sell  a  medicine  which  they  advertise  as  the  discovery  of 
Rev.  Jos.  T.  Inmau.  One  of  the  firm  personated  Jos.  T.  Inman,  in  signing  money-orders 
drawn  to  him  or  his  order,  until  it  was  discovered  by  the  New  York  office  that  there 
was  no  such  j)erson  as  Jos.  T.  Inman  doing  business  as  pretended.  It  was  then  al- 
leged by  Allison  and  Hearne  that  Jos.  T.  Inman  was  deceased,  and  they  still  claim  to 
be  the  equitable  owners  of  the  orders,  entitled,  moreover,  to  sign  the  orders  by  virtue 
of  a  power  of  attorney  given  to  Allison  by  Jos.  T.  Inman  in  1858,  but  which  had  since 
been  lost. 

It  is  stated  also  in  the  letter  of  Mr.  James,  heretofore  alluded  to,  that  the  business 
in  which  these  parties  are  engaged  is  of  a  questionable  nature. 

Under  the  circumstances  of  this  case  I  should  advise  you  that  the  payment  of  money- 
orders  drawn  to  the  order  of  Jos.  T.  Inman  should  be  refused. 

As  to  your  second  interrogatory,  I  answer  in  the  affirmative  to  both  branches  of  it. 
The  postmaster,  however,  to  whom  such  orders  are  presented  for  iiaymeut  should  be 
satisfied  as  to  the  legality  of  the  transfer  of  the  business  of  the  payee  and  the  identity 
of  the  persons  purporting  to  be  the  successors  of  such  payee. 

Your  third  interrogatory  is  susceptible  of  but  one  answer.  A  power  of  attorney  to 
collect  or  to  sign  a  money-order,  drawn  or  presented  for  payment  after  the  decease  of 
the  jjerson  named  as  payee  of  such  order,  and  by  whom  such  power  of  attorney  was 
executed,  is  void  and  of  no  effect  in  law.  It  is  of  a  personal  character,  and  dies  with 
the  person  granting  it.    The  papers  submitted  are  herewith  returned. 

July  27, 1878. 

Sir  :  I  am  in  receipt  of  the  letter  of  Mr.  James,  postmaster  at  New  York,  under  date 
of  the  25th  instant,  and  addressed  to  yourself,  relative  to  my  opinion  of  the  ICth  in- 
stant in  the  case  of  Allison  and  Hearne,  submitted  by  your  office  under  date  of  July 
10th. 

In  his  letter  of  the  25th  Mr.  James  calls  attention  to  my  answer  to  the  second  ques- 
tion propounded  by  you  in  your  former  letter,  and  its  probable  eff"ect  if  adopted  un- 
qualifiedly as  the  rule  in  paying  the  class  of  money-orders  referred  to,  in  depriving  the 
j)ayee  of  his  heretofore-unquestioned  right  to  all  his  money-order  remittances. 

For  the  sake  of  connection,  I  (|uote  again  the  second  interrogatory  iiroponnded  in 
your  former  letter  and  my  answer  thereto.     The  question  and  answer  are  as  follows : 

"When  an  advertised  business,  conducted  under  a  personal  name,  such  as  Jos.  T. 
Inman,  has  been  legally  transferred,  would  it  be  proper  to  pay  to  successors  in  such 
business,  say  'Allison  and  Hearne,'  an  order  drawn  in  favor  of  Jos.  T.  Inmau;  and,  if 


TITLE    XII OPINIONS.  339 

so,  would  a  rofcijit  in  form  liko,  'Allison  and  Hoanio,'  succcssorH  to  Jog.  T.  Inniaii,  or 
'Allison  and  Hrarno'doin^i  business  under  the  name  of  Jos.  T.  Innian,  serve  to  n-mler 
tlui  order  a  surtieieut  voueher  for  tln^  ])aynient  V 

To  this  (juestion  the  reply  was  as  follows  : 

"As  to  your  second  interrogatory,  I  answer  in  the  atlirniative  to  both  hranehes  of  it. 
The  postmaster,  however,  to  whom  such  orders  arc  presented  for  payment  should  ho 
satisHed  as  to  the  legality  of  the  transfer  of  the  business  of  the  payee  and  the  identity 
of  the  persons  purporting  to  be  the  successors  of  such  payee." 

As  a  general  proposition  of  law,  I  have  no  doubt  of  the  correctness  of  this  view.  It 
must  be  borne  in  mind,  however,  that  the  money-order  sought  to  be  collected  by  the 
transferee  must  be  directly  connected  with  the  business  transferred.  The  transferee 
must  have  a  direct  interest  in  the  order  presented  for  payment  growing  out  of  the 
transfer.  This  interest  might  or  might  not  attach  to  remittances  drawn  to  the  prede- 
cessor of  the  transferee.  That  would  depend  iipou  the  nature  of  the  transfer.  A.  B. 
may  transfer  not  only  his  right  and  title  to  the  business  in  question  to  C.  D.,  but  the 
transfer  may  include  all  outstanding  claims  or  debts  of  A.  B.  If  such  be  the  case,  C. 
D.,  as  the  successor  of  A.  B.,  would  have  the  uudovibted  right  to  receipt  for  all  money- 
orders  drawn  to  the  order  of  A.  B.  in  anyway  connected  with  the  business  transfen-ed. 
If,  however,  the  transfer  applied  only  to  the  right  to  continue  the  business  under  the 
title,  only  such  money-orders  could  be  receipted  for  by  C.  D.  as  were  incident  to  the 
ti'ansfer  of  the  title. 

It  is  proper  to  observe  in  this  connection  that  after  fully  considering  the  letter  of 
the  postma^ster  at  New  York,  and  the  cases  suggested  by  him,  where  a  .strict  applica- 
tion of  the  rule  would  work  injustice,  I  am  satisfied  that  it  would  be  difficult  to  lay 
down  any  general  proposition  for  his  guidance.  Each  case  must  stand  ui)on  its  owu 
merits.  The  course  suggested  by  Mr.  James,  to  wit,  of  requiring  the  payee  to  either 
receipt  tlie  order  or  authorizing  in  writing  another  to  collect  and  receipt  for  him,  is 
unquestionably  the  safest  one. 

Very  respectfully, 

A.  H.  BISSELL, 

Acting  Assistant  Attorney-General,  Post-Office  Department. 

Hon.  C.  F.  McDoxALD, 

Superintendent  Money-Order  System. 

Approved.  A.  A.  FREEMAN, 

Assistant  Attorney-General  for  the  Post-Office  Department. 


[Number  (132)  Nine.] 

Fraudulent  Use  of  the  Mails. 

Office  op  the  Assistaxt  Attorxey-Gexeral 

FOR  the  Post-Office  Departmext, 

JVashington,  D.  €.,  August  16,  1878. 

Sir:  The  circular,  purporting  to  have  been  issued  by  the  "Albion  Portrait  Works," 
submitted  by  you  for  my  opinion,  is  unmailable  under  section  4041  of  the  Revised 
Statutes.     That  section  reads  as  follows : 

"The  Postmaster-General  may,  upon  evidence  satisfactory  to  him  that  any  person 
is  engaged  in  conducting  any  fraudulent  lottery,  gift-enterprise,  or  scheme  for  the 
distribution  of  monej-,  or  of  any  real  or  personal  property,  by  lot,  chance,  or  drawing 
of  any  kind,  or  in  conducting  any  other  scheme  or  device  for  obtaining  money  through 
the  mails  by  means  of  false  or  fraudulent  pretenses,  representations,  or  promises,  for- 
bid the  payment,  by  any  postmaster,  to  any  such  person  of  any  postal  money-order 
drawn  to  his  order  or  in  his  favor,  and  may  provide  by  regulations  for  the  return,  to 
the  remitter,  of  the  sums  named  in  such  money-orders.  But  this  shall  not  authorize 
any  person  to  open  any  letter  not  addressed  to  himself." 


340  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

This  is  uudoiibtedly  a  scheme  for  the  distribution  of  "  money  "  or  "personal  jn-nperty  " 
by  "lot"  or  "chance,"  and  should  he  stamped  as  a  "fraud"  and  excluded  from  the 
mails.  It  is  evident  upon  the  most  casual  examination  of  the  circular  that  the  "Albion 
Portrait  Works"  (which  seems  to  have  an  international  existence,  an  office  located 
for  one  purpose  in  Canada  and  a  different  office  for  a  dilferent  purpose  in  the  United 
States)  cannot  comply  with  its  undertakings,  True,  it  claims  that  it  cau  aftbrd  to 
make  these  immense  sacrifices  to  secure  a  large  circulation,  and  by  that  means  an  ex- 
tensive advertisement  of  its  paintings.  This  plea  will  not  avail  to  cover  up  the  fraud. 
No  honest  man  would  advertise  to  give  away  a  hundred-dollar  gim  or  a  forty-dollar 
gun  in  order  to  sell  a  twenty-five  dollar  picture.  But  admitting  that  these  gifts  or 
prizes  are  to  be  distributed  as  set  out  in  the  circular,  the  author  of  this  scheme  shows 
that  they  are  distributed  by  c/i.a"ce,  and  explains  in  detail  the  mode  of  distribution, 
thus  bringing  his  scheme  so  clearly  within  the  inhibition  of  the  statute  as  to  render 
comment  unnecessary.  The  objection  frequently  iirged  against  lotteries  is  that  they 
are  not  governed  alone  by  lot  or  chance.  This  author,  however,  is  particular  to  de- 
monstrate that  under  his  scheme  it  is  impossible  that  anything  save  the  merest  chance 
should  control  his  distribution,  not  even  the  sender  of  the  prize  or  gift  being  allowed 
to  know  what  the  gift  is.  It  avails  nothing  to  say  that  the  so-called  "Premium  gift 
order"  is  sent  unsolicited,  and  that  the  recipient  has  his  option  to  retiiru  it  accom- 
panied by  the  additional  j)rice  of  the  picture  or  to  retain  or  destroy  the  order.  If 
the  orders  are  worth  what  they  purport  to  be  (varying  from  twenty-five  to  four  hun- 
dred per  cent,  of  the  price  of  the  painting),  then  the  company  cannot  aftbrd  to  give 
them  away.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  they  are  worthless,  as  the  manner  of  giving  them 
to  every  man  who  is  willing  to  receive  them  from  the  postmaster  would  seem  most 
clearly  to  demonstrate,  then  it  is  a  fraud,  and  ought  to  be  suppressed.  If  tbis  grand 
gift  concern,  alias  "The  Albion  Portrait  Works,"  is  engaged,  as  it  purports  to  be,  in, 
recklessly  squandering  and  giving  away  its  property,  it  would  be  a  stroke  of  good 
fortune  to  have  its  business  suppressed.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  an  attempt  to 
defraud  the  public,  then  its  victims  are  entitled  to  the  protection  atibrded  them  by 
the  restrictions  the  law  has  thrown  around  the  use  of  the  mails. 
Very  respectfully, 

A.  A.  FREEMAN, 
Assistant  Attorncij-General  for  the  Post-Office  Department. 
Hon.  Jos.  H.  Blackfax, 

Snperintendent  Foreign  Afails. 


[No.  (157)  Ten.] 

Advertising  Sheets. — What  Constitutes  a  "  Regular  Publication,  Designed 
Primarily  for  Advertising  Purposes." 

1.  In  asccrtaiiiiug  the  primary  purpose  of  the  paper,  we  are  not  confined  to  cither  its  cditoiial  or 
advertising  columns  ;  for  it  is  a  fact  that  will  hardly  bo  controverted  that  by  far  the  most  valuable 
advertisements  are  those  which,  in  the  nature  of  editoiials,  call  particular  attention  to  that  character 
of  business  in  which  the  advertiser  is  engaged.  This  is  especially  true  when  the  particular  character 
of  business  thus  advertised  can  be  conducted  at  but  one  place,  and  the  editor  or  proprietor  is  the  only 
person  advertised  as  engaged  in  that  particular  business. 

2.  A  paper  owned  and  controlled  by  one  or  several  individuals  or  business  concerns  and  conducted  as 
an  auxiliary,  and  essentially  for  the  advancement  of  the  main  business  or  calling  of  those  wlio  own  or 
control  them,  is  an  advertising  sheet  within  the  intent  of  the  law. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorney-General 

FOR   THE   PoST-OfFICE   DEPARTMENT, 

Washiiifjton,  I).  C,  March  7,  1879. 
Sir:  Iu  compliance  with  your  verbal  request,  I  have  examined  the  petition  of  Mr. 
****   **  *  *   asking  that  the  question   of  the  proper  classification  of  the  ****  **** 
a  paper  published  in  the  city  of  Washington,  D.  C,  bo  reopened  and  reviewed  by 


TITLE    XII — OPINIONS.  341 

tho  Pcpai'tmont.      Mr.  *»•*»»  proposes  to  support  his  application  lij"  substantially 
the  following : 

l8t.  His  own  affidavit,  showiiin  that  the  **•*  ••**  is  not  pnhlishod  "primarily 
for  advortisinjr  purposes  " ;  aiul,  further,  that  said  paper  is  not  published  at  nominal 
rates  nor  for  free  circulation. 

2d.  That  the  Post-Ollice  Department  knowin<,'ly  permits  other  papers,  which  are 
notoriously  advertising  sheets,  to  fjo  throu<,'h  the  mails  at  juMind  rates,  eitinjf  the 
"  Scientific  American,"  "Tho  Boston  Journal  of  Chemistry,"  "The  Star-Span<;led 
Banner,"  etc. 

M.  Tliat  the  law  officer  of  the  Department  stated  that  the  Scientific  American  was 
permitted  to  i)ass  throujih  the  mails  at  the  jmuiid  r.ates  hecanse  of  its  wide  and  ex- 
tensive circulation,  while  the  *****  ****  has  a  circulation  as  large,  if  not  larger, 
than  the  Si'ientific  American. 

4th.  That  he  is  making  a  profit  of  .9:?,000  per  year  from  the  sul)Scrii)tions  received. 
5th.   That  the  order  excluding  the  ****  ****  from  the   pound  rates  is  an  unjust 
discrimination  against  its  stibscrihers,  who  are  soldiers. 

He  proposes  to  show  by  letters  from  "tens  of  thousands  of  ex-soldiers  that  they 
look  upon  the  ****  ****  as  a  newspaper,  and  that  they  believe  themselves  outraged 
by  the  government  in  this  unjustifiable  attempt  to  interfere  with  their  family  paper." 
The  petition  then  concludes  as  follows: 

"  I  propose  to  prove  that  the  word  primarily  does  not  attach  to  a  paper  where  sev- 
enteen-eighteenths  of  the  same  is  not  advertising,  but  that  the  whole,  or  nearly  the 
-whole  part  of  the  paper  must  be  used  for  advertising  before  the  word  'primarily '  can 
rightfully  attach  thereto  in  the  meaning  of  the  law. 

"All  of  which  I  ask  permission  to  submit,  in  order  to  revoke  the  order  excluding  the 
****  ****  from  its  just  rights  under  the  laws." 

It  will  be  observed,  in  the  first  place,  that  the  petitioner  does  not  ask  for  a  review  of 
the  ruling  of  the  Department,  on  the  ground  that  the  evidence  otfered  to  be  submitted 
is  new  or  that  is  was  not  heard  when  the  matter  of  the  classification  of  the  paper  was 
originally  before  the  Department.  Before  yon  can  be  asked  to  review  your  action  in 
the  premises,  I  am  of  the  opinion  the  petitioner  ought  to  submit  new  facts,  or  else 
show  in  a  very  satisfactory  manner  that  the  original  ruling,  as  based  on  the  facts 
already  adduced,  was  wrong.  This  the  petitioner  does  not  do.  The  statement  proposed 
to  be  made  that  the  ****  ****  is  not  piihlished  "jmmarih/  for  adrertisinri  purposeii  " 
is  more  of  the  natnre  of  a  conclusion  of  law  than  a  statement  of  a  fact.  A  paper,  the 
principal  ol)ject  or  design  of  which  is  to  advertise  a  particular  trade  or  profession,  edited 
and  controlled  by  a  person  engaged  in  the  particular  trade  or  professi(ni  advertised 
in  its  columns,  falls  within  the  class  defined  by  law  to  be  "  regular  publications  de- 
signed primarily  for  advertising  purposes."     (Sec.  1.5,  act  approved  July  1'2,  1876.) 

In  ascertaining  the  primary  purpose  of  the  paper,  we  are  not  confined  to  either  its 
editorial  or  advertising  columns;  for  it  is  a  fact  that  will  hardly  be  controverted  that 
by  far  the  most  valuable  advertisements  are  those  which,  in  the  nature  of  editorials, 
call  particular  attention  to  that  character  of  business  in  which  the  advertiser  is  en- 
gaged. This  is  especially  true  when  the  particular  character  of  business  thus'adver- 
tised  can  be  conducted  at  but  one  place,  and  the  editor  or  proprietor  is  the  only  per- 
son advertised  as  engaged  in  that  particular  business. 

I  therefore  conclude  that  the  matters  of  fiict  otfered  to  be  set  forth  in  the  affidavit 
of  the  petitioner  might  be  true,  and  yet  not  inconsistent  with  the  judgment  already 
rendered  Ijy  the  Department. 

A  regular  publication,  designed  primarily  for  advertising  purposes,  may  possess 
every  characteristic  set  out  in  Mr.  ******  proposed  affidavit.  As  to  the  state- 
ment that  it  is  not  published  at  nominal  rates,  that  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  ques- 
tion as  to  whether  its  primary  purpose  is  that  of  advertising.  Papers  that  are  pub- 
lished for  free  circulation,  or  at  nominal  rates  of  subscription,  form  a  distinct  class. 
The  paper  in  question  may  have  a  large  and  lona-fide  subscription  list,  from  which 


342  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

its  proprietor  may  derive  a  large  income;  it  may  possess  all  the  xiaraplierualia  of  a 
newsi>aper,  possessing  a  known  office  of  publication,  issued  in  regular  numbers,  con- 
veying intelligence  of  passing  events,  &c.,  and  yet  be  a  "  regular  publication  designed 
primarily  for  advertising  purposes." 

I  am  not  called  upon  to  determine  whether  the  paper  in  question  falls  within  that 
class ;  that  question  has  already  been  determined ;  and  I  am  called  upon  to  say  whether 
the  evidence  proposed  to  be  submitted  is  sufficient  of  itself  to  reverse  that  conclusion. 

This  question  is  invested  with  almost  insuperable  difficulties. 

The  15th  section  of  the  act  of  July  12,  1876,  provides  that  ''transient  newspapers 
magazines,  and  regular  publications,  designed  primarily  for  advertising  ptirposes,  or 
for  free  circulation,  or  for  circulation  at  nominal  rates,  and  all  printed  matter  of  the 
third  class  except  unsealed  circulars,  shall  be  admitted  to  and  transmitted  tln-ough 
the  mails  at  the  rate  of  one  cent  for  every  two  ounces  or  fractional  jjart  thereof," 

What  is  a  "regular  publication  designed  primarily  for  advertising  purposes"?  In 
order  to  arrive  at  a  proper  conclusion,  it  may  be  necessary  to  examine  critically  two 
words  used  in  the  paragraph,  namely,  "designed"  and  "  primarily."  The  term  design 
means  to  intend,  to  purpose  ;  i.  e,,  a  pajier,  the  intention  or  purpose  in  the  publication 
of  which  is  to  advertise.  But  this  must  be  its  "primary"  purpose.  The  term  "pri- 
mary" here  relates  not  to  the  order  of  time  when  this  purpose  was  formed,  but  relates 
to  the  character  of  this  design,  its  dignity  and  importance.  It  means,  therefore,  a 
regular  iiublication,  the  principal  purpose  or  object  of  which  is  to  advertise. 

But  we  are  told  that  the  principal  profit  derived  from  the  most  of  periodical  publi- 
cations is  derived  from  advertisements,  and  therefore  we  are  asked  to  conclude  that 
advertising  is  the  principal  object  of  the  leading  newspapers  of  the  country;  and  as 
it  was  not  the  design  of  Congress  to  include  the  common  current  newsiiapers  of  the 
day  in  this  class,  that  therefore  this  definition  is  unsatisfactory. 

But  we  must  not  confound  the  "desire  "or  "  wish"  of  the  publisher  with  his  "design." 
His  wish  or  desire  is  to  make  money.  His  design  is  to  do  so  by  means  of  publishing  a  paper. 
He  may  conclude  to  publish  a  paper  having  no  advertisements  at  all — such,  for  instance, 
as  the  New  York  Ledger — or  he  may  conclude  to  publish  one  having,  like  the  New 
York  Herald,  a  large  amount  of  advertisements.  In  both  cases,  however,  his  business 
is  the  dissemination  of  newspaper  matter.  We  buy,  subscribe  for,  and  read  the 
Ledger  on  account  of  its  essays,  literature,  and  stories.  We  read  the  Herald  on 
account  of  the  world-wide  information  as  to  current  events  found  in  its  columns,  and 
also  on  account  of  the  varied  business  interests  it  advertises.  Whether  we  look  to  its 
advertising  or  editorial  columns  we  find  it  full  of  legitimate  newspaper  matter.  We 
look  in  vain  through  its  columns  to  ascertain  who  its  editor  is  or  what  his  business  is. 
In  fact,  there  is  nothing  in  either  one  of  the  papers  I  have  named,  or  the  thousand  of 
others  that  might  be  named  (for  I  have  instanced  these  two  as  the  leading  examples 
of  the  two  difierent  kinds  of  papers),  to  indicate  that  the  publishers  have  auy  other 
business  than  that  of  publishing  the  paper.  A  careful  examination  of  these  papers 
fails  to  disclose  that  the  editor  of  either  has  any  other  occupation  than  that  of  pub- 
lishing a  newspai^er.     The  one  advertises  for  nobody  ;  the  other  for  everybody. 

The  paper  under  consideration  pursues  neither  course  ;  the  burden  of  its  editorials 
and  general  reading  matter  is  directed  in  a  single  charmel,  viz,  that  of  building  up  the 
private  business  of  its  editor.  The  paper  is  devoted  to  the  interests  of  those  having 
claims,  present  or  pi'ospective,  against  the  government,  and  the  proprietor,  and  he 
alone,  is  advertised  as  engaged  in  the  business  of  collecting  these  claims.  To  fall 
Avithin  this  class  it  need  not  be  a  transient  or  irregular  publication,  nor  a  publication 
designed  for  free  circulation,  nor  for  circulation  at  nominal  rates ;  these  form,  as  already 
stated,  a  distinct  class  of  their  own,  and  the  rate  of  postage  on  each  is  prescribed  by 
law.  We  find  a  paper  imblished  at  a  point  where  a  particular  trade  or  profession 
amounts  to  a  specialty,  and  we  find  the  cohimns  of  said  paper  largely  devoted  to  a 
particuLar  trade  or  pn)fession;  its  editorials  principally  on  that  subject;  its  corre- 
spondence almost  exclusively  on  that  or  kindred  subjects;  the  burden  of  its  informa- 
tion relating  to  a  i^articular  subject,  as,  for  instance,  the  collection  of  claims  against 


TITLE    XII — OPINIONS.  343 

the  {loverniuoiit.  Whon  \vc  fmd  tlic*  wliolo  tnakcviip  t>f  tlic  ]tai)cr  of  a  character  to 
eatfli  tbo  ey»>  and  enlist  tho  intenMit  of  only  a  particular  class,  we  conclude,  of  course, 
that  it  is  what  is  denominated  a  "class  Journal."  That,  however,  is  not  suflicient  to 
exclude  it  from  the  pound  rates  ;  for  very  many  papers  of  this  class  are  everyday  ad- 
mitted to  the  mails  at  pound  rates.  But  when  we  proceed  a  step  further,  and  ascertain 
that,  in  addition  to  all  this,  the  paper  advertises  the  ^»v>j>cit'/«r,  <tn<l  him  alone,  as  en- 
gaged iu  a  business  outerpriso,  in  which  the  particular  class  of  persons  whose  interests 
are  apparently  sought  to  he  promoted  arc  most  deeply  interested,  I  think  we  may  well 
conclude  that  the  primary  or  principal  object  of  the  pajier  is  to  advertise  the  business 
of  the  editor. 

I  am  not  holding  that  a  lawyer,  mechanic,  or  physician,  a  claim  agent  or  nu'rchant, 
may  not  edit  a  legitimate  newspaper,  entitled  as  such  to  the  pound  rates.  I  do  hold, 
however,  that  when  a  person  engaged  in  any  of  the  trades  or  professions  named,  or 
others  of  similar  character  undertakes,  in  addition  to  and  in  connection  with  such 
occupation  or  profession,  to  publish  a  nciwspaper,  having  for  its  principal  object  the 
promotion  of  the  particular  class  of  business  in  which  its  proprietor  is  engaged,  con- 
veying through  its  columns  the  superior  facilities  of  its  editor  or  proprietor  for  the 
transaction  of  that  particular  business,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  impress  even  a  casual 
reader  with  the  fact  that  the  entire  influence  of  the  paper  is  devoted  to  forwarding 
the  professional  interests  of  its  editor  or  proprietor,  that  such  a  paper  falls  within  the 
rule.  Nor  does  it  materially  alter  the  case  that  such  a  papier  contains  a  largo  propor- 
tion of  reading-matter  of  interest  to  the  general  public.  It  is  not  the  amount  of  si)ace 
occupied  by  what  are  ordinarily  denominated  advertisements  that  brings  it  within  the 
rule.  Seventeen-eighteenths  of  the  paper  in  question  may,  as  the  petitioner  alleges, 
be  devoted  to  reading-matter.  The  rule  has  been  held,  and  I  think  correctly,  to  apply 
to  a  j)aper  tilled  with  reading-matter,  other  than  advertisements,  containing  not  a 
single  advertisement  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  that  term,  for  the  reason  that  it  made  the 
simple  announcement,  in  a  marginal  form,  that  it  was  published  by  a  tirm  engaged 
in  a  certain  trade  ;  as,  for  instance,  "  this  paper  is  published  by  John  Smith,  the  grocer." 
The  most  casual  examination  of  the  paper  under  consideration  discloses  the  interest 
of  its  publisher  in  its  circulation.  He  may  have,  as  he  says,  tens  of  thousands  of  sub- 
scribers, and  all  the  paraphernalia  of  a  regular  ncAvspaper.  His  paper  may  be  read, 
and  doubtless  is  read,  by  thousands  of  ex-soldiers  and  others  having  claims,  real  or 
prospective,  against  the  government ;  but  the  paper  is  so  apparently,  palpably,  and 
notoriously  devoted  to  forwarding  the  private  interest  of  the  pro])rietor  as  an  attorney 
or  claim  agent,  that  I  cannot  see  how  we  can  avoid  the  conclusion  that  the  paper  is 
devoted  primarily  to  advertising  his  business.  Suppose  instead  of  seventeen-eight- 
eenths, as  is  claimed,  ninety-nine  one  hundredths  of  the  space  were  devoted  to  matter 
relating  princiiially  to  the  subject  of  pensions  and  other  claims,  and  the  paper  should 
contain  a  simple  announcement,  in  some  peculiar  and  attractive  form,  that  it  wa* 
issued  by  John  Smith,  attorney  and  counsellor  at  law  and  solicitor  of  claims  and 
patents,  is  it  not  apparent  that  it  would  fall  within  the  rule  ? 

I  have  already  intimated  that  it  is  very  difificult  to  lay  down  any  general  rule  on 
this  subject.  I  think,  however,  we  maj"  adopt  as  a  basis  for  a  sound  discrimination 
on  this  subject  the  following  rule,  viz  :  A  paper  principally  or  very  largely  devoted 
to  a  jiarticular  interest,  as,  for  instance,  the  collection  of  claims  against  the  govern- 
ment or  the  sale  of  a  particular  article  of  manufiicture,  or  the  development  of  a  par- 
ticular section  of  couutrj-,  edited  and  controlled,  iu  the  first  instance,  at  the  seat  of 
government  by  a  claim  agent,  or,  in  the  second  instance,  by  the  proprietor  of  the 
article  advertised  iu  its  columns,  or,  in  the  third  instance,  by  a  real-estate  agent  in 
the  section  of  country  advertised  or  proposed  to  be  developed — such  a  paper  may  very 
safely  be  held  to  be  within  the  rule.  If  it  should  be  urged  as  an  objection  to  this  rule 
that  it  excludes  professional  men,  merchants,  and  artisans  from  the  editorial  class,  I 
reply  by  saying  that  the  law  interposes  no  obstacle  in  the  way  of  either  of  the  classes 
named,  exce^jt  to  say  that  they  may  not  burden  the  mails  with  advertisements  of  their 
private  interests  under  the  guise  of  publishing  a  newsi)aper  devoted  to  the  interests  of 
a  particular  class  of  persons  or  the  public. 


344  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

I  am  not  prepared  to  say  that  a  person  engaged  in  either  of  the  occupations  I  have 
named,  or  an  occupation  or  profession  of  kindred  character,  may  not  also  engage  in  edit- 
ing a  legitimate  newspaper  entitled  to  the  pound  rates  of  postage.  I  am  prepared  to 
say,  however,  in  view  of  the  law,  that  a  person  so  engaging  in  two  occupations  having 
so  little  legitimate  connection  ought  not  (if  the  paper  is  devoted  to  the  particular 
interest  in  which  he  is  engaged)  to  advertise  himself  at  all,  for  if  he  does  he  must 
know  that  he  raises  a  very  strong,  if  not  a  conclusive,  presumption  that  the  primary 
or  leading  object  of  his  paper  is  to  advertise  his  business.  If,  for  instance,  the  primary 
ol)ject  of  the  paper  under  consideration  is  to  serve  the  interest  of  the  soldier  element 
of  the  country,  it  is  submitted  that  the  general  interest  of  that  element  could  be 
equally  as  well  served  if  the  exclusive  advertisement  of  the  editor's  professional  busi- 
ness was  left  out  entirely.  It  is  no  more  to  the  interest  of  the  soldier  element  of  the 
country  to  know  that  blanks  and  forms  for  prosecuting  claims  for  pensions,  &c.,  can 
be  procured  from  the  proprietor  of  the  *****  *****^  and  that  such  claims  will  be 
collected  by  such  i^roprietor,  than  it  is  to  the  general  public  to  know  that  a  certain 
character  of  goods  can  be  procured  of  A.  T.  Stewart  &  Co.,  and  yet  a  copy  of  such  a 
paper  as  the  New  York  Ledger  containing  reading  matter  for  the  million,  and  without 
a  siugle  advertisement,  could  not  go  through  the  mails  at  pound  rates  if  it  contained 
the  simple  announcement  that  it  was  issued  by  A.  T.  Stewart  &  Co.,  merchant,  etc. 

The  law  could  interfere  by  saying  that  "notwithstanding  your  paper  is  tilled  with 
good  reading  matter ;  notwithstanding  not  a  single  advertisement,  in  the  ordinary 
sense  of  that  term,  is  found  in  your  columns,  yet  the  very  mode  in.  which  you  issue 
the  paper — nay,  the  very  fact  that  advertisements  of  all  business,  especially  all  rival 
firms,  is  excluded  from  your  coliimns,  shows  that  the  primary  object  of  issuing  the 
paper  is  to  advertise  your  business." 

I  deem  it  unnecessary  to  discuss  the  allegations  in  the  petition  that  other  journals 
are  admitted,  which,  under  the  law,  ought  to  be  excluded.  While  not  agreeing  to 
the  correctness  of  this  statement,  it  is  not  at  all  imjiossible  that,  in  the  construction 
or  application  of  a  statute  of  this  character,  mistakes  should  occur.  It  is  not  believed, 
however,  that  in  any  instance  has  a  paper  been  admitted  to  the  mails  at  pound  rates 
for  the  simple  reason  of  its  extensive  circulation ;  nor  for  the  reason  that  it  was 
regarded  by  a  large  number  of  persons  as  a  good  jiaper.  There  is  no  other  class  of 
persons  deserving  so  much  at  the  hands  of  the  government  as  the  soldier  class,  but  in 
the  absence  of  any  legislation  on  the  subject,  the  Department  can  make  no  distinction 
in  the  application  of  the  law  fixing  the  rates  of  postage  on  newspapers. 

A  paper,  the  primary  or  princijial  purpose  of  which  is  to  advertise  the  business  of  a 
gentleman  engaged  in  the  collection  of  j)ensions  or  other  claims  against  the  goveiu 
ment,  is  chargeable,  under  the  law,  with  precisely  the  same  rate  of  postage  required 
to  be  paid  on  a  paper  the  primary  j)urpose  of  which  is  to  advertise  any  other  business 
or  occupation. 

Very  respectfully, 

A.  A.  FREEMAN, 
Assistant  Ationiey-Gcvcral ,  Fost-Office  Ueiuirt incut. 

Hon.  D.  M.  Key, 

Post  mas  ter-Gen  era  1. 


[Number  (159)  Eleven."] 

Delivery  of  Letters,  Right  of  Trustees  to  Letters  addressed  to  a  Firm   by 
whom  they  were  Appointed,  Discussed. 

Office  of  the  Assistant  Attorxev-Gkxf.ral 

FOR  THE  Post-Office  Depaktmext, 

Washington,  D.  C,  April  5,  1879. 
Sir:  The  papers  submitted  by  you  on  this  day  show  that  on  the  3d  day  of  March, 
1879,  Trufant  &  Davis,  merchants  in  the  city  of  Boston,  executed  a  deed  of  trust  to 
George  Woods  Rice  and  Stephen  M.    Crosby.     The  deed,  or  so  much  thereof  as  relates 


TITLE    XII OPINIONS.  345 

to  the  qnestion  lioreinafter  stated,  is  as  follows :  •  *  "  "  Now,  therefore,  tli*>  said 
Trufiint  &  Davis,  for  the  purposivs  hereiu  coutaiued,  aud  in  consideration  of  one  dol- 
lar to  him  paid  )>y  the  said  parties  of  the  second  part,  the  receipt  whereof  is  hereby 
aeknowledjied,  do  hereby  grant,  harjjain,  soil,  assijrn,  and  convey  to  said  parties  of  the 
second  part,  all  the  floods,  Avares,  nienhandisc,  chattels,  etlects,  ehoscs  in  action, 
estates  and  property,  real  and  personal,  of  every  name,  nature,  and  description,  when-- 
socver  the  same  may  he,  helon<;ing  to  .said  parties  of  the  first  part,  tr)j;('ther  w  ith  all 
their  books  of  acconnts,  evidences  of  debt,  and  correspond<'nce  relatinf;  to  their  busi- 
ness, whether  now  in  their  hands  or  which  may  hereafter  come  to  them,  exccptin<^, 
however,  herefrom  their  household  furniture  and  etlects."  »  •  •  • 

Under  this  deed  the  trustees  claim  the  rij^ht  to  demand  and  receive  all  letters  ad- 
dressed to  the  makers  of  the  deed.  I  do  not  think  this  claim  can  be  maintain<'d. 
Under  all  ordinary  circnmstances  the  addressee  of  a  letter,  aud  he  alone,  is  entitled  to 
demand  it  from  the  postmasttu-.  The  exceptions  to  this  rule  are  very  few,  aud  rest 
iipou  well-defined  principles  of  natural  or  commercial  necessity. 

If  the  addressee  is  dead  it  is  physically  impossible  to  make  the  delivery  to  him  ;  it 
must  in  that  case  go  to  his  representative.  If  he  is  bankrupt  he  is  civiliter  mortuim, 
and  in  like  manner  incapable  of  receiving  letters  relating  to  the  matter  of  his  commer- 
cial life,  and  such  letters  are,  therefitre,  required  to  be  delivered  to  the  assignee  ;  not  to 
his  assignee,  but  the  assignee  appointed  under  the  law  without  his  direction.  He  is 
civilly  dead,  and  the  court  has  appointed  a  representative  to  take  charge  of  his  estate. 
He  is  incapable  of  receiving  his  correspondence,  aud  therefore  the  law,  ex  necessitate  rei, 
directs  its  delivery  to  another  ])erson. 

Here  the  case  is  different.  Both  parties  are  alive,  physically  and  commercially. 
Both  are  capable  of  contracting.  It  is  true  that  the  addressees  of  the  correspondence 
have  undertaken  to  convey  the  oorrespoudence  relating  to  their  busiiiess ;  but  this 
conveyance  is  limited  to  the  correspondence  now  in  their  (the  addressees')  hands,  or 
which  may  hereafter  come  to  them.  How  is  it  practicable  to  determine  before  a  let- 
ter is  opened  that  it  is  a  "  correspondence  relating  to  their  business  "  ?  The  fact  that 
it  is  addressed  to  the  tirra  is  a  very  strong  circumstance  in  favor  of  that  presumiition, 
but  by  no  means  conclusive. 

Under  this  deed,  if  the  assignee  is  entitled  to  receive  and  open  all  the  correspondence 
addressed  to  the  assignors,  it  would  be  their  duty  to  return  such  as  did  not  relate  to 
the  business.  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  assignors  are  entitled  to  receive  aud  open  letters 
addressed  to  them,  it  would  be  their  duty  to  return  to  the  trustees  all  letters  relating 
to  their  business. 

The  postmaster  ought  not  to  be  reqxiired  to  assume  the  responsibility  of  deciding  as 
to  the  proper  party  to  exercise  so  delicate  a  trust. 

It  would  have  been  an  easy  matter  to  so  draft  the  deed  as  to  have  made  it  operate 
as  a  direction  to  the  postmaster  to  deliver  all  the  correspondence  to  the  trustee,  if 
such  had  been  the  design  of  the  parties  to  the  deed. 

But  I  am  not  undertaking  to  decide  as  to  what  was  the  intention  of  the  parties  to 
the  deed.     It  is  enough  that  the  matter  is  left  in  doubt,  aud  wherever  the  least 
shadow  of  doubt  exists,  as  to  the  proper  person  to  receive  a  letter,  the  postmaster 
should  follow  literally  the  directions  ujiou  the  face  of  the  letter. 
Very  respectfully, 

A.  A.  FREEMAN, 
Assistant  Attorney-General,  Post-Office  Department. 

Hon.  James  N.  Tyxer, 

First  Assistant  Post  master- GeneraJ. 


346 


POSTAL   LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 


List  of  all  Opinions  Given  by  the  Assistant  Attorney-General  for  the  Post 

Office  Department. 


No, 


Subject. 


Date. 


2 
3 

4 
5 

G 

7 

8 

9,10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 
21 

22 
23 
24 
25 

26 
27 
28 
29 

30 

31 

32 
33 

34 

35 
38 
37 

38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 

44 

45 
46 


Construction  of  section  5464  Revised  Statutes.     Bang's  photo- 
graphic postal  card- 
Delivery  of  letters  to  members  of  dissolved  partnership 

Cancellation  of  official  stamps.     Construction  of  section  3855 
Revised  Statutes. 

New  service.     Construction  of  term 

Concealment   of   mail-matter.     Construction   of  section    3887 
Revised  Statutes. 

Local  or  drop  letters 

Mail  contractor's  oath 

Bona-fide  and  regular  subscribers.     Construction  of  term 

Moiety  to  informers 

Delivery  of  letters.     Effect  of  injunction  of  State  court 

Back  numbers.     Meaning  of  term 

Delivery  of  letters  of  deceased  person 

Sending  of  mail-matter  by  express.    Packet  and  package  defined . 

Gift   enterprises.      Sections   3894,3929,  4041,  and  5480  Revised 
Statutes. 

Obscene  publications.     Construction  of  act  of  March  3,  1873. 
Section  3893  Revised  Statutes. 

Copyright  act 

Continental  Bank-Note  Company.     Construction  of  their  con- 
tract of  January  25,  1873. 

Loss  of  money  in  the  mails 

Readjustment  of  compensation  for  railway  mail  service 

Delivery  of  letters  of  deceased  person.     Rights  of  widow,  child, 
and  legal  representative  discussed. 

Neglect  of  government  officials .. 

Readjustment  of  compensation  for  carrying  the  mails 

Production  of  letters  before  a  court  under  process  duces  tecum. .. 

Guarantors  of  a  bidder  for  mail-contract.     Postmaster's  certifi- 
cate as  to  their  responsibility. 

Letter-boxes.     Law  governing  the  use  of 

Mail  contracts.    Method  of  bidding  for,  and  obligation  of  bidders . 

Return  of  checks  or  drafts  accompanying  bids  for  mail  service. 

Official  stamps  to  be  furnished  Executive  Departments.     Con- 
struction of  section  4,  act  of  March  3, 1873. 

Successful  bidder  for  mail  service  cannot  associate  another  with 
him. 

Baltimore  aud  Ohio  Raih-oad.    Clai  m  for  extra  compensation  for 
carrying  mail. 

Postmasters'  salaries.     Readj ustment  of,  in  special  cases 

Interruption  of  mail  by  ferrymen.     Mail-carrier's  rights  in  cross- 
ing a  ferry. 

Carrying  the  mail.     Rights  of  legal  representatives  of  deceased 
contractors. 

Carrying  the  mail.   Power  of  Postmaster-General  to  contract  for. 

Lottery  letters.     Disposition  of,  now  in  the  Dead-Letter  Office.. 

Effect  of  discontinuance  of  post-office   upon  postmaster   ap- 
pointed by  President. 

Letters  addressed  to  letter-box 

Supplement.     Construction  of  word 

Carrying  mail  without  advertisement,  Avhcn 

Compensation  to  railroads  for  carrying  the  mails 

Mail  contracts.     Construction  of  section  3951  Revised  Statutes  . 

Apidicatiou  to  reconsider  the  rejection  of  the  bid  of  John  D. 
Johnson. 

Curtailed  service,  Term  discussed 

Failure  of  lowest  bidder  to  execute  contract  by  time  required.. 

Relative  to  the  compromise  of  the  claim  of  the  United  States 
against  Lowell,  late  i)ostmasfccr  at  New  Orleans. 


23  June,   1873. 


24  June, 

26  June, 

11  July, 
18  July, 

27  July, 
30  July, 

5  Aug., 
8  Aug., 
11  Aug., 
15  Aug., 
22  Aug., 
26  Aug., 
2  Oct., 


1873. 
1873. 

1873. 
1873. 

1873. 
1873. 
1873. 
1873. 
1873. 
1873. 
1873. 
1873. 
1873. 


23  Oct.,  1873. 


12  Nov., 
8  Dec, 

6  Jan., 

7  Jan., 

13  Jan., 

14  Jan., 
20  Jan., 

24  Jan., 
29  Jan., 

4  Feb., 
13  Feb., 
23  Feb., 

25  Feb., 


1873. 
1873. 

1874. 
1874. 
1874. 

1874. 
1874. 
1874. 
1874. 

1874. 
1874. 
1874. 
1874. 


6  Mar.,  1874. 
16  Mar.,  1874. 


17  Mar., 
20  Mar., 


1674. 
1874. 


26  Mar.,  1874. 

6  April,  1874. 

9  April,  1874. 

17  April,  1874. 

22  April,  1874. 

24  iVpril,  1874. 

8  May,  1874. 

15  May,  1874. 
28  May,  1874. 

3  June,  1874. 

9  June,  1874. 

16  June,  1874. 

18  June,  1874. 


TITLE    XII OPINIONS.  347 

List  of  opinions  (jivcn  by  Anxinldiil  Altornry-dcnvnil  for  J'oMt-Office  Diparltneut — Cont'd. 


Subject. 


Ri}:jlit  and  duty  of  ro.stnia.stf'r-Gcn<'ral  rof^ardiiijf  unliiiishcd  in- 
Vf.stij;a1ion  (if  itrcdt^ccssor.     Applii'atinu  lo  reopen  eas»i. 

What  advertisements  for  earryin;^  the  mail  must  eonlain 

Upon  tlie  ))roiM>sal  of  .Mr.  Hincdvly  to  submit  tiie  question  of 
compensation  to  I'hiladelphia,  Wilmington  tfc  Baltimore  liail- 
road  to  arliitration. 

Official  Postal  ( Jiiido.  Before  entering  into  contract  for  compila- 
tion and  publication,  must  there  be  an  advertisement. 

Use  of  the  mails  by  persons  advertisinj;'  gift-concerts,  etc 

Dcmau<l  for  a  maii  contract  as  next  lowcist  l>idder  because  of 
alleged  failure  of  the  contractor  to  perform  the  service. 

Against  award  of  contract  for  stamped  envelopes  and  wrappers 
to  Plymi)tou  Mauufactariug  Company.  Protest  of  George  H. 
Reay. 

Against  extending  time  for  furnishing  stamped  envelopes.  Pro- 
test of  Messrs.  Raynor  &  Co. 

Regai'ding  postage  on  foreign  periodicals  imported  and  mailed 
in  the  United  States. 

Transmission  of  newspapers  to  Europe  outside  of  the  mails 

Sureties  of  mail  contractors.  Duties  of  postmasters  certifying 
to  the  sufficiency  of. 

Newspapers  and  iieriodical  publications.  Construction  of  sec- 
tion 5,  act  of  Juno  23,  1874. 

Constitutional  powers  of  President  to  till  vacancies  originating 
during  the  session  of  the  Senate  and  continuing  during  the 
recess. 

Contractors  for  carrying  the  mails.  Section  3943  Revised  Stat- 
utes, does  not  restrict  contractors  to  owners  or  masters  of  steam- 
boats. Postmaster-General  may  let  contract  without  adver- 
tisement to  one  who  is  neither  a  master  nor  owner  of  a  steam- 
boat. 

Right  of  Postmaster-General  to  compromise  judgment  against 
Sinmis,  postmaster  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  sureties. 

Wliat  constitutes  "corrected  proof-sheets" -• 

Question  of  forfeitures  considered 

Periodical  publication.  What  constitutes,  within  the  intend- 
ment of  section  5,  act  of  June  23,  1874. 

Heirs  of  Sheldon  McKnight.  Application  to  have  the  case  re- 
opened. 

Liability  of  postmaster's  bond  for  loss  of  registered  package... 

Taking  or  receiving  of  letters,  etc.,  for  the  purpose  of  obstruct- 
ing the  correspondence  or  prying  into  the  business  or  secrets 
of  another.     Construction  of  section  3892,  Revised  Statutes. 

Power  of  Postmaster-General  to  contract  with  more  than  one 
railroad  to  carry  the  mails  over  same  route. 

Denver  Pacific  Railway  and  Telegraph  Company.  Claim  for 
compensation  for  tran8])ortation  of  mails. 

Application  for  reward  ottered  September  9,  1874.  In  re  J.  T. 
Morris. 

Oregim  Steam  Navigation  Company  vs.  Z.  S.  Moody 

Reweighiug  of  mails  on  railroad  routes.  Construction  of  sec- 
tions 4002-4005  Re\n8ed  Statutes. 

Failure  of  railroads  to  perform  service.    Rule  of  deduction 

Postal  convention  with  Canada.  Construction  of,  relative  to 
rei)aymeut  of  money-order  to  remitter. 

Southern  newspapers.  Compensation  to,  under  designation  of 
Clerk  of  House  of  Re])rosentatives. 

Deposit  of  postal  funds  by  postmasters  in  cities  where  there  is 
an  assistant  treasurer. 

Postal  cards.  Their  character  and  relation  to  the  postal  serv- 
ice. 

Curtailment  of  service.     Rate  of  compensation 

''Lap  service."  Rule  of  compensation  to  be  i)aid  to  Burlington 
and  Missouri  Railroad  Company. 


Date. 


11  July,    1874. 

14  Julv,    1874. 
21  July,    1874. 


24  July,  1874. 

20  Aug.,  1874. 

8  Sept.,  1874. 

6  Oct.,  1874. 


17  Oct.,  1874. 

28  Oct.,  1874. 

21  Dec,  1874. 

23  Dec,  1874. 

15  Feb.,  1875. 

19  Feb.,  1875. 

2  Mar.,  1875. 


11  Mar., 

1875. 

15  May, 

17  May, 

2  June, 

1875. 
1875. 
1875. 

5  June, 

1875. 

8  Juno, 
2G  June, 

1875. 
1875. 

14  Aug., 

1875. 

23  Aug., 

1875. 

27  Aug., 

1875. 

25  Oct., 
16  Nov., 

1875. 
1875. 

24  Nov., 
20  Dec, 

1875. 
1875. 

28  Dec, 

1875. 

19  Jan., 

1876. 

24  Jan., 

1876. 

25  Jan., 
25  Jan., 

1876. 
1876. 

348  POSTAL    LAWS   AND    EEGULATIONS. 

List  of  ojnnions  given  hy  Assistant  Attorney-General  for  Post-Office  Department — Cont'd. 


79 

80 

8l' 

82 
83 

84 

85 
86 

87 
88 
89 

90 

91 
92 

93 
94 

95 

96 

97 

98 

99 

100 

101 

102 
103 

104 

105 

106 

107 

108 

109 
110 
111 
112 

113 


Special  Agents.  Per  diem  allowance  to.  Construction  of  sec- 
tions 4017,  4019,  and  4020,  Revised  Statutes. 

"Lap  service."  Compensation  to  be  paid  to  Pittsburgh,  Cincin- 
nati and  Saint  Louis  Eailroad  Company. 

Electric  pen.  Circulars  written  with,  may  pass  through  mails 
as  third-class  matter. 

Bonds  of  bidder.     Approval  of,  by  clerk  in  post-office 

Sureties  u] ion  contracts.     Their  liability,  how  tested 

Claim  of  Bowling  Embry  for  compensation  during  time  of  sus- 
pension from  office. 

Claim  of  R.  W.  Gurley,  Superintendent  of  Free  Delivery,  for 
back  compensation. 

Pacitic  Mail  Steamship  Compauy.  Eight  of  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral to  pay  for  performance  of  service  in  steamships  of 
greater  burden  than  those  mentioned  in  their  proposals. 

Letter  boxes  in  post-offices  are  under  control  of  postmaster 

Letters  and  circulars  defined,  and  their  difference  shoAvn. 

Claim  of  George  H.  Giddings  for  carrying  the  mails  on  route 
No.  12900. 

''Lap  service."  Claim  of  Rockford,  Rock  Island  and  Saint  Louis 
Eailroad  Company  for  compensation. 

Assignment  of  contract.     Effect  of 

Compensation  to  railroad  companies  for  mail-messenger  service. 
Case  of  Baltimore  and  Potomac  Railroad. 

Extension  of  route  from  Bellaire  to  Pittsburgh 

Eailroad  companies  under  contract.  Whether  subject  to  the 
provisions  of  act  of  July  12,  1876. 

Importations  through  the  mails 

"Lap  service."  Claim  of  Alabama  Central  Eailroad  Company  for 
compensation. 

Rate  of  postage.  Eifect  of  autograph  signature  on  printed 
matter  which  is  incomplete  without  it. 

"Lap  service."  Claim  of  Northern  Central  Eailroad  Company 
for  compensation. 

Land-grant  railroads.  Application  of  section  13,  act  of  July  12, 
1876,  to  such  as  are  under  contract. 

Extension  of  service.  Claim  of  Cleveland  and  Pittsburgh  and 
Pittsburgh  and  Erie  Eailroad  Companies  for  compensation. 

Compensation  to  railroads  for  use  of  postal  cars.  A^ipli cation 
of  act  of  July  12,  1876. 

Advertisements.     Number  of  papers  in  District  of  Columbia... 

Ajiplication  to  Postmaster-General  to  enter  into  contract.  In  re 
Selucius  Garfield. 

Application  for  readjustment  of  mail  pay,  under  act  of  July  12, 
1876. 

Metric  system.     Construction  of  section  3880,  Eevised  Statutes  . 

Compensation  to  railroads  for  postal-car  service  not  subject  to 
reduction  of  section  1  of  act  of  July  12,  1876. 

Ante-bellum  mail  contract.  Wilmington  and  Weldon  Eailroad 
Company. 

Contract  for  furnishing  adhesive  postage-stamps. — Power  of 
Postmaster-General  to  limit  advertisements,  etc.,  to  certain 
class  of  persons. 

"Lap  service". — Claim  of  Memphis  and  Charleston  Eailroad 
Company  for  compensation. 

Indians  not  United  States  citizens.  Eight  to  hold  the  office  of 
postmaster. 

Protest  against  application  of  act  of  July  12,  A.  D.  1876.  Saint 
Paul  and  Sioux  City  Eailroad. 

Construction  of  section  3998,  Revised  Statutes.  Twenty-five 
percent,  for  night  service  to  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  South- 
ern Railroad. 

Extension  of  route.     Under  what  circumstances  can  it  be  ordered. 


15  Feb.,  1876. 
1  Mar.,  1876. 

3  Mar.,  1876. 

4  Mar.,  1876. 

13  Mar.,  1876. 

14  Mar.,  1876. 

16  Mar.,  1876. 

22  Mar.,  1876. 

23  Mar.,  1876. 
31  Mar.,  1876. 

1  April,  1876. 

17  April,  1876. 

20  April,  1876. 
12  July,  1876. 

12  July,  1876. 

21  July,  1876. 

28  July,  1876. 
31  July,  1876. 

25  Aug.,  1876. 

26  Aug.,  1876. 
1  Sept.,  1876. 

18  Sept.,  1876. 
26  Sept.,  1876. 

23  Nov.,  1876. 

29  Nov.,  1876. 

22  Dec.  1876. 

9  Feb.,  1877. 

17  Mar.,  1877. 

15  Mar.,  1877. 

5  April,  1877. 

3  May,  1877. 

3  May,  1877. 

10  May,  1877. 

18  May,  1877. 

24  May,  1877. 


TITLE    XII — OPINIONS.  349 

List  of  02)inion>i  given  by  AuMtntaiit  Altoniey-deiierul  for  Poat-Office  Department — Cont'd. 


114  Ri'fruliiiimbliciitioiisilfsifincdpiimarily foradvoitisiiigpurposps.      7  JiiiiP,    l"*??. 

115  CoustiiKtion  of  contract  for  I'liriiisliiiig  postal  cards KJ  .Iutic,    l?^?. 

lit)  I  Papyiojrraidiic  process  of  i)riutiii;f.     Newspaper  correspondence  j  18  June,    ld77. 

executed  liy. 

117  ,  Baltimore   and    Havana   .Stoauisliip   Company.     Claim  of,   for     iil  June,    1877. 
i       transportation  of  mails. 

118  i  Claim  of  (J.  H.  Giddiuys.     One  mouth's  pay  for  discontinuance     2'.'i  .June,   1877. 

of  service.  i 

119  Sioux  City  and  Saint  Paul  Railroad  Company.     Rate  of  com-  j     5  July,    1877. 
pensatiou  to.  | 

Saint  Louis  Practical  Photographer.     Insets  in  publications 12  July,    1«77. 

Uniforming  railway  clerks,  etc.     Right  of  Postmaster-General     27  Oct.,     1877. 

to  issue  order  for  tin-. 

Official  envelopes.     Misuse  of,  by  private  individuals i    9  Nov.,   1877. 

Allowance  to  post nuisters  for  rent.     When  post-oliice  drops  from  |    9  Nov.,   1677. 

second  to  third  class. 
New  Orleans,  Opelousas  and  Great  Western  Railroad  Company.      15  Nov.,    1877. 

Construction  of  section  1:5,  act  of  July  12,  1876. 
Subscribers  (regular).     Postmasters  acting  as  agents  only,  are     31  Dec.,    1877. 

not  subscribers.     Case  of  Cincinnati  Gazette. 

Disposition  of  money  recovered  in  the  mails 4  Jan.,    1878. 

Private  express.     Down-town  Letter  Office.     Carrying  letters       2  Mar.,    1878. 

outside  the  mails.  j 

Chicago,    Burlington    and  Quiucy  Raili-oad.     Protest  against  l  15  Mar.,    1878. 

reduction  of  compensation.  | 

Subcontractor's  lien.     Construction  of  sections  2  and  3,  act  of  I     1  June,    1878. 

May  17,  1878.  I 

Payment   of   money-orders  to   fictitious   address.     Validity  of;  16  July,    1878. 

power  of  attorney  after  decease  of  grantor. 
Uniform  canceling  ink.     Powerof  Postmaster-General  to  adopt,     24  July,    1878. 

etc.     Act  of  June  20,  1878.  i 

Albion  Portrait  Works.     Fraudulent  use  of  the  mails.     Section!  16  Aug.,    1878. 

4041,  Revised  Statutes. 
Silver  as  legal  tender.     To  what  extent,  in  the  money-order     17  Aug.,   1878. 
business. 
Drafts  sent  through  the  mails  for  postal  service  are  on  official     29  Aug.,  1878. 

business,  and  should  be  registered  as  such.  | 

Sureties  of  postmaster  liable  for  funds  improperly  credited  by  j     3  Sept.,  1878. 

bank  to  postmaster's  individual  account.     Case  of  McArthur,  | 

late  postmaster  at  Chicago.  I 

Application  for  compensation  for  carrying  United  States  mails  i  16  Sept.,  1878. 

February  and  March,  1866.     Selma  and  Meridian  Railroad  [ 

Company.  1 

Correction  of  mistake  in  language  of  lease.     Power  of  Post-  !  24  Sept.,  1878. 

master-General  to  allow. 
Rates  of  postage  on  publications  mailed  to  subscribers  within        1  Nov.,    1878. 

the  delivery  of  carrier  post-offices  by  news-agents  without  the  | 

same.     Construction  of  section  :}872  Revised  Statutes.  i 

Charges   against  postmaster  at  New  Loudon,  Conn.     Official  !  19  Nov.,    1878. 

misconduct   and   fraud  of  personal  rights,  while   assistant  I 

postmaster.     Mower  vs.  Tubbs.  ! 

Ordinary  postage-stamps.      Can  requisitions  for,  for  Depart-  '     3  Dec,    1878. 

ments  be  tilled  under  the  act  for  furnishing  official  stamps  ?  ; 
Duty  of  Auditor    in    reporting  to  First-Assistant,  fourth-class  '     4  Dec,    1878. 

post-offices,  etc. 
Selma,  Rome   and  Dalton  Railroad  Company,     Reduction  of     13  Dec,    1878. 

10  per  cent,  under  act  of  July  12,  1876.  i 

Extraordinary  increase   in    business   of  post-office    of  fourth  ]  16  Dec,    1878. 

class.     Salary  of  i)08tma8ter,  how  aliected  by  proviso,  act  i 

of  June  17,  1878.  | 

Application   of  Fisher  A.  Foster  for  compensation  for  index-  i     2  Jan.,    1879. 

ing  Postal  Laws  of  1872. 
Application  for  compensation  for  carrying  the  mails.      Saint     11  Jan.,    1879. 

Louis  and  San  Francisco  Railroad  Company.  1 


350  POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

List  of  ojnnions  given  by  Assistant  Attorney-General  for  Post-Office  Department — Cont'd. 


No. 


146 


147 

148 
149 
150 


151 
152 
153 


154 

155 
156 

157 

158 

159 

160 

161 
162 


163 
164 
165 
166 


Subject. 


Telegraphic  rates.  Construction  of  Postmaster-General's  order 
fixing. 

Howe  Scale  Company,  protest  against  award  of  contract. 
Question  of  want  of  consideration  raised. 

Application  for  compensation.  Leavenworth,  Lawrence  and 
Galveston  Railroad  Comi)any. 

What  constitutes  a  lease.  Obligation  of  the  government 
thereunder. 

Printed  blanks  in  periodicals.  Does  it  subject  them  to  third- 
class  rates  ? 

One  mouth's  extra  pay.     Are  sub-contractors  entitled  to? 

Franking  privilege.     Does  it  extend  to  members-elect  ? 

Acquiescence  in  action  of  the  Department,  by  claimant,  what 
constitutes.  Force  and  elfect  of  a  rule  of  the  Department 
discussed. 

Subletting  of  a  contract.  Copy  of  notice  required  to  be  filed 
with  Department. 

Claim  for  services  rendered  Special  Agent 

Railroad  companies  refusing  to  carry  the  mails.  How  Post- 
master-General should  act.  • 

What  constitutes  a  sheet  primarily  designed  for  advertising 
pui-poses. 

Sunday  service.  Power  of  the  Postmaster-General  to  discon- 
tinue. 

Delivery  of  letters.  Right  of  trustees  to  letters  addressed  to 
a  finn,  discussed. 

Official-penalty  envelopes.  Their  use  under  section  29,  act  of 
March  3,  1879. 

Lease  of  post-office  buildings.     Liability  of  government  for 

Mail  lettings.  Advertisement  of,  in  States  of  Virginia  and 
Maryland.  Can  an  advertisement  be  inserted  in  a  Wash- 
ington paper  ? 

United  States  vs.  Gregg.  Convicted  of  embezzlement.  Ap- 
plication for  pardon. 

A  regular  publication  designed  primarily  for  advertising  pur- 
poses.    Question  of  discrimination  raised. 

Missouri  River,  Fort  Scott  and  Gulf  Railroad.  Abatement  of 
pay  from  July  1,  1876,  to  May  25,  1878. 

George  H.  Giddings.  Who  entitled  to  custody  of  warrant  issued 
in  accordance  with  siJecial  appropriation  by  Congress.  Eflect 
of  injunction. 


Date. 


15  Jan., 

1879. 

28  Jan., 

1879. 

31  Jan., 

1879. 

3  Feb., 

1879. 

10  Feb., 

1879. 

13  Feb., 
13  Feb., 
18  Feb., 

1879. 
1879. 
1879. 

24  Feb., 

1879. 

6  Mar., 
6  Mar., 

1879. 
1879. 

7  Mar., 

1879. 

26  Mar., 

1879. 

5  April, 

1879. 

21  April, 

1879. 

23  April, 
5  May, 

1879. 
1879. 

6  May, 

1879. 

8  May, 

1879. 

19  June, 

1879. 

21  June, 

1879. 

TITLE    XII OPINIONS.  351 

List  of  02>ininnH  (livrn  by  An8intaiit  .Ht<in)ei/-Ciencral  for  Post-Office  Department — Cont'd. 


No. 


Subject. 


Date. 


352  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  EEGULATIONS. 

List  of  opinions  (jiven  hy  Jssistant  Attorney-General  for  Post-Office  Department-Cont'd. 


No. 


Subject. 


Date. 


TITLE    XIII. 


Ar)i:>ENDA.  I 

CHANGES  IN  THE  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS  SINCE  THE 
PUBLICATION  OF  THIS  VOLUME. 

IMI'ORTAXT. 

Any  alterations,  &c.,  which  it  may  be  necessary  to  make  iu  tliis  book  on  account 
of  changes  in  the  law  or  regulations  (see  page  3),  and  which  cannot  be  conveniently 
shown  in  the  preceding  pages,  shotild  be  made  on  the  blank  pages  following  this 
notice.  In  such  cases  the  postmaster  must  take  care  to  fill  in  the  various  columns 
correctly,  and  he  should  place  against  the  section  atiVctod  the  number  of  the  page  in 
"which  the  alteration  will  be  found. 

23  p  L 


363 


354 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


No.  of  section 
altered. 


605. 


Date  of  alteratiou  and 
where  noted. 


An  act  to  extend  the  time  of  special  postal 
service  until  service  can  be  obtained  by 
advertisement. 

Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives  of  the  United 
States  of  America  in  Congress  assem- 
bled, Tliat  ill  cases  wliere  special  ser- 
vice has  already  been  placed  on  new 
routes,  the  Postinaster-General  may, 
in  his  discretion,  extend  such  service 
niitil  the  time  when  serAace  can  be 
obtained  by  advertisement,  not  exceed- 
ing in  any  case  one  year.  And  when- 
ever an  accei)ted  bidder  shall  fail  to 
enter  into  contract,  or  a  contractor  on 
any  mail -route  shall  fail  or  refuse  to 
perform  the  service  on  said  route  ac- 
cording to  his  contract,  or  when  a  new 
route  sliall  be  estalilished  or  new  ser- 
vice required,  or  when,  from  any  other 
cause,  there  shall  not  be  a  contractor 
legally  bound  or  required  to  i)erform 
such  service,  the  Postmaster-General 
may  make  a  temjiorary  contract  for 
cairying  the  mail  on  such  route,  with- 
out advertisement,  for  such  jieriod  as 
may  be  necessary,  not  in  any  case  ex- 
ceeding one  year,  until  the  service 
shall  have  commenced  under  a  con- 
tract made  according  to  law.  And 
any  i)iovisioii  of  statute  in  contiict 
with  this  provision  is  hereV)y  repealed. 

Ai)proved  June  12,  1879. 


Jnne  12,  1879. 
Page  143. 


TITLE    XIII. ADDENDA,    ALTERATIONS,    ETC. 


355 


No.  of  section 
altorod. 


Alloratioii  in  full 


Date  of  alteration  and 
where  note<l. 


356 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 


No.  of  section 
jiltered. 


Alteration  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  and 
wliere  noted. 


TITLE    XIII. ADDENDA,    ALTERATIONS,    ETC. 


357 


No.  ofsei'tion 
ulterctl. 


Alteration  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  and 
•where  iiot«'tl. 


358 


POSTAL   LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


No.  of  section 
altered. 


Alteration  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  and 
where  noted. 


TITLK    XIII. ADDENDA,    ALTKKATIONS,    KTC.  359 


No.  of  spctioii 
altorod. 


Altciiilion  ill  full. 


Datp  of  alteration  ami 
wIhtc  uoted. 


1 


360 


POSTAL    LAWS   AND    EEGULATIONS. 


No.  of  section 
altered. 


Alteration  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  and 
where  noted. 


TITLE    XIII. ADDENDA,    ALTERATIONS,    ETC. 


361 


No.  of  HPotion 
alti'ied. 


Date  of  alteration  anil 
wlii'if  noted. 


362 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


No.  of  section 
altered. 


Alteration  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  and 
■where  noted. 


TITLE    XIII. — ADDENDA,    ALTERATIONS,     ETC. 


303 


No.  of  spotion 
iiltortMl. 


AlttM-atioii  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  ami 
whin-  iiutiii. 


364 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 


No.  of  section 
altered. 


Alteration  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  and 
wliere  noted. 


Tiri.E    XIII. ADDKNDA,    Al/I'KKA  TIOXS,    KTC. 


365 


No.  of  Bpction 
alteri'd. 


Altci'.'itidii  in  full. 


Dato  of  alteration  atnl 
wluTc  iiot«'«I. 


>eQ 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


No.  of  section 
altered. 


Alteration  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  and 
where  noted. 


TITLE  xiii. — Ai)i»i:\i)A,  altp:rations,  etc. 


3G7 


No.  of  section 
jiltert'd. 


Altcrafionin  full. 


T)at«^  of  alttrutiou  and 
w  liiT«'  nuted. 


368 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


No.  of  section 
altered. 


Alteration  in  full. 


Date  of  alteration  and 
wliere  noted. 


REFERENCE    ESTDEX 


REVISED  STATUTES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES 

FROM     SECTIONS    OF     TILE    REVISED    STATUTES    AXI)     SUUSEl^UENJ' 

VOLUMES     OF     THE     STATUTES    AT   LARGE     TO     SECTIONS    OF 

THIS  EDITION  OF  THE  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 


Act  of  Cong^resM. 


Revised  Statutes. 


XIII 


3 

7 

14 

17 

18 


161 
177 
183 
270 
276 
277 
292 
293 
294 
295 
296 
298 
:m 
382 
388 
389 
390 
391 
392 
393 
394 
395 
396 
397 
398 
399 
400 
401 
402 
403 
404 
405 
406 
407 
408 
409 
410 
411 
412 
413 
414 
563 
629 
792 
889 
890 
919 
924 
925 
926 
927 
92f 

i 

1 

...... 

1 

...... 

.'.'.'.'.J 

...  — 

Past*' 


.*»«T.  of 


26 

28 

29 

45 

46 

46 

49 

49 

49 

49 

49 

49 

63 

63 

65 

65 

65 

65 

65 

65  , 

66 

66 

66 

67  I 

67  j 

67 

67 

67  I 

67 

67 

67 

67 

67 

67 

68 

68 

68 

68 

68 

68 

69 

95 
111 
14.- 
168 
U)8 
175 
176 
176 
ITC. 
ITC. 
1" 


26 

3 

8 

113» 

]13» 

1142- 

1144 

1145 

1146 

1147 

1148 

1149 

1221 

1 222 

1 

4 

24 

25 

5 

5 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

3» 

66^ 

67 

40- 

41 

42- 

43- 

44 

47 

1206 

I20(> 

1225 

1223 

1224 

1206 

I20? 

120N 

1209 

1210 

1211 


24  PL 


3'jy 


370 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Act  of  Congress. 


.Revised  Statutes 


Title. 

Chap. 

Sec. 

Vol. 

«_„„         Sec.  of 
rage.    p.i^.&R. 

XIII 

18 

929 

177 

1313 

930    . 

177 

1313 

931    . 

177 

1314 

932    . 

177 

1315 

933    . 

177 

1316 

952 

180 

131T 

951 

180 

13i8 

958 

181 

1319 

964 

182 

1330 

1014 

189 

16 

XIX 

1785 

317 

1353 

XL 

1 

3641 

717 

6§ 

1 

3642 

717 

69 

3643 

717  1 

TO 

3644 

717 

9^1 

XLI 

3668 
3674 

721 
722 

46 
65 

XLVI 

1 

3829 
3830 

750 
750 

98 
101 

3831 

750 

104 

3832 

750 

51 

3833 

750 

53 

3834 

750 

105 

3835 

751 

106 

3836 



751 

llO 

3837 



751 

113 

3838 

751 

115 

3839 

751 

367 

3840 

751 

368 

3841 

751 

657 

3842 

752 

511 

3843 

752 

1151 

3844 

752 

1153 

3845 

752 

1153 

3846 

752 

73 

3847 

752 

73 

3848 

...   . 

752 

74 

3849 



752 

663 

3850 

:         752 

599 

3851 

752 

541 

3856 

1         753 

130 

3857 

753 

134 

3858 

754 

54 

3859 

754 

131 

3860 

!         754 

134 

3861 

'.        754 

133 

3862 

754 

133 

3863 

:        754 

135 

3864 

754 

99 

2 

3867 

755 

337 

3868 

• 

755 

333 

3869 

755 

334 

3870 

755 

315 

3871 

755 

336 

3873 

!         755 

337 

3874 

1 

755 

339 

3 

3880 

756 

1105 

3881 

757 

183 

3882 

757 

366 

3883 

757 

335 

3885 

757 

471 

3888 

1 

757 

571 

3889 

_ 

757 

733 

:5h90 

757 

370 

:}89l 

7r7 

1333 

REFERENCE    INDEX    TO    THE    REVISED    STATUTES.  371 


Act  of  Congr««ii. 


I 

'.   Tide. 


Kc vised  Statutes X L VI 


Chap.     9ec.     .T*l* 


:m)4 

:wyH 
:{Hyy 
:{9()o 
:{'joi 

:Jt>(»4 
:{9I2 
391:} 
:}914 
39ir) 
891  ti 
:}917 

391H 
3919 
3920 
3921 
3922 
3923 
3924 
3925 
3926 
3927 
3928 
3929 
3930 
3931 
3932 
3933 
39:34 
39:55 
39:5H 
:39:?7 
3938 
3939 
:}940 
3941 
3942 
3943 
3944 
;}94r) 
3946 
3947 
3948 
3949 
3950 

3951 

3952 
3953 
3954 
3955 

3956 

3957 
3958 
3959 
:3960 
3961 
3962 
3963    . 


758 

758 

758 

759 

759 

759 

759 

759 

759 

759 

760 

760 

761 

761 

761 

761 

761 

761 

762 

762 

762 

762 

762 

762 

762 

763 

76:5 

76:? 

76:5 

763 

763 

764 

764 

7«)4 

764 

764 

764 

764 

764 

765 

765 

765 

765 

765 

765 

765 

766 

766 

766 


766 

766 

767 
767 
767 

767 

767 
767 
768 
768 
768 
768 
768 


•1 


12:11 

22« 

2«r 

I250 

•■am 

17H 

t7H 

11. '7 

i:«> 

|:tx( 

I  10 

1  14 

145 

175 

174 

373 

12.S2 

1252 

1252 

1252 

»^06 

§12 

§24 

875 

444 

445 

§17 

446 

447 

448 

468 

431 

483 

456 

371 

573 

607 

607 

580 

581 

582 

587 

588 

601 

589 

603 

604 

605 

598 

585 

606 

602 

607 

6IO 

575 

576 

612 

618 

619 

665 

623 


372 


POSTAL   LAWS    AND    KEGULATIONS. 


Act  of  Congress. 


Title. 


Revised  Statutes. 


XLVI 


Chap.  I  Sec.  !  Vol.   Page. 


Sec.  of 
P.L,.&R. 


10 


11 


12 


V.i 


3964 

3965 

3966 

3967 

3968 

3969 

3970 

3971 

:?972 

3973 

3974 

3975 

3976 

3977 

3978 

3979 

39t0 

3981 

3982 

3983 

3984 

3985 

3986 

3987 

3988 

3989 

3990 

3991 

3992 

3993 

3994 

3995 

3996 

3999 

4000 

4001 

4002 

4003 

4004 

4005 

4006 

4007 

4008 

4009 

4010 

4011 

4012 

4013 

4014 

4015 

4016 

'  4017 
4018 
4019 
4020 

I  4021 

I  4022 
4023 
4024 

1  4025 
4020 

1  4027 
4028 

1  4029 
4030 


768  i 

769 

769 

769 

769 

769 

769 

769 

769 

769 

769 

769 

769 

770 

770 

770 

770 

770 

770 

770 

770 

770 

771 

771 

771 

771 

771 

771 

771 

772 

772 

772 

772 

772 

773 

773 

773 

773 

773 

773 

774 

774 

774 

774 

774 

774 

774 

774 

774 

775 

775 

775 

776 

776 

776 

776 

776 


'.'.'.'.'.' 

776 

776 



77() 

776  , 

777 

777 

777 

777 

542 

543 

544 

545 

546 

547 

607 

548 

549 

550 

551 

553 

253 

353 

354 

1351 

638 

559 

555 

557 

558 

559 

560 

561 

563 

563 

564 

565 

567 

568 

369 

553 

554 

645 

643 

637 

629 

630 

631 

633 

649 

653 

653 

654 

655 

656 

650 

651 

1136 

1137 

1138 

6 

11 

7 

lO 

19 

30 

31 

33 

33 

570 

956 

9*6 

959 

983 


liKFKKKNCK    INDKX    TO    TMK    STATUTES    AT    LARGE. 


373 


Act  ofCoii^frfoH. 

Titl«>. 

Chap. 

nee. 

Tol. 

Pace. 

M«T.  of 

F.I-.A  K. 

]?(>vi.st'(l  Statutes 

XL  VI 

13 

4():n 

777 

960 

40:{2 

778 

9§3 

40:{:{ 

778 

978 

40:54 

778 

OKO 

40:J5 

77H 

*.tst 

403(; 



778 

1  0 1  3 

4o:J7 



778 

lOll 

40:58 

778 

1 003 

4o:vj 

778 

IO:t5 

404(1 

778 

I005 

4041 

778 

10I3 

4042 

779 

1072 

404:5 

779 

1073 

4044 

779 

1075 

4045 

779 

1074 

404(5 

779 

1076 

4047 

779 

96  « 

4048 

780 

969 

14 

4049 
4050 
4051 
4052 

780 
780 

781 
781 

55 

56 

57 

296 

405:5 

781 

1249 

4054 

781 

58 

4055 



781 

59 

4056 

781 

60 

4057 

781 

61 

4058 



782 

62 

4059 

782 

63 

4060 

782 

64 

4061 

782 

478 

LX 

3 

4961 

959 

374 

LXV 

526:5 
52()4 
5265 
526t) 
5267 
5268 
52(59 





1019 
1019 
1019 
1019 
1019 
1019 
1020 

1254 
1255 
1256 
1257 
1258 
1259 
1260 

LXX 

5 

54(5:5 
5464 
5465 
54(56 
5467 
5468 
5469 
5470 
5471 
5472 
547:5 
5474 
5475 
5476 
5477 
5478 



1059 
1059 
1060 
1060 
1060 
10(50 
1060 
1061 
1061 
1061 
1061 
10(52 
10()2 
1062 
1062 
1062 

1226 
1227 
1228 
1229 
1230 
1231 
1235 
1236 
1237 
1238 
1239 
1240 
1241 
1212 
1213 
1211 

5479 

...*.. 

1062 

1245 

5480 

lot -.2 

1246 

8 

55:54 
55:55 

1072 
1072 

1217 
1218 

Act  March  5,  1874 

46 

1 

18 

19 

S           24 

^           25 

103 

Act  March  18,  1874 

57 

1 

18 

2:5 

Act  Jium  2:?,  1874 

456 

6 
12 

18 
18 

233 
2:55 

191 

581 

18 

2:J5 

587 

18 

236 

585 

374 


POSTAL    LAWS   AND    REGULATIONS. 


Act  of  Congress. 

Title. 

Chap. 

Sec. 

Vol. 

Page. 

Sec.  of 
P.Ii.&R. 

Act  March  3,  1875 

128 

1 
4 

18 
18 

341 
343 

63a 

1143 

7 

18 

343 

247 

Act  March  3,  1875 

129 
179 

1 
1 

18 
19 
19 

351 

78 
78 

9§3 

Act  July  12,  1876 

573 

314 

19 

79 

635 

4 

19 

80 

45 

7 

19 

81 

116 

9 

19 

82 

119 

10 

19 

82 

120 

11 

19 

82 

121 

12 

19 

82 

122 

13 

19 

82 

63§ 

14 

19 

82 

174 

186 

1 

19 

90 

5        225 
\        226 

Act  August  11,  1876 

260 

1 

19 

129 

5$2 

r       603 
.        to04 

)        605 

19 

129 

L       606 

Joint  resolution  July  25, 1876 

18 

..... 

19 

215 

116 

Act  March  3,  1877 

103 

3 

19 
19 

335 
335 

4S 

49 

4 

19 

335 

50 

5 

19 

335 

249 

6 

19 

335 

250 

Act  March  3,  1877 

110 

1 

19 
19 

383 

384 

573 

314 

Act  Decemher  15,  1877 

3 
107 

1 

1 
2 

20 
20 
20 

10 
61 
62 

345 

Act  May  17,  1878 

57S 

624 

3 

20 

62 

625 

4 

20 

62 

579 

5 

20 

62 

607 

Act  June  17,  1878 

259 

1 

20 
20 

140 
141 

6 

573 

20 

141 

5         117 
>         118 

20 

142 

5 

20 

142 

636 

2 

20 

143 

53 

Act  February  4,  1879 

45 

1 

20 

281 

106 

Act  February  21,  1879 

.... 

95 

1 
2 

20 
20 

317 
317 

309 

310 

3 

•    20 

317 

311 

4 

20 

317 

312 

5 

20 

317 

307 

Act  March  3, 1879 

180 

1 

20 
20 

;»6 
:i56 

573 

245 

20 

356 

555 

20 

:357 

46 

20 

357 

141 

20 

357 

6;il 

, 

3 

20 

:i58 

642 

4 

20 

358 

632 

5 

20 

358 

670 

6 

20 

3oS 

646 

7 

20 

358 

176 

8 

20 

358 

177 

9 

20 

:i58 

178 

10 

20 

359 

184 

11 

20 

359 

190 

12 

20 

359 

209 

REFERENCE    INDEX    TO    THE    STATUTES    AT    LARGE. 


375 


Act  orC^ongrraH. 

Title. 

Chap. 

Sec. 

Vol. 

l»f«K«-. 

Wff.  of 

Act  Miiicli  3,  1H79 

180 

13 
14 

20 
20 

359 
:{.'->9 

197 

1§J^ 

15 

2(1 

;i.'-)9 

212 

IG 

20 

3.59 

206 

17 

2<» 

3.59 

S        21. S 

(    ii:t4 

18 

20 

:}60 

217 

19 

20 

:i60 

219 

20 

20 

:«iO 

221 

21 

20 

:i60 

^  229 
>        230 

22 

20 

360 

231 

23 

20 

361 

233 

24 

20 

361 

182 

2.5 

20 

361 

239 

26 

20 

361 

270 

27 

20 

362 

271 

28 

20 

362 

1252 

29 

20 

362 

2.51 

30 

20 

:i62 

602 

31 

20 

362 

135 

32 

20 

362 

143 

'^  ^■.v 


■^'ff: 


IISTDEX 

TO   TIIK 


POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 


Abseac*' (ifciii]ilii.\<''s  iif  Kiihvay  MmH  Srrvici-,  rules  reiiiilat  in;;,  etc  

of  li)i;il  aiiciits,  |)i(>visii>ii.s  iiiinfiiiiii;i 

of  I'o.stiiiiistcr-lM'iii'ral,  who  may  art  in  <-as('  of  ... .   

of  ])(i.>itniasti'r.-i.  wlio  may  act  in  ia.se  of 

Absconding  debtors,  i>ii Mica t ion  of  attacliincut  against 

w  a  I  rants  of  a  ttaclinicnt  against  |ifoi>eity  of 

AcccMMory,  after  t  lie  fact,  to  mliliery  of  the  mail.  ]>ciialty  for  liein^ 

to  stealing'  mail-mat tef.  iicnalty  fof  lieinii 

AccidentN  to  mail-tiains  to  l)e  lepoiteil  liy  emjtloy6.s  of  the  Kailway  Mail  Service  t<i 

Division  Snpirintendent  . 

Acfoiiiilnbility  of  pipstmaste.r.s  in  case  of  postajic^-staniiis,  etc.,  beiug  lost  or  stolen.. 

Account!"!  of  money-older  liusiness:  liow  to  be  ke])t  by  Aiiilitor    

of  i>o.stal  ilejiosits  to  be  kept  se))arate  from  other  iniblic  money 

of  postal  service,  how  kept 

of  I'ost-OtKce  Department  to  be  kept  by"(Si\-th)  Ainlitor  (of  Treasnry) 

Accounts-riirrent.     (Src  (^r.\i;rivi!i,v  iiETrifSs.) 

blank  forms  foi.  how  ])rocineil 

detailed  statements  to  accmniiany,  from  Presidential  post-oflices 

distinct  from  iiiiaiteily  stateiiunf  of  sieneral  postal  account 

errors  in,  corrected  liy  .\uditor:  notifications  to  postmasters  of  corrections 

forms  for.  at  fourth-class  )(ost-oliices 

at  Presidential  ]iost-iiliices 

iuilorsenicnt  on  back  id',  how  tilled  u)) 

lost  in  transmission,  jiostmasti'is  must  semi  duplicates  of 

nevi>r  to  be  inclosed  with  iinarterly  statement  of  general  postal  account 

new  bcmd  <iiven  by  postmaster  does  not  change  manner  of  rendering 

no  iiicnti(m  to  be  made  in,  of  registration  fees   

not  iii)on  rei;iilar  blanks  will  not  be  audited 

of  deceased  i)ost masters,  who  may  render   ...    

of  i>i)stiiiasters.  how  to  enter  ))osta^e-stam]>s  received  thereon 1 

ori'.iiiials  to  he  retained  liv  pustmasters :  copies  only  to  be  sent  to  Auditor 

<iuti;oing  postmasters  at  fourth-class  post-ottices  may  make  special  arriingements 

with  successors  aliniit  rendering .' 

payments  for  foiiuer  (luarter  not  io  ap|H'ar  on 

on  account  of  what,  not  to  be  entered  on 

quarterly,  from  Presidential  ixist-otfices  to  be  accompanied  by  detailed  statement  of 

jiosta;;e-stami)s.  etc 

how  to  be  mailed 

of  postmasters.  ])eiralty  for  non-rendition 

time  of  making 

to  be  accompanied  l)y  attidavit 

to  lie  sworn  to 

printe(l  labels  to  be  used  by  postnnisters  at  Presidential  offices 

to  l)e  aeeom|ianied  by  voiicliers 

to  be  reiider.'cl  by  ]>ost masters 

trans(^ript  to  be  sent  with   

signature  of.  by  whom  :  blank  heading,  how  tilled  up 

to  be  preserved  two  years 

to  be  transmit  t I'd  to  .Vuditor  before  2()th  day  of  next  (|uarter 

to  include  only  business  (diuie  iiuarter    .......   

transcript  of  and  voiichi'is  com]>ose  jmstmaster's  quarterly  return   

transcripts  niiiat  always  be  sent  with 

Account,   general  postal,  amounts  of  Auditor's  drafts  collected  by  jiostmasti'is 

to  be  entered  tipon     

Auditor  will  charge  upon,  amount  of  collection-drafts  neglected  to  be  collected  by 

postmasters 

blanks  for,  furnished  to  Presidential  jjost-ottices  only 

form  of,  for  fourth  cla.ss  post-ottices 

or  ledger,  what  to  be  entered  on  credit  side 

debit  side 

with  the  Fnitid  States  to  bi'  k<-pt  by  postmasters 

postmasters  to  compare,  with  .Vuditors  sfateiiient  of 

quarterly  statement  of,  low  diU'creut  from  i|uarti'rly  account-current 

never  to  be  inclosed  witli  ipiarterly  account-current 

not  reiinired  from  fourth  class  post-otHces   

to  be  sent  to  .Vuditor  by  postmasteis  at  Presidential  po.st- 

otHees  only .". 

to  be  transmitted  to  Auditor  before  20tli  day  of  next  quarter. 
what  to  lie  retainc-d  by  postmasters  as  vouchers  to 1 


Sec. 

Page. 

747 

169 

»().'! 

174 

:i 

34 

n]A 

125 

I'.'li 

303 

1207 

301 

1247 

314 

1248 

314 

788 

172 

173 

70 

114.5 

285 

69 

51 

.53 

48 

1143 

285 

1176 

289 

1161 

288 

1183 

296 

1167 

288 

niH 

292 

1177 

289 

117.5 

289 

116!) 

289 

1184 

296 

1164 

288 

889 

187 

11.58 

287 

1163 

288 

1. 1.56 

67 

1165 

288 

1162 

288 

1170 

289 

1172 

289 

1161 

288 

1156 

287 

11.53 

287 

11.54 

287 

11.52 

287 

1152 

287 

116(1 

287 

1155 

287 

1151 

286 

1157 

287 

1166 

288 

64 

.50 

1189 

297 

1159 

287 

11.55 

287 

11.57 

287 

1194 

299 

1197 

299 

1187 

297 

1191) 

297 

1182 

296 

1181 

296 

1179 

296 

HSH 

297 

1183 

296 

1184 

296 

1188 

297 

1180 

206 

1189 

297 

1185 

296 

377 

378 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Accrued  rights  of  TTnited  States  not,  to  be  abridged  in  proceedings  under  warrant 

ofattachnieiit 

Acting  Postiuaster-fteneral,  who  may  serve  as 

Acting  special  agents,  Assistant  Postmaster-General  and  superintendents  may 

act  as 

Actions  under  postal  laws.    {See  Suns.) 

may  be  brouglit  in  State  courts 

Address  cards,  how  tliey  may  be  presented  for  mailing 

Adjustment  of  pay  to  railway  companies  for  carrying  the  mail 

AdniiniMtrators,  mail-matter  to  be  delivered  to 

moncv-didi-is  to  lie  ]>ai(l  to 

registered  matter  To  be  delivered  to 

of  deceased  persons  aiiaiiist  wlioiii  collictioii-drafts  have  been  issued,  names  of,  to 

be  reported  to  Auditor  by  collect  in i;  jiost  masters 

Admission  of  new  publications  to  second-class  rate 

Advances  for  expenses  may  lie  made  by  Postmaster-General  to  si>ecial  agents,  etc  . 

Adverti  sed  letters,  charge  on  delivery  of,  only  made  when 

from  Dead-Letter  ( )tiice 

list  of,   at  free-delivery  post-offices  to  designate  those  at  post-office  and  at  each 

station 

foreign,  may  lie  in  foreign  language 

to  be  dis|ilayed  in  post-othce 

to  be  posted  ill  iiublic  place 

pav  for  i>tiblislied  list  of 

to  be  so  stam]ped 

Advertising  steamboats,  vessels,  vehicles,  etc.,  falsely,  as  carrying  the  mail,  penalty. 

Advertising  sheets,  characteristics  of ". 

not  entitled  to  second-class  rates    

Advertisement  not  icixuived  for  mail-contracts  upon  water-routes 

not  re(iuired  for  luail-contracts  with  railroad  companies 

of  general  mail  lettings 

of  letters  uncalled  for,  allowance  for  printing,  how  ma<le  by  Auditor 

of  miscellaneous  mail-lettings 

of  routes  (imittecl  in  general  mail-lettings '. 

rates  to  be  jiaid  iie\vs]i:ipers  for 

Advertisements,  forms  of,  which  are  prohibited  in  second-class  matter 

for  Post-  Jffi<c  Department,  record  of,  kept  by  Chief  Clerk 

Affidavit.     (See  Oaths.) 

may  be  re{{uired  to  accompany  iiostmasters"  quarterly  returns    

penalty  for  altering  or  counterfeitiug 

required  for  continuance  of  suits 

in  apidying  for  warrant  of  attachment 

to  clain'i  credit  for  stamps  destroyeil 

to  accompany  application  for  renewal  of  lost  warrant  or  draft 

to  be  made  by  postmasters  as  to  loss  of  ccdlection-drafts 

Affirmation.  '  (<S'ee  Oaths.) 

Age  of  letter-carriers 

mad-carriers 

Agents.    (,S'ec  Mail  agexts.  Local  agexts.  Route  a(;en'ts,  Special  age.nts,  etc.) 
(Jlaim  (pension),  not  to  receive  letters  from  Pension-Office  when  addressed  to  other 

persons 

news,  defined 

how  they  obtain  second-class  rates 

may  send  and  receive  sample  copies  of  newspajiers,   <fcc.,  as  second-class 

matter  

must  funiisli  evidence  as  to  character  of  matter  otfered  as  second-class 

route,  emidoynient  and  jiay  of 

on  mail  steamboats  to  receive  letters 

stamp,  who  may  buy  iio.sta^e-stamps.  etc.,  at  discount 

Agricultural  Reports  from  Auricultural  De^iartment  free  of  postage 

Agriculture.  Commissioner  of  is  entitled  to  semi  reports  and  seetls  free  of  postage. 
Allowances  at  jiost-othces.  apidication  to  lie  made  to    First  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General 

laniiot  exceed  surplus  revenue 

to  be  fixed  by  order  of  Postmaster-(  iencral 

extra,  to  first  and  second  class  post-offices 

for  iuivertising  letters 

for  clerks  and  incidental  expenses  at  jiost-offices 

at  post-offices 

not  made  until  i-oster  of  clerks  is  approved  by  First  Assist- 
ant Postmastei'-General 

at  separating  post-offices  

receipt  to  be  taken  for  pay 

for  expenditures  not  matle  in  absence  of  vouchers 

for  extraordinary  business  at  post-offices 

for  ineicbiital  expenses  at  post-offices _ 

none  ;;ianteil  to  postmasters  for  sale  of  jxistage-.stamps,  etc 

Alterations  needi-d  in  postal  cars.  Division  Superintendents  to  be  notified  of ;  eni- 

liloyes  not  to  go  to  railroad  otiicials  about 

of  I'ostal  Laws  and   Kegu  hit  ions,  how  noted 

Annual  Report   of  A  uditor  <d'  the  Treasury  Hu'  the  Post-Office  Depai-tment 

of  l'ostmastei-(!ciieral 

Annulment  of  mail-contracts,  for  what  causes,  will  be  made 

Appeal  allowed  to  First  Comptroller  from  .\ uditor  

to  I'ost master- ( Jeiicral  from  de<isions  of  postmasters 

Application  for  aj ■point nient  of  li  tter-carrier,  form  of 

for  blank  forms,  how  and  to  whom  made 


bee. 

Page. 

1215 

303 

3 

34 

7 

35 

.52 

47 

237 

83 

629 

.  149 

285 

91 

1028 

210 

873 

184 

1196 

299 

196 

75 

59 

49 

448 

115 

4.54 

lie 

356 

100 

445 

115 

440 

115 

444 

114 

447 

115 

453 

116 

1251 

315 

187 

73 

185 

73 

607 

144 

607 

143 

573 

135 

1171 

289 

578 

136 

a  1.1 

136 

579 

137 

210 

77 

27 

39 

11.52 

2S7 

1245 

313 

1219 

304 

1208 

302 

167 

69 

1201 

300 

1205 

301 

318 

96 

604 

156 

281 

91 

202 

76 

200 

75 

195 

74 

201 

75 

•J2 

38 

261 

87 

175 

70 

247 

84 

247 

84 

128 

63 

127 

62 

126 

62 

129 

63 

1171 

289 

124 

62 

124 

62 

131 

63 

121 

62 

128 

63 

1173 

289 

125 

62 

124 

62 

165 

69 

785 

172 

353 

45 

45 

44 

44 

613 

144 

1150 

286 

19 

28 

319 

96 

1176 

289 

INDEX.  379 

StT.  Vunf. 
Appliontion — (^niitiniicd. 

for  tVccdclivi  TV  s.vstvin  must  he  iiiikIc  t«  First  AHHiMtaiit  PoHtmaBtcr-Gwionil :U(J  W> 

lbrvciiil.iustiiu'ut  ofsiiliirii's  of  poHtniiiHti'i'H,  to  whom  made 123  02 

of  surotifs  for  roloiiso,  to  wlioni  nuulc 113  .18 

to  Auditor  for  rpiu'wal  of  lost  warniiit  or  draft,  how  iniuli- 1201  300 

to  be  a4-coinpaitied  by  ccrtitl»rat«  of 

non-i>ayiin-nt ." 1202  300 

Appointmrnl,  Icttt-r  of,  to  \w  furnished  to  postmast<ns  upon  thoir  appointment 107  57 

ofikrksat  post-otfiw-s 130  B3 

of  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  for  six  months  on  probation.  ))crman<nt  after 

satisfactory  examination 710  104 

not  to  be  recommended  by  I)ivisi(ui  Sujierin- 

tendent '. 712  1«4 

of  fonnjin  mail-agents 1"  ^ 

of  letter-carriers  312  93 

fnnii  (if  application  for 319  96 

how  made  317  9fi 

(pialitication  for 31><  90 

of  mail-a}rents  on  board  of  ocean  mail  steamer84 20  38 

of  ot!i<'.ers  of  tlie  I'ostOlbcc  Department,  by  whom  made •'.  34 

of  postmasters,  by  wlioni  made • 101  56 

to  be  issued  by  First  Assistant  Postma.ster-Creneral 102  56 

of  railway  postal  clerks 23  38 

of  the  A  liditor  of  tlie  Treasury  for  the  I'est-Office  Department 1139  283 

Appoiiiliiioiit  oifice.    (.*>'-■<■  FiusT  Assisr.vNT  Postmasteu-C^knkkal.) 

Appi'oprintioiiM  for  |iiistal  service  to  be  made  from  revenues "iS  49 

Archil»Tt!>i'  ilra^vings  rated  as  fourth-class  matter 27 

Arrans<-iiientM,  special  postal,  continued  with  certain  countries  under  convention 

ofl'aris  1118  266 

made  by  United  States  with  various  countries. 1120  274 

Arreist  of  mail-robbers  by  postmasters  to  be  r<!i)orted  to  United  States  district  at- 

toniey 4tU  121 

of  witnesses,  duties  of  special  airents  iu  case  of 17  37 

Arrival  and  drpartiirc  of  inaiiti,  postma.sters  to  report  exact  time  of 6.58  155 

schedule  of.  to  lie  tiivnislieil  ]Mistmasters 657  154 

when  chaimes  may  not  be  uiaile  in  schedule  of 622  14.5 

Aspinwall,  iiui,<;triitiiiii  of  letters  only  to,  permissible 1129  278 

Asiiiignevs,  delivery  of  matter  to 286  91 

wlieu  duplicate  diaft  or  warrant  may  be  issued  to 1204  300 

ABtiisninent  of  mail-contracts  ]ii'ohibited 623  146 

ot  projiosals  for  carrvinsr  the  mail  iirohibited 600  141 

ANHi»tIanl  Atlorney-fSeneral  for  tlie  Po.st-Oftice  Department,  appointment  of 4  34 

dutiesof 27  41 

opinions  of 325 

Acidiiiitant  poMtuiastrri^  may  liave  access  to  mail  at  post-offices -520  125 

may  not  be  interested  in  mail -eon  tracts -599  141 

may  si<;n  certiticates  of  dejiosits  for  iiostmaster.  how 96  54 

may  render  accounts  of  deceased  jiostmaster 1163  288 

oaths  of  otti<-e  of.  to  be  sent  to  First  A.ssistant  Postmaster-General 519  12& 

to  be  aji] minted  by  every  ])0,st master 518  12o 

Asaislant  Poslmaslers-rienoral,  ajipointment  and  term  of  office:  how  removed.  _  2  34 

to  be  (ireseut  at  opeiiiuii  of  )iro]iosals  for  carryini;  the  mail .580  137 

Atlacliiiient,  may  be  dissolved  in  acecudanee  wifli  provisions  of  State  laws 1216  303 

ownerslii])  of  projiertv  Iield  nmler  wariant  of.  how  to  be  determined 1210  302 

proceeds  of  iiroperty  sold  or  lield  under  warrant  of.  how  to  be  invested 1211  302 

will  not  lie  aLiainst  ;i  n  ;:ister(  il  litter  in  hands  of  postmaster  lietore  delivery 874  184 

Attachment,  warrant  of,  accrued  rights  of  United  States  under  attachment  pro- 

ceedini;s  not  to  be  abridged 121.'.  303 

discharge  of,  may  be  made  when  bond  is  filed,  etc 1"-'14  •'O.^ 

bow  and  by  whom  issued 1209  302 

how  apjdied  for  and  applicatiini  liow  made 1208  302 

may  issue  against  property  of  defaulting  postmasters 1207  301 

persons  indebted  to  defendant's  estate  to  account  for  it  after  publication  of  attach- 

incTit  proceedings 1213  303 

]iubliiatinn  of  execution  of.  how  and  for  how  long  to  be  made 1212  303 

Attorney-Cleneral  to  givedirections  to  district  attorneys  prosecuting  suits  for  Post- 

Ottice  Dej.artment ' - 1221  304 

Attorneys,  United  .States  district,  prosecuting  suits  for  Department,  duties  of 1221  304 

Auditor,  accounts  of  expenses  paid  by  po,stma.sters  to  be  stated  by 1146  285 

numev-order  business,  how  kejtt  by 1145  285 

Post-Office  Dei.artnu-nt.  how  k.jit  by 1143  285 

appeal  granted  from,  to  First  Comiitroller 1150  286 

application  to,  for  duplicate  of  lost  warrant  or  draft,  how  made 1201  300 

authorized  to  administer  oaths    1149  286 

cause  of  failure  to  collect  amount  of  collection-drafts  to  be  reported  to 1196  299 

collection  by,  of  balances  due  the  Department  from   postmasters  and  other.s,  by 

collection-drafts  in  favor  of  other  ]>o8tmasters 1192  299 

of  balances  due  tht^  Department  from  postmasters  by  contractors' 

orders 1191  299 

coni])romise  of  .judgments  may  be  made  by.  when 1  l-jj  285 

copies  of  quarterly  returns  to  be  sent  to:  originals  to  he  kept  by  postmasters Iltj5  288 

directicm  of  quarterly  returns  sent  to.  by  postmasteis 11."'6  -8' 

divisions  of  office  of 1141  284 

dutiesof,  generally  stated  1140  283 

prescribed  by  statute _. 1142  284 

marshals  to  make  return  to.  of  proceedings  upon  process  of  execution 122.T  31)5 

may  furnish  papers  reipiired  to  sustain  the  clain\s  of  the  Department  in  suits 1148 


286 


380 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Auditor — Continued. 

iiiiiy  require  jiostniasters  at  fourtli-elass  post-offices  to  furnish  statements  of  general 

postal  account 

of  the  Treasury  for  the  I'ost-OtHee  De]iartTiii'nt.  a])pointment  of 

postmasters  to  e()m])are  general  postal  accouur  vrith   

quarterly  returns  of  postmasters  to  he  forwanletl  to,  when 

statement  of  fjeneral  postal  account  to  he  sent  to,  by  postmasters  at  Presi- 
dential post-ottices    i 

records  of  receipts  by  postmasters  to  he  returned  to 

to  be  evidence  in  suits  for  Department   

report  of,  to  be  part  of  Postmaster-General's  report 

superintends  collection  of  debts  due  the  Department 

to  be  furnished  inventory  of  what  public  property  at  j)ost-ottiees   

notified  by  collecting  postmaster  of  nbn-i)ay ment  of  draft 

](aynient  of  drafts 

to  cause  suit  to  he  brought  u])ou  unjiaid  (•olle<tion  drafts  

instruct  railroad  companies  to  disigiiate  a  tinaueial  agent 

Australia,  colonies  of.  not  in  Universal  Postal  Union,  no  conventions  with  other  than 

New  South  Wales.  Queensland,  aiul  Victoria   

special  postal  an-angeTuents  with  Xe w  South  Wales 

(Queensland 

Victoria 

AutheiiticatioH  of  records,  how  to  be  made 

Auxiliary  carriers,  appointment  of  authorized 

Back  uuniber.<«  may  be  sent  as  sample  copies  of  second-class  matter 

Balances  due  Department  liy  jpostmasti-rs,  evidence  of  demand  for 

rate  of  interest  on    

Banks,  national,  postmasters  may  deposit  money-order  funds  in 

postal  funds  in 

Bar-room,  ])ost-otfice  not  to  be  located  in 

Basle,  internal  i(jnal  excliange  post-ottice  for  money-orders  on  Switzerland 

Bidders  accepted  failing  to  make  contract,  next  lowest  to  be  contracted  with,  etc 

for  carrying  the  mail,  amount  of  bond  lequired  of 

may  not  assign  or  ti'ansfer  bids 

mu.st  be  of  legal  age 

first  piopose  strictly  aceoiding  to  the  advertisement,  and  make  separate  bid 

foi- ditteii'nt  service  if  di'sired 

inform  1  lienisel ves  of  the  chaiaeter  of  the  service 

not  released  from  bonds  until  .service  has  been  comnnmcedby  successful  bidder  ... 

residences  of,  to  lie  stated     

should  use  printed  proposals  furnished  by  Department . .  .■ 

special  instructions  to 

Bids.    (.S'e«  Proposals.) 

alteration  or  counterfeiting  of.  penalty 

Bill,  form  of.  to  accompany  second-class  matter 

Blank  agency,  all  blanks  furnished  by,  except  when  otherwise  directed 

b\isiness  of 

to  be  establi.shed  at  Washington  for  the  Po.st-OfHce  Department 

Blank  forms  of  accounts  current  and  transcripts  for  Presidential  post-offices 

of  accounts-current,  etc.,  how  obtained 

for  fourth-class  post-offices 

Blanks  for  letter-can-ier  post-offices,  how  obtained 

for  use  in  post-offices,  how  furnished  

ofpiinted   commercial  i)ai)er  filled  out  in  writiiii;,  do  not   subject  them  to   letter- 

]»"<t:VA>- ■' 

Bookkeeping,  manner  of,  at  letter-carrier  po.st-offices 

at  money -order  post-offices 

Books,  how  to  be  jiiescnted  for  mailing 

may  be  sent  as  third-class  mail-matter 

received  in  foreign  mails,  duty  on,  may  be  remitted  when , 

single,  may  be  sent  by  mail  when  weighing  over  four  pounds 

special  anangements  for  tran.smission  of,  to  Oreat  Britain  and  Gennanv 

Bond  accompanying  bids  for  canying  the  mail,  londitions  of 

amount  of,  recpiired  of  biddeis  for  carrying  the  mail 

ap])lication  of  paynumts  by  jiostmasters  aftei-  giving  new 

sureties  for  withdrawal  from,  to  whom  to  be  made 

blank  form  of  to  be  furnislied  to  |iost  masters  upon  thiir  a]>pointnieiit  

defendant  to  give,  when  ajqilying  for  discharge  ot  warrant  of  attachment 

foiin  of 

limit  of  time  of  sureties,  liability  on 

new  execution  of,  by  postmaster  does  not  change  manner  of  rendering  quaiteily  re- 
turn   ..' 

new,  reipiired  in  case  of  death,  removal  fiom  State,  or  inscdvency  of  sureties 

new.  to  be  given  by  iiostmasters  at  post-offices  when  first  made  iliouey -order  offices, 

and  subse(|uenfly  as  requiied 

not  rei|uinil  with  a|iiili(aliiin  for  duplicate  draft 

of  bidders  for  carrying  the  mail  to  be  api)roved  by  a  postmaster 

not  to  bi-  ajipnix  ed  by  iiostmasters  until  i-omideted 

])i>nalfy  for  fraudulent  aiqiroval  of  by  postmasters 

of  letter-carriers  to  be  )irom|itly  i\ei  iiteil 

to  be  returned  to  Uirst  Assistant  Postmaster-tJeneral 

of  l)ostmasters 

a]ii)roval  of,  may  be  signed  by  First  A.ssistant  Postmaster-General . . . 

how  jenewed   

most  be  lenewed  when  mime  of  post-office  is  chiinged 

penalty  for  alteiiug  or  counterfeiting 

illegal  apjir(i\al  of.  of  bidders,  by  postmasters 

lequired  of  sjiecial  agents,  and  in  what  cases  

ro  acccnnpany  aiiplicalion  foi-  issue  of  duplicate  warrant 

responsibility  of  sureties  after  postmaster's  death 


Sec. 

Page. 

1188 

297 

1139 

283 

1186 

297 

1154 

287 

1180 

296 

1168 

.  288 

1223 

304 

45 

45 

1144 

285 

.51t) 

124 

11  a--. 

299 

1194 

299 

1199 

300 

648 

152 

1129 

278 

1126 

275 

1126 

276 

1126 

277 

28 

41 

311 

95 

203 

76 

1224 

305 

1220 

304 

1076 

222 

73 

51 

523 

125 

1055 

217 

603 

142 

5,S3 

138 

600 

141 

595 

141 

593 

140 

MI2 

140 

598 

141 

593 

141 

593 

141 

593 

140 

1245 

313 

234 

82 

1 

27 

27 

39 

33 

42 

1177 

289 

1176 

289 

1178 

292 

365 

101 

1 

27 

232 

81 

366 

101 

977 

201 

237 

83 

215 

78 

1135 

281 

221 

79 

1118 

266 

581 

138 

583 

138 

106 

57 

113 

58 

107 

57 

1214 

303 

36 

43 

no 

57 

1164 

288 

109 

57 

964 

199 

1203 

300 

,581 

138 

590 

140 

587 

139 

320 

96 

320 

96 

105 

56 

48 

46 

112 

58 

114 

58 

1245 

313 

587 

139 

11 

36 

1201 

300 

III 

58 

INDEX. 


3H1 


Bond— CiiMiiuiU'd. 

siiri'tics  nut  M'.-<|i(iiiMilili'  I'lH'  iiiilclilr<liii-HH  of  |ioHtniaHt<-i'  when  Hiiit  m  not  inNtitiiUMl 

within  tliii'c  yciir.s  altiT  cIohc  <>1'  ;i<-<'<iiint8 

to  he  ;;iviii  1>\  it'tt<T-i"ii'ii<'i>i 

witni'rt.scH  in  ci  riain  cnxcH 

Box<-H,  lottcr.  ortn'tvd  liv  hnldiTsnl  tlicir  cxpi'nsi" ;  ivnt  to  lnM-oll(!ctc(l  UHlnni;  im  UHrd. 
lioltlcFM  oi',  Mi:iv  cri'it  lnck-lioxi't  at  ]»cist-o(lic<-M  at  tlicir  own  expfiiHc.  .. 

may  lie  ircctcil   liy  iiiistiiiastcr.s  at  llii-it  own  cxiM-nsf. 

nanus  of  lioldci  s  of,  not  to  lie  disclnsid  liy  l>ostnniHt<TS 

wliall  not  lie  icnti'd  for  iniiiro|nT  |iiii'|iosi'   

to  !»■  usrd  only  l>y  one  family,  firm,  or  corponttioii 

strcft  mailin-r.  arn-st  <d'  |m  rson.s  found  tanipiTiug  with 

cutaldisliini'nt  of 

how  ol)tain<'d 

in.jmics  to.  to  Ix' r<-]iortcd  hy  lftter-carri«'i'H 

in.jurin^i  mail-matter  in.  jx-nalty 

may  he  placed  in  hotels  and  commercial  exehanfres 

penalty  foi'  injuring; 

to  he  kei>t  in  rejiair.  etc 

Box-holdf'rti.     (Sec  LiaTKit-iioxEs  ix  fOST-oFKicKS.) 

nolitieation  to.  of  arrival  of  registered  matter  for 

Box-rnilN.     (See  LKiTlcit-noXKS  ix  rosr-OKl-KEis.) 

rciiird  of  to  he  kept  l)y  postmasteis , 

Branch  poHt-o(liri-M.  ajiplications  for  estahlishmenf  of.  how  made 

eonvevanee  of  mails  between  general  ]>ost-otfiee  and ; 

mail-matter  not  to  lie  .sent  to.  eontrary  to  re<pie.st  of  person  a4ldre88ed 

I'ostmaster-(ien<'ral  may  estalilish 

to  he  freipiently  inspe(  ted  hy  postmaster 

BraMK  lorliM  not  to  he  sent  to  iron-lock  post-offices ;  when  received  to  be  sent  to  a 

hrassloi'k  ]iost-oftiee  to  he  ojieni'd 

BuNinrMa.  extraordinary   allowances  for.  at  post-ottiees   

wliat  mav  hi'  transacted  in  )iosto(hce  room  hy  fouith-class  pUHtinaaterH  

BuNinesa  honrti  at  jiost  (ittices  the  usual,  in  the  place    

Canada,  exehan;ie  post-otHees  for 

may  send  mails  throui;h  the  I'nited  States 

money-orders  exchanficil  with 

Paris  eonvenlion  does  not  <:overn  ex(haii;ie  with 

recpiest  letters  from,  to  he  ii>tnrne<l  to 

special  jiostal  arrangements  with  

undelivered  re(iuest  reji^istered  h'tters  from,  to  he  returned  to 

C'analN.  mail  may  he  cariied  on 

Cancfllalion  of  postaf;e-stani))8  in  Offices 

<m  matter  dejiosited  in  post-offiees  for  mailin;^  or 

delivery   

of  return  stamps  on  return  postal  cards  and  letter  envelopes 

nse  of  postniarkiii<r  stamp  for,  prohihited 

Canceled  stamps,  penalty  for  washinji  or  using  again 

Card  matter  not  first  class,  .senderof,  may  have  returned  hy  sending  postage 

sliortpaid  first  class,  collection  of  jiostaye  on.  returned 

to  he  ret u I  lied  to  writer  without  reipiest,  when 

unclaimed,  to  he  stamped  with  postmaik  and  ilate  of  aiTival 

CardN.  address,  how  they  may  he  jire.sented  for  mailing 

postal,  how  redeemed  when  spoiled 

when  spoiled  and  redeemed  by  postmaster  to  be  sent  to  Third  Assistant  Post- 

ma.ster-General 

]iostage  (m,  when  repo.sted  after  delivery 

Carrier  system.     (See  Fkke-hki.ivkry  svrtXE.M.j 
Carrierit.    (.Vee  LEXTEit-r.vuitiKits,   M.vii.-caiumeks.) 

letter,  additional,  not  to  he  emiiloyed  until  ajijioiuted  by  Department 

a|ipointmeuts  and  pMimotions 

auxiliary  (third  grade),  a]ipointmeut  of,  authorized 

bonds  re(|uired  of 

bonds  and  oaths  of  office  to  be  returned  to  the  First  Assistant  Postmaster- 

tieneral 

caution  to  be  used  in  delivery  of  registered  matter  by 

classification  of 

descrijition  of  uniform 

duties  of  

efficiency  to  he  tested  frequently 

IVnbidden  to  deliver  mail-matter  before   the  same  has  passed  through  the 

post-office 

form  of  application  for  a]ipointment 

how  appointed 

leave  ot  ali.sence  of.  in  case  of  illness,  etc 

may  .sell  postage-stamps  in  limited  <|iiautities 

must  beware  of  dogs 

not  contract  debts  on  their  route 

not  return  letters  which  have  been  deposited  in  letter-boxes 

receive  proiierly-stamiied  letters  for  mailing 

return  mail-keys  and  satchels  to  post-office  after  last  delivery 

wear  uniform  when  on  duty,  etc 

write  reason  foi-  non-delivery  on  undelivered  matter. 

not  allowed  to  solicit  contributions  or  sell  tickets 

not  permitted  to  collect  extra  fees  on  mail-matter  delivered 

number  of,  limited  

qua   fication  of.  for  appointment 

rule  for  delivering  mail-matter 

salaries  of  


Page 


n.'i 

.'>« 

31.1 

INI 

17 

37 

:i().-. 

04 

SWi 

»3 

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»-2 

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94 

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Ki 

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101 

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98 

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101 

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308 

313 

9.5 

334 

98 

3.'i7 

101 

1168 

288 

3.T4 

100 

3.'>.") 

100 

336 

98 

336 

98 

3.58 

101 

699 

162 

125 

62 

.526 

125 

.525 

125 

1125 

272 

050 

153 

1059 

218 

1107 

263 

457 

116 

1126 

274 

908 

190 

.545 

129 

721 

166 

375 

103 

376 

103 

377 

103 

1252 

315 

465 

117 

462 

116 

457 

116 

461 

116 

237 

83 

171 

70 

172 

70 

181 

72 

323 

96 

312 

95 

311 

95 

315 

96 

320 

96 

361 

101 

309 

95 

328 

97 

324 

96 

351 

100 

348 

100 

319 

96 

317 

96 

.325 

96 

3.53 

100 

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101 

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99 

360 

101 

347 

100 

359 

101 

330 

98 

349 

100 

332 

99 

337 

99 

314 

96 

318 

96 

342 

99 

310 

95 

382 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


•Carriers — Coutiuued. 

sliall  not  deliver  mail  at  unoccupied  premises 

mail-matter  in  the  street 

substitutes,  bow  appointed 

temporary,  may  be  a])pointed  by  postmasters 

to  obey  ordeis  of  postmaster 

be  employed  in  what  cities 

report  iiijurits  to  street  letter-boxes 

Huiiiily  tbcir  own  unifoiTns -■ 

])cnalty  tor  aliseine  witliout  leave  

unit'oim  of,  and  penalty  for  wearing  it  unlawfully 

C/aate-examinations,  monthly  report  of,  at  post-otfices 

nature  of,  for  cleiks  in  post-otfices 

of  distrilintinii-clfrts  in  post-othces 

I'liiiiloyes  of  tilt'  Railway  Mail  Service 

Catchers,  how  fuiiiislied  

Catcher-crane,  liow  to  haiiji  ]>onrhcs  on 

Catcher  post-offices,  cranes  and  jmnches  for 

newspaper  juail  at,  to  b(^  sent  to  nearest  express  station 

.s]ie<ial  instiintion  sto  jtoistinasters  at     

Catcher-pouches,  limit  of  mail  in 

to  be  usi'd  for  no  otlier  ])ui]>ose 

Catch  stations,  delivery  of  mail  to,  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service 

Central  America,  no  jiostal  conventions  with  countries  of 

Certiticates  of  deposit  should  be  signed  in  person  by  j)0stmasters  of  depository 

otti<es,  excejit  in  certain  cases 

Changes  needed  in  niail-<  ars,  Division  Supeilntendent  to  be  notified  of,  eniploy63  not 

to  go  to  railroad  officials  about 

Checking  mails  transferred  at  stations  by  local  agents 

Checks  de](osited  with  bids  for  carrying  the  mails,  wlien  forfeited 

returned  to  unsuccessful  bid- 
der   

Chief  Clerk  of  Depnrtment,  duties  of 

Chief  hcHd  clerks  of  Railway  Mail  Service,  assignment  of,  diities  of 

Chief  special  agent  attached  to  office  of  Postmaster-General 

losses  in  the  mails  to  be  piomptly  rejioited  to 

mail  robberies  to  be  reported  to    .  

missing  or  lost  registered  matter  to  be  reported  to • 

leport  to  be  made  to,  by  iiostmasteis,  when  contents  of  registered  letteis  received 

are  missing 

registeied  letters  arrive  unsealed 

return  of  circular  of  inquiry  for  registered  matter  indorsed    "not  received"  to  be 

reported  to 

robbery  of  post-office  to  be  reported  to 

Circulars  and  ]>rices-current  may  be  sent  to  Guatemala  at  newspaper  rates  of  postage, 

to  all  other  foreign  countries  as  "other  ])rinted  matter"  1[23 

definition  of  and  pevmissildc  writing  tlieieon 

from  the  Post-Oftiie  Dcjiartiiicnt  to  ])ostniasters  to  be  treated  as  official  letters  .... 

issued  by  Department  to  be  treated  as  written  letters  by  postmasters 

postage  I >n,  when  mailed  in  bulk,  for  postmasters  to  distribute 

Circular  of  inquiry  for  registered  matter  must  receive  immediate  attention  of  re- 
ceiving postmaster 

for  registered  mattei-,  returned  indorsed  "not  received,"  to  be  reported  to  Chief 

S])ecial  Agent 

to  be  sent  when  registry-bill  is  not  returned 

Circuit  courts  (of  United  States),  jiirisdictiuii  of  under  ))ostal  laws  

Claims  ]iresented  after  adjustnicnf  nl'  qiiaiteily  accounts  may  be  rejected 

Claim  agents  not  to  receive  letters  tiom  Pension-Office  addressed  to  pensioners 

Classitlcation  of  dead  matter 

of  lettei-caniers 

of  mail-matter 

of  unmailable  matter  

Clearances  not  to  Ije  granted  to  vessels  carrying  letters  contrary  to  law 

Clerks,  railway  juistal,  appointment  and  pay  of  (see  EMi'i.ovfo  OF  the  Railway  Mail- 

Skkvke)  .    

Clerks  in  post-ottlces,  allowance  for 

allowance  for,  at  money-order  ])ost-oifices,  out  of  money-order  funds 

sejiarating  post-offices 

application  for,  to  be  made  to  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General 

ap])ointed  by  postmasters,  excejdion 

case  examinations  of 

efficiency  of,  rei)orted  upon  by  superintendents  of  mails 

forbidden  to  address  or  seal  registered  letters  or  to  put  postage-stamps  thereon 

inc(nnpefent  distiibuting,  to  be  removed 

may  not  be  interested  in  mail  contract.s 

must  sign  all  oi-ders  relating  to  ilistribution  and  disi)atch  of  mails 

nujiiber,  grade,  and  coiM)ien.Hation  of,  fixed  by  Postmaster-General 

and  salaries  not  to  be  changed  without  authority  from  First  Assistant 

Postniasfer-(ieiuiral 

receipts  re(iuired  for  pay  of 

verbal  examination  of 

Clerk  of  House  of  Representatives  entitled  to  send  and  receive  public  docu- 
ments fne  of  jiostage 24.'>, 

Close  of  mails,  authority  to  fix  tinui  of  vested  in  Postmaster-General 

tinn:  of  as  fixed  l)y  the  I'ostmaster-General 

Coin.    {See  Unmaii.ahle  MArrEU.) 

cannot  be  rtigistered  to  foreign  countries     

foreign,  not  receivable  for  postage-stanii)s  or  dues 


Sec.      Page. 


34.J 

99 

344 

99 

321 

96 

322 

96 

362 

101 

307 

94 

335 

98 

329 

98 

326 

97 

327 

97 

424 

109 

418 

108 

418 

108 

780 

172 

690 

160 

427 

109 

426 

109 

429 

110 

430 

no 

429 

110 

428 

110 

791 

173 

1129 

278 

96 

54 

78.'; 

172 

798 

174 

585 

139 

586 

139 

27 

39 

713 

164 

27 

39 

490 

120 

493 

121 

887 

186 

859 

183 

860 

183 

849 

181 

492 

121 

1132 

280 

2iv 

78 

537 

127 

21 

28 

218 

78 

884 

186 

849 

181 

848 

181 

1206 

301 

1170 

289 

281 

91 

433 

112 

309 

95 

176 

72 

432 

111 

561 

133 

23 

38 

124 

62 

970 

200 

121 

62 

128 

63 

130 

63 

418 

108 

417 

108 

816 

177 

425 

109 

599 

141 

422 

108 

131 

63 

131 

C3 

128 

63 

420 

108 

246,  248 

84 

368 

102 

410 

107 

904 

189 

97 

54 

INDKX. 


383 


C'olleclioiin,  no  allow  mik'i'  I'lir  cxiiriisi-  in  making; 

iit'iiostal  t'miils  from  poMtmasti-is  l>y  roiifrartoiH'  ohIith 

ilrnftH  in  fiivor  iit°iithi*r  poHtiniuitorH 

sliipt'i'cs 

to  In-  (laiil  into  llicTri'asiirv 

Collrt'tioii  (Irnt'ls  lost,  how  n-iirwi'd 

iiiusl  111'  paiil  i\  III  ir  rontrai'tor  owes  pimtniUMtt^r 

|iioiiiiitly  paiil  1)\  |i(istiiiaHtrrs  anil  otliers 

non']ia\iui-iit  of,  to  lir  n  porti-il  to  .Vuilitoi  liy  I'oUcctin;;  poHtiiiiiHter 

not  issiicil  for  iniinryorili'r  fiiiuls   

paynii-nt  of,  to  lie  ri'imrtcil  to  Amlitof  Ity  rolli-ctiny  postnianter 

po.stiiiiisti-is  may  lu-  icniovcil  fm-  failinji  to  lolliTt 

must  bi'  icaily  to  pay,  at  rml  of  raili  c|iiarti'r 

iii';;li'Ctin;l  to  <-olli-<t,  iliar^cil  with  amount  of 

to  ii'porf  laii.si- of  failuri'  to  rollt-rt  amount  of,  to  Auditor,  rtc 

ivccipls  for  ]>avmt'iit,s  on.  to  hv  snit  .sri»aratrly  to  Auditor 

rctunieil  unpaid.  Auditor  will  cau.sf  suit  to  In-  liroiiglit  iipiin 

upon   po«tniii,stfrs   for  |>ayinfnt   of  lialnncfs  due   tlit;  Departnu'iit,  how  made  by 

Auditor 

CollmionN  from  poNliiinHlerci  by  Auditor  s  drafts  in  favor  of  other  pcmtniaHterH. 

by  ((luti.iit.us    nrilifs 

Col  Iff  t  ion  po»t-«»fflfc».  dutii's  of  iiostmastcrs  at 

('oIoK»<'<  iutiTiiational  i'Xfliani;i'  p<»,st-otticr  tor  monfV-ordrrs  on  Germany 

Coloiiibin,  rnitril  .'^tatfs  of,  no  postal  com  rntion  w  itii 

CoiiibiiinlioiiM  to  lui'vi-nt  bids  for  carryiui;  the  mail,  how  jiiinislu'd 

C'oiiiiiicrrial  papcrit,  uudi-r  domestic  regulations,  perini.ssible  writing  upon 

undii  Postal  I'Tiion  icirulations.  for  fnrcii;n  mails  only 

ConiniiaMioiif  r,  Tiiited  States,  may  make  j)relimiuary  examination  of  per.sou.s  ar- 

I  est  I'd  for  mail  ilijiri-datious 

ConiiniHHioucr  of  Agriculture  entitled  to  .send  repurt.s  and  seeds  free  of  po,4tage. 
CouiuiiHNionf  r  of  deeds,  postmasters  may  bold  otHce  of,  witbcmt  violating  Presi- 
dent's order 

ComniiMsions  not  issued  to  postmasters  until  after  approval  of  bonds 

of  jiostmasters,  bow  i-ecorded  and  sijiued 

C'ouiuiuuif  Riions  to  tlie  I)e))artment  sboiild  be  on  one  subject  only 

C'oiiipeuNRliou,  extia,  to  ])08tniasters  at  money-order  post-ottice.s 

•    for  advi  1  risiu;;  letters 

of  fiiuitb-class  postmasters 

Icttei  carriirs 

postmasters  at  Presidential  post-ofKces 

pro  ten) 

none  allowed  to  iiostma.sters  for  sale  of  posta-je-stamps,  etc    

to  masters  of  shi]>s  not  mail-vessels  for  receiving  printed  matter 

to  iiiasti  IS  of  ships  for  canyiu};  mail  on  their  vessels 252, 

Com  plaint-book  to  be  kept  at  all  post-ortices 

Complaint!!  of  delay  in  receipt  of  mails  to  Division  Superintendent  of  Railway  Mail- 

,service ...       

to  be  made  to  Chief  Special  Agent  of  lost  letters,  etc 

Congresfii  may  tix  rates  tVir  carrying  the  mail  by  land-grant  railroads 

terminate  any  contract   for  carrying  the  mails  between  the  United 

States  and  any  foreign  country   

latts  tixed  by.  for  carrying  mails  by  laud-giant  railroads 

Congressional  dof  unient.s  free  of  postav:e  with  othcial  frank 

may  be  mailed  in  bulk  and  remailed  alter  one  delivery 

must  III-  separately  franked,  exceiit 

11(1  liiiiit  of  Weight  fill  

Congressional  Reeord,  free  of  postage  when  franked  by  members  of  Congress  ... 
Consuls  may  pay  imstage  on  letters  for  the  United  States,  which  will  be  refunded  by 

the  State  Department   .'. 

Continuanff  of  suits,  bow  granted  to  defendants 

Conlraft  otHfe.     (S«e  Skcosd  A s.ststa.nt  Postma-stek-Gf-xeral.) 
Contrae tors  for  carrying  the  mail,     (Sue  Maii.  coxtkactors.) 

iliiluitiniis  from  ]iay  of,  for  .s])ecial  causes 

for  failure  to  perform  service  and  tines  for  delimpiencies  . . 

delimiuencies  of.  to  be  reported  by  ])ostmasters 

tines  imiiosed  uimu,  for  what     

for  carrying  foreign  mails  may,  be  fined   

must  miike  specific  excu.ses  for  each  delinqnenci" 

take  ])ostal  oath  of  ottice 

notitied  bv  postmasters  of  failures,  when 

transfer  of  debts  to 

Contrnf  tors'  orders,  postmasters  reijuired  to  pay  upon  presentation 

Contrae t  sections,  division  of  the  I'nited  States  into 

Contracts  for  larrying  the  mail.     (See  Mail  lOXTKArTs.) 

lietwiiii  the  Fnited  States  and  any   foreign  country  may  be  terminated  by  Con- 
gress    

form  of 

postal  employes  not  to  be  interested  in   

to  be  certitied  to  Auditor 

t nily  dated       _      

Convention  of  Paris,  accessions  to  the  I'uion,  how  pennitted,  article  18 

aciounis  between  countries  of  the  I'nion  aboli.shed,  article  9 

arliitration  between  disagreeing  members  of  the  Union,  article  17 

combmatious  of  colonies,  etc,  as  one  administration,  article  21 

conditions  of  I'onve.vance  of  mails  across  frontiers,  article  3 

congi'esses  of  contracting  countries  every  five  years,  article  1!)      

correspondence  between  po.stal  administrations  alone  tree,  articles 


See. 

I»a«o. 

00 

S3 

HOI 

290 

111)2 

299 

257 

87 

m 

50 

1203 

301 

M 

53 

ll9:i 

299 

1  !«.'•) 

299 

12()0 

300 

1I!M 

299 

1108 

300 

m 

53 

11»7 

299 

1190 

299 

8«i 

53 

1109 

300 

1192 

299 

1192 

299 

1191 

299 

76 

52 

10,T.> 

217 

1129 

278 

.->H9 

140 

•.'32 

81 

in.'-> 

265 

49.1 

121 

247 

84 

321 

107 

57 

103 

56 

3 

27 

968 

200 

447 

115 

117 

60 

310 

95 

116 

59 

135 

63 

165 

69 

264 

87 

253,  254 

86 

15 

28 

16 

28 

15 

28 

637 

151 

6.-.<! 

154 

638 

151 

245 

84 

248 

84 

248 

85 

221 

79 

246 

84 

1136 

281 

1219 

304 

668 

156 

665 

156 

663 

156 

669 

157 

655 

154 

667 

156 

25 

39 

666 

1.-.6 

60 

49 

1191 

299 

574 

130 

656 

154 

36 

43 

4;j 

44 

37 

43 

35 

42 

1102 

239 

235 

2;w 

239 

232 

2;i9 

235 

384  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.      Page. 
ConYenlion  of  I*ari8 — C^outiuuL'd. 

conespondence  t-xchimged  between  Union  and  non-Unitm  countries,  article  12 1102  236 

of  j)Ostal  administrations  tree  of  transit  charges,  article  4 233 

countries  concluding 281 

declared  value,  exchange  of  letters  of,  subject  of,  special  arrangements,  article  13..  236 
domestic  jjostal  legislation  not  altered  by,  except  as  to  express  stipulations,   ar- 
ticle 15  -■ 238 

duration  of  convention  indefinite,  article  22 240 

final  protocol  of - 242 

former  arrangements  and  conventions  in  conflict  with,  abrogated  by.  article  23 240 

internationarbureau  of  UuiviTsal  Postal  Union,  article  16 238 

modificati(jns  of  <()uveuti(in.  iir(>]iositioiis  for,  how  made  and  adopted,  article  20 239 

monetary  iMiuix  ulciits  of  the  franc,  article  7 235 

I>osta--.-  i-atcs.  ai'ticle  .t   233 

postagestaiiiiis,  what  valid  for  prepayment  of  postage,  article  8 235 

prohibiteil  matter  in  Union  mails,  article  11 236 

ratification  of,  by  Postmaster-General  and  President 241 

final  protocol 243 

reforwarding  matter  fiee  of  charge   236 

regi.stercd  matter,  limited  liability  for,  article  6 235 

registration  of  all  mailable  matter  permitted,  article  6 234 

signatures  of  contract  iug  parties  to 240 

stipulations  of,  extend  to  what,  arti<'le  2 232 

transit  charges  and  comlitions.  article  4 232 

expenses,  how  borne,  article  4 233 

rights  guaranteed  tln(mt;hout  Union,  article  4 232 

Union  countries  may  make  siiecial  arrangements  with  each  other,  article  14 237 

Universal  Postal  Union  established,  article  1 232 

unmailable  matter,  article  .5 234 

CJonveiitioii  of  Paris,  regulations  adopted  by,  amendments  of,  how  to  be  pro- 
posed, etc.,  article32 1103  260 

articles  of  ordinary  correspondence  failing  to  reach  destination,  how  to  be  applied 

for,  article  27 256 

change  in  the  monetary  system  of  one  country,  notice  to  be  given,  in  what  way, 

article  4 245 

closed  mails,  correspondence  in,  re«-ulations  respecting,  how  prepared,  article  24 255 

commercial  papers,  what  are  considered,  article  16 250 

coiTCspondence,  aitual  and  peTsonal.  what  not  considered,  article  17 251 

delivered  by  one  administration  toanother,  how  forwarded,  articlel.  244 

in  closed  mails,  regnlations  res)iecting,  how  prepared,  article  24  . ..  255 

in  ojien  mails,  leiiulations  respectinir,  how  prepared,  article  23 253 

undelivered,  how  to  be  tivated,  article  21 253 

what  may  be  reforwarded.  article  20 252 

duration  of,  aiticle  34 261 

exchange  of  conespondence  in  closed  mails,  how  regulated,  article  2 244 

exp<>nses  of  transit,  accounts  of,  how  ine])ared,  article  25 255 

statistics  of,  article  22 253 

extraordinary  services  of  the  Union,  giving  rise  to  special  expenses,  are  what,  ar- 
ticle 3  .---.■ ; 245 

International  Bureau,  connnunicatious  to  be  addressed  to,  article  29 258 

duties  of,  article  30 258 

expenses  of.  how  divided,  article  28 257 

jurisdiction  of  the  Union,  article  32 259 

language  to  be  used  in  fonns  employed  in  international  correspondence,  article  31 . .  259 
letter-bills  accompanying  the  mails  exchanged  with  Union  countries,  what  to  be  en- 
tered in,  article  9 247 

mails,  how  to  be  made  up,  article  12 - 249 

verification  of.  by  exchange  otlices,  article  13 249 

open  mails,  corresjiondence  in.  niinlations  resjiectiug,  how  prepared,  article  23 253 

postal  cards,  regulations  resjiecting  cin  illation,  dimensions,  and  use,  article  15 250 

prepayment  insiitticieiit,  how  indicated,  article  8  247 

printed  matter,  what  is  coiisiilered,  article  17 250 

rates  of  postage,  how  levied  on  correspondence  with  countries  not  in  the  Union, 

articles 246 

by  administrations  not  having  the  franc  for  monetary 

unit,  article  4 245 

rates,  number  of.  indications  of,  and  amount  of  foicii;ii  chai'ges,  article  7 247 

reduced  po.stage,  what  excluded  from,  article  17 251 

reforwarded,  what  articbs  may  be,  article  L'0 252 

registered  articles,  indemnity  for  the  loss  of,  article  11 248 

in  the  mails,  rules  lor  the  treatment  of,  article  10 248 

110  si)ecial  c(uidition  of  form  or  fastening  required,  article  14 250 

samples  of  meri'handise,  ]irireiiuisites  of  admission,  article  18 251 

sub.iect  to  reduced  jiostage,  article  18 251 

stamps,  on  cori'esiioudence  oriniuatiug  in  lum-Union  ccumtries,  how  impressed,  arti- 
cle C,  246 

Uni(m  countries,  how  impressed,  article  6.  246 

Stamp  T.  (tax  to  be  paid),  ai)iilicati. f,  etc.,  articIl^  6 246 

undelivered  corresiMui<lence,  liow  to  be  treated,  article  21  253 

weight,  exceptions  ill  mat  ters  of,  article  '.'(t   256 

what  aiti<les  may  be  gioniied  together,  and  under  what  conditions,  article  19 252 

ConveiitioiiN,  siiecial  (postal,  with  various  countri<'s 1126  274 

C'opiei*  of  Dejiaitnieiit  records,  etc.,  to  he  Miithentieated  by  .seal  of  Department 28  41 

stateiiients  of  ]ios( masters  iiscil  in  suits  certified  by  seal  of  Auditor 1224  305 

Copyright,  Inited  .States,  foreign  puldicatitms  which  infringe  .same,  not  allowed  a.<> 

second-class  mattei- 214  78 

Copyright  matter,  postmaster  to  receipt  for 374  103 


INDEX.  385 


Sec.  Page. 

Corr«-Mpond«'nrc  coiupriMos  ull  mailMMu  uinttur  exchnugcd  with  foreigu  coiuitrics  ..  1108  'J64 

conilitiiMis  lit' nschiingo  of,  with  t'auiulii iVM  274 

lAUiulor ni;«  274 

(Juatiniulii 1120  275 

New  South  Wales,  Austniliiv 1120  276 

New  Ztaluntl 1126  276 

Qucciislimfl,  Austialia 1126  278 

Sandwich  Islaud.s 1126  275 

Wu.ziK  111 1126  276 

Viitoiia,  Aii3tialiii 1126  277 

exchange  jiost-otliccs  for,  with  foreign  couutries 112;")  268 

metric  weiglits  used  for  foreigu 1105  262 

miscellaneous  rej;ulations  and  sujigestious  for  exchange  of,  with  foreign  countries.  1132  278 

official,  how  to  be  eoudueted 534  127 

postniasf  er.s  iiiu.st  not  allow,  to  pas.s  into  the  hands  of  tho  public 533  127 

personal,  negatively  diliiied 232  81 

postage.s  (111,  exchanged  witli  the  Universal  Postal  Union 1108  264 

rates  of  United  States  jxistage  on.  exchanged  with  foreign  countries  when  not  fixed 

by  convention 1127  277 

witii  foreign  eountiies  not  in  Postal  Union,  and  "with  whom  no  convention  exists, 

prepayment  conipul.sory 1128  277 

Postal  Ifuiou  countries,  conditions  of  fonn  and  weight 1113  264 

prepayment 1108  264 

United  States  postage  and  registry  for 1104  262 

Post-Oflie.-  Dej.artnieiit,  by  postmasters.    {See  Official  cokbespojjdence.) 

Counlcrfipitiiig  affidavits,  bid.s,  boud.s,  etc 1245  313 

mail  lucks  ami  kevs.  peuallv 1243  313 

of  foieimi  ])esta-i-stauips,  jieiialt  v 1228  308 

IMistaLie-stainiis.  itc,  penalty  for 1227  307 

C'ounl<-i'<rit  luoiicy.  jiostnia.ster.s  receiving,  must  replace  with  genuine 91  53 

C'oiirlM.  iiijmiet  inns  of,  to  be  respectt-d  by  postmasters  in  the  delivery  of  mail 230  92 

State,  juiisdiclion  of,  over  ollcnses  against  tht'  postal  laws 52  47 

('ourt-houtiies  to  be  supplied  with  mail 544  129 

C'riinc.    {Sec  Catchek-ckaxe.) 

C'rciiciitiaN  of  .special  agents  to  be  demanded  by  postmaster 540  128 

Crediliii  allowed  in  suits  against  individuals 1218  304 

claims  fur,  shall  not  be  allowed  upon  trial  of  any  suit  for  delinquency  unless  pre- 

.sented  to  Sixth  Auditor .' 1217  303 

Crimea  {sec  ()i  fenses  A(;aixst  Postal  Laws),  altering  or  counterfeiting  bids,  bonds, 

affidavits,  etc.,  penaltv 1245  313 

attempt  to  rob  the  mails,  penalty 1239  312 

being  accessory  after  the  fact  to  stealing  of  mail-matter 1248  314 

mail  lobberj- ;  penalty 1247  314 

breaking  into  post-office,  penalty    -  -  -  1244  313 

destroying,  secreting,  or  embezzling  letters  by  persons  not  in  the  postal  service, 

penalty    1234  310 

detention  of  mail-matter  by  postmasters,  penalty 1232  309 

embezzlement  of  letters  containing  inclosures  1230  308 

failure  to  deposit  postal  revenues  in  Treasury  constitutes  embezzlement ;  penalty . .  1249  314 

forgery  of  foreign  postage-stamps,  penalty 1228  308 

or  counterfeiting  of  postage-stamps,  dies,  etc.,  penalty  for 1227  307 

forging  or  stealing  mail  locks  or  keys,  penalty 1243  313 

injuring  mail-matter  dejiosited  in  street  mailing-box 1229  308 

money -orders,  forgery  of.  penalty  for 1226  307 

mntUatiug  mail-bags  with  intent  to  rob  the  mail,  penalty 1242  312 

opening,  destroying,  secreting,  or  embezzling  letters  by  persons  in  postal  service, 

penaUy ^ 1233  309 

receiving  articles  stolen  from  the  mails,  pen;ilty 1236  311 

robbery  of  the  mail,  penalty '. 1238  312 

sending  letters  through  tho'maUs  with  intent  t(j  defraud,  penalty 1246  314 

stealing  mail-bags  or  other  property  of  the  Department,  or  diverting  tho  same  from 

their  proper  use 1241  312 

or  wrougfuUy  obtaining  mail-matter  from  custody  of  Department;  penalty.  1235  310 

Criminals,  entitled  to  receive  their  letters 282  91 

Currency,  coin  value  of,  for  international  money-orders  decided  by  postmaster  at 

New  York 1049  215 

coin  value  of,  not  decided  by  postmaster  issuing  international  money-order 1048  215 

sent  for  redemption,  special  instructions  for  registration  of 818  177 

to  Treasurer  of  tho  United  States  for  redemption,  may  be  registered  free  of 

charge 817  177 

Current  money,  funds  to  be  kept  in 95  54 

Custom!*  duties  on  printed  matter,  except  books,  abolished 1134  281 

on  siunle  l)ooks,  may  be  remitted  when    1135  281 

treat uieut  of  articles  in  the  mails  liable  to 1133  280 

Daily  reports  of  local  agents  to  Hi  vision  Superintendents 799  174 

Dated  stamp  daily  impressious  to  be  taken  of 380  104 

how  to  clean  ami  secure  legible  impressions  of 381  104 

Dea«l-l>ettor  Office,  fraudulent  registered  matter  of  foreign  origin,  forbidden  to  be 

delivev<(l,  to  bo  returned  to 876  185 

letters  fniiu,  to  be  advertised 454  116 

when  sender  of  returned  registered  matter  not  found  it  must  be  sent  to 879  185 

Dead  letters  ccmtaining  money  returaed  back  to  Dcad.Letter  Office,  postmaster  re- 
sponsible for  loss  of,  when  not  registered 486  120 

containing  money  returned  to  owners,  caution  in  delivery  of 484  120 

when  not  delivered  to  be  returned  registered 

istered  to  Dead  Letter  Office 485  120 

foreign,  treatment  of.  determined  by  conventional  stipuLitions 34  42 

25  P  L 


386  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  Page. 
Dead  IvCliers — Contiuned. 

unclaimed  money  in,  turned  into  Treasury 56  49 

Taluable,  returned  to  Dead-Letter  Office  not  inclosing  money  neednot  be  registered.  487  120 

sent  in  search  of  owner  must  not  be  forwarded . . .' 488  120 

witljout  valuable  inclosures,  returaed  to  owners,  may  be  forwarded 489  120 

Dead  uiattcr,  authority  of  Postmaster-General  to  declare  matter  dead 468  117 

definition  and  classification  of 4.33  112 

how  returned  to  Dead-Letter  Oflice 482  119 

sent  1 0  Dead-Letter  Oflice 442  114 

inquiries  for,  to  be  addressed  to  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General 21  31 

record  of  valuable,  to  be  kept  in  Dead-Letter  Office 483  119 

Dead  persons,  delivcrv  of  ordinary  matter  addressed  to 285  91 

registered  matter  for,  how  delivered 873  184 

Dead  postal  cards,  disposition  of 480, 481  119 

Dead  printed  matter,  domestic,  without  obvious  value,  to  be  sold  as  waste-paper 

except  that  upon  which  postage  is  due 480  119 

foreign,  to  be  sent  to  Dead-Letter  Oflice 479  119 

rostmaster-General  may  dispose  of,  by  regulation 478  119 

Death,  in  case  of,  of  sureties,  new  bond.s  required 109  57 

(if  postmaster,  limit  of  time  of  sureties'  liability 110  57 

responsibility  of  sureties Ill  58 

Debtors,  imprisoned  .judgmeiit,  discharge  of 41  43 

imprisoned  judgTuent,  discharge  of  no  bar  to  execution  of  property 42  43 

Debts  due  the  Post-Ofiico  De])artment,  collection  of,  to  be  superintentled  by  Auditor. .  1144  285 

not  to  be  contracted  by  letter-carriers  on  their  route 331  98 

Deelared  value,  letters  of.  not  admissible  to  Postal  Union  mails 1124  267 

Decoy  letter,  stealing  of,  a  crime 1235  311 

Decreased  service  on  mail-routes,  decreased  compensation  for,  one  month's  ex- 
tra pay  as  indemnity  foi' 621  145 

Deductions,  causes  for  which,  made  from  contractors'  pay 668  156 

for  faihires  to  jierfonn  service  by  mail  contractors 665  156 

from  pay  of  railroad  companies,  for  what 670  157 

vouchers  for,  on  account  of  expenses  to  be  sent  to  Auditor 133  63 

Defective  key,  when  lock  cannot  be  opened  on  account  of,  mail  should  be  sent  to 

nearest  post-office  to  be  opened 700  162 

Defective  lock,  in  case  of  staple  of  mail-bag  may  be  cut 701  162 

Deticiency  in  postmasters'  accounts  to  be  reported  by  Auditor  to  sureties 106  57 

Definition  of  circulars - 217  78 

ofdeadmatter 433  112 

printed  matter .• 219  78 

unmailable  matter 432  111 

Delay  in  receipt  of  mails  to  be  reported  to  Division  Superintendents 16  28 

Delegates  in  Congress  are  entitled  to  send  and  receive  public  documents  free  of 

postage 245,246,248  84 

Delinquencies,  contractors  to  make  specific  excuses  for  each  of 667  156 

of  mail-carriers,  fines  for 665  156 

Delivery  and  distribution,  mail  for,  to  be  separately  made  up  by  employes  of  the 

Eailway  Mail  Service 725  167 

Delivery  of  ordinary  matter,  addressed  in  care  of  another,  may  be  to  person 

a<ldres8ed ' 280  90 

addressed  to  criminals  cannot  be  prevented 282  91 

addressed  to  deceased  persons,  instructions  concerning 285  91 

defunct  firm  or  corporation  must  be,  to  legal  representative 287  91 

dissolved  Ann,  postmaster  may  ask  appointment  of  receiver 288  91 

minors,  cimtrolled  by  parents  or  guarctians 284  91 

other  post-offices,  not  allowed,  exceptions 279  90 

at  letter-carrier  post-offices.     (5«e  Fkee  deuverv  system.) 

by  mistake,  return  of  "opened  by  mistake" 278  90 

erroneously  delivered  and  redirected 372  103 

from  Pension-Office  must  be  only  to  person  addressed    281  91 

in  dispute,  injunctions  of  courts  to  be  obeyed  by  postmasters 290  92 

instnictions  concerning 289  91 

insufficiently  prepaid.  UE>e  of  postag-e-due  stamps 270-274  89 

must  be,  to  persons  addressed  or  their  order 275  90 

not  to  be  made  by  a  postmaster  when  addressed  to  another  post-oflSce 279  90 

officially  addressed  must  be  to  person  holding  the  office 283  91 

proof  of  identity  may  be  requii  ed  before 277  90 

to  assignees,  instruct  Urns  ((inceming 286  91 

fictitious  addresses  jirohilated 276  90 

Delivery  of  registered  matter  by  cariiers,  rules  for 866,  867  ]  84 

addressed  to  in.sane  or  deatl  persons  873  184 

care  required  in 868  184 

duties  of  postma.sfeis  in..    865  183 

nopo.stage  or  fee  to  be  collected  on 861  183 

on  order  of  tlii'  ;iddre,ssee 870  184 

lesponsihility  of  poslmasters  for  wiong 869  184 

Demand  on  postmastei s  for  bahinces  due  the  Department,  evidence  of 1224  305 

Department,  letters  from  Post-Ollice,  legistered  free 812  176 

of  Agriculture,  Commissioner  of,  entitled  to  send  reports  and  seeds  free  of  postage.  247  84 
Justic(\  to  in.stnut  district  attomoys  as  to  conduct  of  suits  for  monev  due  the 

Po.st-Office  I)e]iartiiunt ". ' 1221  304 

State  will  refund  to  consuls'  ])Ostage  advanced  on  letters  for  the  United  State's  . .  116  281 

Departments  of  the  gdverniiieiit  allowed  til  send  packages  without  limit  of  weight.  221  79 

Deposit,  faihire  to  make,  cause  tor  removal  of  jiostmaster S.'i  .'>3 

])Ost masters  to  report  cau.se  of  failui e  to  make 82  53 

want  of  funds  no  exeu.se  for  lailure  to  make 8.!  53 

Depositaries  must  make  ret  unis  of  money  received  and  paid 71  51 


INDEX. 


387 


I>epoiiiliit|{  poMi-odlrcct,  dctiiiition  of 

DrpoMiiory  poN|.olIlcoei|  defiiiilioi)  of 

lor  iiiaillia^r'*.  )ist  of 

postiiiii.sti  rs  nt,  to  k<'C}i  Burplus  mail  bogs  and  locks  apart  from  cur- 
nut  st(>ck 

postniiusters  Ht,  to  render  accounts  to  Second  ABsistant  Poatmaster- 

Gem-nil  

SrpoaitH,  luroiuUs  of,  of  postal  funds  to  bie  kept  separate  from  other  public  moneys. 

how  broujjlit  into  tlif  Tivasiiry 

IraiisfctTi-d 

letter  trausiuittiiis;,  to  state  what 

must  be  accuiately  cntoreu 

to  be  fuiiiK-iit   ..   

made  liy  postiiiastcrs  without  risk  to  lU-partmeut 

]>epr<-<lalioiiH  of  the  mail  to  br  rcportecl  to  Chief  Special  Agent 

Deputy  poMliiiiiNK'r  may  lender  accounts  of  deceased  postmaster 

l>rN<-rtioii  of  the  mail  liy  i)ersouiii  charge,  penalty 

!><'>•  I  ;:iiM  may  1><-  iiiailid  as  foiirthelass  matter 

!>(■.« troyiMl  poNins**-Htanips,  etc.,  how  to  obtain  credit  for 

I>e»t(riiciive  niatli-r,     (-Set- UN>fA)LAHU-;  matter.) 

how  to  be  jirepared  for  mailing  when  mailable 

DelcclivcM.     (,SV('  Si'EcTAi.  AiiU.vrs.) 

Detciilioii  of  mail  matter  unlawful,  penalty 

]>im-l  pac-knjses,  how  made  by  employtsof  Kailway  Mail  Service 

how  til  make,  at  po.stofHces 

Disability,  employes  of  Kailway  Mail  Service  to  furnish  certificate  of,  on  applica- 
tion lor  sick  leave  . .    

Distribution  and  dispatch  of  niaiis  at  poMt-offlces.  appointment  of  Super- 
intendents of  Mails  to  direct 

by  schemes 

States,  how  to  make  up  packages 

changes  desired  in  forwarding  mails  to  be  reported  to  Division  Superintendent 

disposition  of  facing  slijis  received 

duties  of  Superintendents  of  Mails 

errors  in  distribution,  how  checked 

to  be  recorded  by  Superintendents  of  Mails 

to  be  checked  by  employes  of  RiiUway  Mail  Seixice 

failure  to  receive  faciiig  slips  to  be  reported 

for  States,  when  to  bo  made 

hooks  prohibited  in  handling  mail-matter 

incompetent  distributing  ch-rks  to  bo  removed 

irregularities  in  receipt  of  mail  to  be  reported 

letters  not  to  be  placed  under  straps  of  pnuilns 

returned,  after  cancelLiig  stamjjs,  for  mailing  on  trains 

local  mail  for  railway  and  steamlmat  "Ottiees, "  liow  di8i)atched 

Ottices  to  have  diret'tiou  marked  thereon 

make  direct  jiackages  for  post-offices  on  star  routes 

making  direct  packages 

matter  foi-  delivery  and  matter  for  distribution  to  be  made  up  separately 

not  local  sent  to  railway  Offices  to  be  made  up  by  States 

sent  from  post-ofhce  on  star  route  to  go  beyond  tenuinal  post-office  to  be 

made  up  by  States 

no  changes  to  be  maile  in,  without  orders  from  Sujierintendent  Railway  Mail  Service. 

orders  relating  to,  to  be  entered  in  an  order-book  by  postmasters 

record  of  errors  in  distribution  to  be  furnished  postmasters 

time  of  closing  mails 

through  j)ouclie8  not  to  be  forwarded  by  niail-Ui; ins 

under  orders  of  General  Superintendent  of  K.'.ilway  Mail  Service,  general  rules  for. 

use  of  facing  slips 

unworkod  mail  received,  to  be  rej)orted 

Discontinuance  of  post-office  to  be  certified  to  Auditor 

Dissolved  firm,  delivery  of  matter  addressed  to 

District  attorneys  prosecuting  suits  for  Dei)artment,  to  obey  instructions  from 

Department  of  Justice 

District  courts  (of  United  States),  .jurisdiction  of,  under  postal  laws 

Division  of  Inspection,  contractors  to  make  stpecidc  excuses  to,  for  each  failure 

or  delinquency 

delinijueneirs  of  mail-carriers  and  contractors  to  be  reported  to 

instructiiin.-t  to  postmasters  relative  to  paying  employes  of  the  Railway  Mail  Serv- 
ice furnislied  l)y ' 

receipts  for  payinent  by  postmasters  to  acting  employes  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service 

to  be  sent  to ." ' '. 

Divisions  of  Railway  Mail  Service,  territory  comin'ised  in 

Division  Superintendents   of  Railway  .^lail   Service,  absence  of  facing 

slips  on  mail  to  be  lejiorted  to.  liy  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service 

accidents  to  mail-trains  to  be  reported  to 

assignment  of 

chief  head  clerks  by 

certificates  of  disability  to  be  forwarded  to,  by  employes  

changes  of  railroad  sdiedules  to  be  reported  to,  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Serv- 
ice   '. 

daily  reports  of  loc.al  agents  to 

delays  in  receipt  of  mail  to  be  reported  to,  by  postma  sters 

designation  by,  of  place  of  keeping  employe's'  record  of  arrivals  and  departures 

facing  slips  received  by  emplov68  to  be  forwarded  to 

failures  to  receive  regiilar  exchange  pouches  to  be  reported  to,  by  employ6s 


S*i: 

Page. 

76 

52 

76 

52 

683 

159 

685 

160 

684 

150 

69 

51 

07 

50 

68 

51 

79 

52 

70 

51 

74 

51 

78 

52 

492 

121 

1163 

288 

1240 

312 

13 

27 

167 

69 

223 

79 

1232 

309 

726 

167 

394 

106 

748 

169 

413 

107 

■isr, 

105 

387 

105 

404 

106 

398 

106 

414 

107 

397 

106 

415 

108 

729 

107 

399 

106 

386 

105 

405 

106 

425 

109 

402 

106 

407 

107 

406 

107 

388 

105 

390 

105 

391 

105 

394 

100 

393 

106 

389 

105 

393 

105 

384 

105 

421 

108 

417 

108 

410 

107 

403 

106 

383 

105 

396 

106 

401 

106 

99 

55 

288 

91 

1221 

304 

1206 

301 

667 

166 

mi 

loft 

509 

12a 

513 

123 

707 

16a 

733 

167 

788 

172 

707 

16a 

713 

164 

748 

lf!9 

745 

16» 

799 

174 

16 

2& 

749 

16» 

730 

167 

773 

171 

388  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  Page. 
JDiTision  Superintendents  of  Rail^vay  in[ail  Service— Continued. 

irregularities  in  forwarding  mails  to  be  reported  4o,  by  employes  of  the  Railway  Mail 

Service 774  171 

mail-messenger  service  to  be  reported  to,  by  local  agents 797  173 

letters  found  outside  of  or  under  straps  of  pouches  to  be  reported  to,  by  employes 

of  Railway  Mail  Service 746  163 

local  agents  to  apply  to,  for  leave  of  absence 803  174 

notify  of  changes  of  schc'dulc,  etc 795  173 

under  supervision  of,  record  of  errors  of  local  agents  to  be  kept  by 794  173 

mail-keys  and  other  post-office  property  to  be  turned  over  to,  by  retiring  employes 

of  Railwiiy  Mail  Service 765  170 

not  to  recommend  aijjjointmeuts 712  164 

permission  of,  required  for  leave  of  absence  of  and  employment  of  substitutes  by 

employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service 747  169 

promotions  of  employes  based  upon  reports  of 710  164 

registered  package  receipts  improperly  lilled  out  to  be  reported  to 949  195 

report  to  bo  made  to.  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  when  mails  are  exposed 

at  portages  between  trains  . .'. 738  168 

Tesignatious  of  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  to  be  forwarded  to 766  171 

to  be  kept  advised  of  addicsses  of  employes 753  169 

notified  of  changes  needed  in  offices 785  172 

trip-reports  to  be  made  to,  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Sei'vico 737  168 

unmailable  and  misdirected  matter  to  be  forwarded  to,  by  employes  of  Railway 

Mail  Service .'.  740  168 

unmailal)lu  matter  sent  to,  to  be  postmarked  in  offices 743  168 

show  name  of  employs  sending 741  168 

Documents,  Congressional,  free  of  postage  under  omcial  frank 245,  246,  248  84 

Dogs,  Iftttr-carriers  not  to  deliver  mail  where  dangerous  dogs  are  kept 364  101 

Uoiibt,  i)ostiiiiistt>rs  in,  to  a.sk  instructions 536  127 

Doubtful  publications  to  be  referred  to  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General 188  73 

Draft  poiKt-ofiices,  duties  of  postmasters  at 76  52 

postmasters  at,  not  to  honor  drafts  upon  other  post-offices 92  54 

Draft!^,  application  to  Auditor  for  duplicate  of  lost,  how  made  . .  .■ 1203  300 

application  to  Auditor  for  renewal  of  lost,  must  prove  non-payment 1202  300 

collection,  lost,  how  renewed 1205  301 

deposited  with  bids  for  carrying  the  mail,  when  forfeited 585  139 

returned  to  unsuccessful  bidders . .  586  139 

duplicate,  tenor,  force,  and  effect  of 1204  300 

dailuro  to  pay,  cause  for  i-emoval  of  postmaster 85  53 

for  collection  of  postal  funds  from  postmasters  and  others,  how  made  by  Auditor  . .  1192  299 

non-payment  of,  to  be  reported  to  Auditor  by  collecting  postmaster 1195  299 

not  issued  for  money-order  funds 1200  300 

only  to  be  paid  by  the  office  on  which  drawn  92  54 

postmasters  may  be  removed  lor  failing  to  collect 1198  300 

neglecting  to  collect,  charged  w  ith  amount  of 1197  299 

to  report  cause  of  failure  to  collect  amount  of,  to  Auditor,  &c 1196  299 

returned  unpaid,  Auditor  will  cause  suit  to  be  l)rought  upon 1199  300 

upon  postmasters  and  others  for  collection  of  balances  must  be  promptly  paid 1193  299 

payment  of,  to  be  rejiorted  to  Auditor  by  collecting 

postmaster '. 1194  299 

Drop-letters  may  be  forwarded  three  miles  to  a  jjost-offlce,  when 431  111 

rates  of  postage  on 178  72 

request  on  oue  to  return  to  another  post-office,  not  regarded 463  117 

Duplicate  ^Tarrant,  how  obtained  from  Auditor 1201  300 

tenor,  force,  and  .effect  of 1204  300 

Duties  on  printed  matter,  except  books,  abolished 1134  281 

on  single  books  may  be  remitted  when 1135  281 

treatment  of  articles  in  the  mails  liable  to 1133  280 

Ecuador,  special  postal  arrangements  with 1126  274 

JSlectric  pen.    {See  Printed  matteb.) 

£nibe2zlentent  of  letters  containing  inclosures,  penalty 1230  308 

postmasters  and  otln  i  officers  of  the  postal  service  failing  to  deposit  postal  revenues 

in  Treasury  siiiilty  ot,  peii:ilty : 1249  314 

Employes  of  Railway  ITlail  Service,  absence  of  facing  slips  on  mail  to  be  re- 
ported by,  to  Division  Superintendent 733  167 

absences  of,  in  case  of,  with  and  without  leave,  must  employ  substitutes 747  169 

accountability  of,  in  charge  of  Offices 718  166 

acting,  authority  for  paying 512  123 

definition  of 511  123 

manner  of  paying 513  123 

appointment  of,  for  six  months  on  probation,  permanent  appointment  after  exami- 
nation    710  164 

not  to  be  recommended  by  Division  Superintendents 712  164 

case  examinations  of 780  172 

courtesy  enjoined  uiion 790  172 

delivery  by,  of  mail  in  transit,  forbidden 769  171 

of  mail  by,  to  catch  shUions 791  173 

directions  to,  for  making  direct  jjackages 726  167 

distribute  contents  of  oiio  mad-bag  before  opening  another 732  167 

distribution  of  mails  by  schemes 731  167 

duties  of,  on  night  lines 783  172 

errors  in  distribution  and  dispatch  of  mails  to  bo  checked  by 729  167 

Postal  (Tuid(>  to  be repoited  by 715  166 

examination  of,  in  postal  laws  and  regulations 716  166 

upon  their  instructions 781  172 

exchange  of  letter-mails  by,  to  be  ui  lacked  pouches 771  171 


INDEX.  389 

Sec.     Pngc 
Euiploy^  of  Knilwny  .Tliiil  N4>rvirf>— <'iiiiiiuu(.'(l. 

laein}:  ^lips  nrcivcd  liy.  to  l>c  lorwanli  <l  1<>  Hivision  Superintt-ndonts 730  1C7 

to  lie  nsrd  liv.  in  what  iiiaiiuci' 7i*  lff7 

forbitldiTi  to  <s\\v  iiiloiiiiation  ( oiicciiiiny  letttiM,  etc.,  to  tinauthorizcrt  pcrsoDS 764  170 

trallii'  will  n  on  iluty 703  170 

{fcnornl  ilcsignalion  for  roiitt-agcnts,   posttil  i-lfi-ks,  iuail-roiit<'  niessfngtrB,  and 

local  nian-ajimts 700  104 

pnoral  instniitionsof,  apply  to  local  aijcntM,  wlicu 805  174 

hooks  forbidden  to  lie  used  by.  in  IiandlinK  moil-bags 789  172 

ignorance  of  rules  no  excuse  for  violation  liy 793  173 

instruct  ions  to  be  carried  by 71 J  165 

irre;:ularities  in  forwarding" mails  to  be  reported  to  Division  Superinteudent  by 774  171 

leave  of  absence  fjranted  to.  on  certificate  of  disability 748  169 

letters  not  to  be  jilaced  loose  in  jiouclies  by 727  167 

list  of  exehauiS'  i)ouchers  to  be  kept  by 773  171 

mail  made  up  by  States  by ." 724  167 

tuails  to  be  aecompanii'd  Itv.  to  and  from  post-offices 755  109 

mail  to  be  received  liy,  at  ()ilices :  matter  bearing  canceled  stamps  to  bo  refused  by.  720  166 

missent  mat ter.  to  be  so  stamped  by 775  171 

must  assist  Special  AL'ents.  and  not  report  their  presence 786  172 

keep  Division  Superintendents  advised  of  their  address 753  169 

not  deliver  mail  at  places  not  post-ollices 772  171 

notifv  Division  Superintendents  of  changes  needed,  and  not  go  to  officers  of 

railroad  companies - 785  172 

obey  orders  of  emydoye  in  charge  of  Office 719  166 

post-mark  nnniailable  matter  sent  to  Division  Superintendents 743  168 

receive  mail  at  Otbces  :  must  r,  fuse  matter  bearing  canceled  stamps 720  166 

report  changes  of  schedule  to  Division  Superintendent 745  168 

to  Division  Superintendent  when  letters  are  received  outaide  of  or  un- 
der strap  of  jiouches 746  168 

mutilation  by.  of  public  property,  jirohibited 776  171 

"nixes"  to  be  pnslmarki  <l  on  the  back  by 743  168 

not  to  give  information  conci  ruing  vacancies 7C7  171 

note  preseuee  of  Special  Agents  upon  record  of  arrivals  and  departures 787  172 

read  mail-matter  in  transit" '. 779  171 

one  to  Ite  de.'^ignated  in  charge  of  Office 717  166 

order-books  to' lie  examined  iiy 777  171 

jiaid  for  daily  duty,  and  service  may  be  demanded  of,  at  any  time 752  169 

paj-ing  postmasters  to  note  on  pay-ioU  can.ses  of  deductions  of  pay  of 504  123 

receive  instnictiou.s  as  to  pavment  of,  from  whom 509  123 

notice  of  ab.sences  of",  etc 502  122 

failures  of  etc 501  122 

prelimiuiry  notice  of  death  of.  etc 500  122 

sui?iMnd  pay  of.  after  preliminary  notice 503  122 

withhold  pay  for  failure  to  sign  record 499  122 

will  not  make  final  payments  to.  until 506  123 

pa.\-ment  of,  by  postmasters ' 510  123 

jia'j-ments  to,  by  postmasters,  not  to  be  entered  on  account -current 1172  289 

period  of  duty  of 754  169 

postage-.st,imps  on  maO-matter,  to  be  canceled  by 721  166 

post -marking  stamp  not  to  bo  used  for  canceling  postage-stamps  by 722  166 

postmasters  to  examine  daily  records  of  arrival  and  departure  of 498  122 

forward  record  of  aiTivals  and  departures  of,  to  Division  Superin- 
tendent   507  123 

note  ' •  no  signature  "  and  ' ' advance  signature '' 505  123 

receive  registered  matter  from,  at  all  times 853  182 

report  all  failures  of -^^  123 

probationary,  to  be  examined  monthlv 782  172 

promotions  of.  based  upon  reports  of  t)i vision  Superintendents 710  164 

railway-mail-registry-book  for  use  of 940  194 

when  to  be  turaed  over  to  Superintendent,  by 955  196 

receipting  for  registered  matter,  must  write  and  not  stamp  their  n.ames 946         195 

record  of  arrivals  and  departirres  to  be  signed  by 749  169 

registered  matter  delivered  by.  must  be  receipted  for 943         195 

to  connecting  Otlices,  when 953  196 

found  by,  in  bad  order,  to  be  turned  into  terminal  post-offices 852  181 

in  charge  of,  to  be  pouched  between  Offices  and  post-offices 939         194 

not  to  be  delivered  by,  to  railroad  employes 945  195 

left  by.  at  post-offices  without  receipt  therefor 954  196 

received  and  delivered  bv,  to  be  entered  in  railway-mail-registry- 
book ■ 941  195 

bv,  to  be  how  indorsed 948  195 

with  illegible  ].ostniaik,  to  bo  how  noted IMT  195 

to  be  receipted  for  by.  licfori- having  initial  post-offices 942         195 

sent  by,  to  through-ngisrereil-pouch-ottices,  when 952         190 

package  receipts  how  iiost-marked  by i'44  195 

impropeily  tilled  out.  to  be  reported  by 949         195 

to  accomiiany  any  registered  matter  pouched  by 950  195 

replies  to  official  communications  by 757         170 

report  accidents  to  mail-trains  to  Division  Superintendents 788         172 

resignations  of  to  be  forwarded  to  Division  Superintendent ;••.-.■••  "*^'  ^"^ 

resignini;  or  retiring,  to  ttirn  over  mail-keys  and  other  luiblic  property  to  Division 

Superintendent '. "•'j         !"'• 

return  cif  registered-package-receipts  to  be  cheeked  bv.  on  railwav-mail-registry- 

book - 951  195 

return  printed  labels  to  Office  or  post-offic^"  whence  they  were  received 736         107 

rules  of  railway  companies  must  be  obserN'ed  by 792         173 


390 


POSTAL    uAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Employes  of  Kail  way  ITIail  Service— Continued. 

sale  of  postage-stamps  by 

second-class  matter  not  to  be  received  by,  for  mailing  without  certificate  of  post- 
master tliat  postage  has  been  paid 

separate  mail  for  delivery  and  mail  for  distribution 

substitute,  detinitiou  of 

to  examine  interior  of  pouches  thoroughly  when  emptied 

examine  Offices  at  ends  of  runs  to  see  that  no  mail  is  left  therein,  etc 

send  slips  with  unmailable  matter  sent  to  Division  Superintendent 

use  safety  chain  for  mail-keys  and  never  to  leave  mail-locks  in  Offices 

trip  reports  made  by,  to  Division  Superintendents 

turn  canvas  sacks  inside  out  when  emptied 

unifonn  of 

unmaOable  and  misdirected  matter,  treatment  of,  by 

use  by,  of  public  property  for  private  purposes  forbidden 

of  intoxicaticating  liquors  by,  when  on  duty  forbidden 

vigilant  guard  of  mails  by,  report  to  be  made  when  mails  are  exposed 

waste  paper  and  twine  to  be  examined  by,  to  see  that  no  mail  is  mixed  therewith 

before  turning  in  to  terminal  jiost -offices   

Employe  in  chai-gc  of  Office,  designation  of 

orders  of,  to  be  obeyed  by  assistant  employds 

Employes  at  post-offices  forbidden  to  address  or  seal  registered  letters  or  to  put  post- 
age-stamps thereon 

not  to  receive  any  fees 

Eniploymcut  of  route-agents 

£uglaii<l.    (»s'ce  Great  Britain.) 

Envelopes,  letter-sheet,  to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-General 

return,  for  letters  to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-General 

special-request,  proper  course  for  postmaster  when  misprinted 

requisition  for 

stamped  and  penalty  (official),  requisition,  how  to  be  made  bj'  postmasters 

kind  of .  -  - ." 

Postmaster-General  authorized  to  adopt  improvements  in 

to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-General 

sold  at  cost  and  postage 

when  spoiled  and  redeemed  by  postmaster,  to  be  sent  to  Third  Assistant 

Postmaster-General 

when  spoiled,  postage  onlj- refunded,  how 

Entry  of  second-class  matter  at  post-offices 

Equity,  suits  may  be  brought  in,  when  

Errors  in  distriljution  and  dispatch  of  mail  to  be  noted  by  employes  of  the  EaUway 

Mail  Service ." - 

in  disti'ibution  at  post-offices,  record  of,  to  be  furnished  postmaster 

how  checked  at  post-offices 

Postal  G  uide  to  be  reported  by  employes  of  Railway  M.^.il  Service 

postmaster's  quarterly  returns,  corrected  by  Auditor ;  notitication  to  postmasters 

of  coiTections 

made  by  local  agents,  record  of,  kept  by  Division  Superintendents  

sending  mailable  matter  by  em])loy6s  of  Kailway  Mail  Service  to  Division  Superin- 
tendent as  unmailable,  to  be  checked  as ' 

Establis^hnicut  of  post-offices  to  be  certified  to  Auditor 

Estimate  of  amount  required  for  the  several  bi-anches  of  the  Post-Offlce  Department 

for  ensuing  fiscal  year,  by  whom  madt^  

Estimates  tu  be  fumi.shed  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Tn  .isury 

Evidence  that  matter  was  intended  to  be  coriveyed  by  mail 

Examination  of  employes  of  Kailway  Mail  Service  in  postal  laws  and  regulations. . 

of  employes  of  the  Kailway  Mail  Service  upon  their  instructions 

local  agents ■ 

probationary  api)ointees  in  Railway  Mail  Service 

Executive  order  forbidding  postal  officers  to  jjarticipate  in  political  campaigns 

prohiWitiui:  ]iu.stma.sters  from  holding  State  and  municipal  offices,  except  at  fourth- 
class  l)iist-ollici.'.s 

Executor!*  of  deceased  persons  agaiu.st  whom  collection-drafts  have  been  issued, 

names  of,  to  be  reported  to  Auditor  by  collretiug  postmaster 

Excess  of  ^veiyht  and  size.     (Sec  U.NMAU.Aiii.E  matter.) 

Exchange  post-olOces,  foi'  all  foreign  coiudries,  list  of 

foreign  registry -return-receipts  for  deli\  ri  id  inattii'  to  be  sent  to 

on  uucUlivc  rcil  matter  to  be  returned  to 

mi.sdirected  registered  matter  for  foreign  countries  to  be  sent  to 

l)ostmastei'S  at,  are  alone  permitted  to  write  to  foreign  post-oihces  on  registry  busi- 
ness    T 

registered  matter  for  foreign  countri(>s  to  ln>  sent  to 

sent  to  or  riiii\icl  iiom  fi)n>ign  countries  to  bo  postmarked  at... 

regi.strv-return-receipts  for  iii;it  tir  siiit  ti>  fDreign  countries  to  be  made  out  at 

Expenditures,  no  allowance  for,  made  in  absence  of  vouchers 

special  i)ermission  required  .for,  at  money-order  post-offices,  out  of  money-order 

proceeds  

Expenses  at  jjost-offices  may  be  deducted  from  receipts 

at  post-offices,  voucher.s  for  deduetions  for 

incidental,  allowances  for 

Express  companies  m:iy  <ai  rv  h-tlers  in  stamped  envelojies 

Extra   allowances  tip  lir.st  and  second  class  pnst-nllici'S 

Extra  nuinbci's  of  iii\vsi)ainis  and  pti  iodirals  nol  samjde  copies 

Extraoa'dinary  business  at  post-olticts,  allownnce  for 

Eacing  slips,  absence  of,  on  mail,  to  be  re]iorted  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Serv- 
ice to  Division  Superintendent 

disposition  of,  received  at  post-offices 


Sec. 

Page. 

762 

170 

723 

166 

72.3 

167 

511 

123 

73.5 

167 

756 

170 

741 

168 

78i 

172 

737 

168 

7^ 

167 

711 

164 

■40-743 

168 

770 

171 

768 

171 

738 

168 

739 

168 

717 

166 

719 

166 

816 

177 

54 

47 

22 

38 

143 

65 

143 

65 

1.33 

67 

149 

66 

147 

66 

139 

65 

144 

66 

138 

64 

174 

70 

172 

70 

170 

69 

199 

75 

1222 

304 

729 

167 

417 

108 

397 

106 

715 

166 

1167 

288 

794 

173 

742 

168 

98 

55 

46 

45 

47 

46 

1231 

309 

716 

166 

781 

172 

800 

174 

782 

172 

323 

1125 

267 

907 

189 

909 

190 

901 

189 

914 

190 

898 

188 

913 

190 

903 

189 

1173 

289 

971 

201) 

132 

63 

133 

63 

124 

62 

568 

134 

129 

63 

204 

76 

125 

62 

733 

167 

393 

106 

INDEX.  391 

•Sec.  Pago. 
FncinK  slips — ('nutiiuit-il. 

tliifi't ions  tor  nsi' 111',  liy  rmploNr.s  of  tlii!  ]{;iilwa.v  Mail  Si>rvJco ; 728  167 

cxiuiiiiiiition  of,  by  sii|M'rint<'i)il<'iit!t  of  mailit  at  post-otHccs 416  108 

("irors,  liow  to  lie  nott'il  tlii-roon 397  lOfi 

how  obtiiiiicd  liv  ixi.stiiiiistoi'H  400  106 

>is(<l  at  ](Ost-otli(f.s 31W  106 

of  Irtlcis  ill  transit,  to  lie  ]iostinarkiHl  at  post-otllci'S 379  104 

iiTciv  fd  l>v  i'iiii)lov6s  of  IJailwav  Mail  SiTviee  to  lie  Ibrwanli-d  to  Diviaiun  Supcrin- 

t.  ii<l.  lit  ■ .' ^   730  167 

witli  criois  noted  of  jioslina.slcrs  to  lie  roniparcd  with  schi-incs 4'J3  108 

wliiii  not  icciivid  on  ]iai'ka;;t's  at  postolliics,  what  jiostuiasters  should  do 3!)!l  106 

l<'niiiii;;-bi<l<l<-rM,  in  casi-  of.  contract  made  with  whom 603  142 

l<^niliujy;  t-onlrsiciorM,  in  case  of,  contract  made  with  whom 604  142 

VailurcM,  rnntraitois  to  make  «peeiflc  excuses  for  each  of 667  156 

of  niail-i  :inii'i-,s,  deductions  for     WVi  156 

False  evidence  a.s  to  character  of  publication,  penalty  for 197  75 

postmasters  to  report  submission  of,  by  publishers,  to  First  Assistant  Postmaster- 

G  cneral ! 198  75 

False  reluriiM  liy  postmasters,  jienalty  for 118  61 

Fee.-*.     {.sV't' ;Mom;'y-oi!Iiki!s  and  Kkcisthatiox.) 

none  allowed  to  mail  vessels  or  carriers  on  mail-routes 263  87 

not  to  be  collected  iijiou  delivery  of  registered  matter 861  183 

jiersons  in  po.stal  service  not  to  receive 54  47 

ship,  manner  of  collect  inn 257  87 

F«Ti-y,  iienally  for  delaying  mail  at 554  131 

Fietiliotis  matter.    \Scc  Dead  matteu.) 

not  to  be  adverti.sed   4.'i5  116 

Finance  Division.     ( A'c  TiriKii  Assista>t  Postmasteu-Genf.isal.) 

F'iiinncial  condition  of  Post-Oflice  Department  at  close  of  flscal  year ;  report  of 

Audi  till 4.'i  45 

Fines  anti  iorfeitures,  half  of  amount  recovered  to  be  paid  to  informer 63  50 

how  and  by  wliom  remitted 40  43 

imposed  fur  violatiun  of  postal  laws,  oolleetiou  of,  to  be  superintended  by  Auditor.  1144  285 

on  contractors,  fur  what 669  157 

of  contractors'  jiay.  for  what  made 668  156 

goods  containinii  letters  unlawfully  can'ied 565  133 

one  day's  pay  by  employes  of  Railway  JkTail  Service  for  failure  to  sign  record  of 

aniials  and  departures 749  169 

tunied  in  to  Treasury .56  49 

upon  railroad  cunipanies 670  157 

First  Assistant  Postniastrr-Oeneral.  business  of  office  of 27  39 

application  fur  allowances  at  iiosl-ottices  made  to 128  63 

appointiiieuts  of  imstmasters  issued  by 102  56 

doubtful  jiublieations  to  be  referred  to.  for  decision  as  to  rate  of  postage  on 188  73 

false  evidence  submitted  as  to  character  of  publications  to  be  reported  to  198  75 

letter-carriers'  bonds  to  be  returned  to  320  96 

may  sign  what  contracts  48  46 

oaths  of  otiice  of  assistant  postmasters  and  clerks  to  be  filed  with 519  125 

IKJstmasteis'  bonds  to  be  approved  by 48  46 

roster  of  clerks  at  post-oflBces  to  be  approved  bv,  before  allowance  for  clerk  hire  is 

made  ." 131  63 

to  be  furnished  inventory  of  what  jiublic  property  at  post-offices 516  124 

First-class  niail-uiatter.  detiiiition  of        177  73 

all  matter  not  open  for  exaiuination  held  to  bo  '. 182  72 

mit  to  be  held  unmailable  on  mere  suspicion 434  ,  112 

rates  of  imstage  on 178  72 

received  in  Viad  order,  how  treated 382  105 

First  <"oMi|>lrollcr,  appeal  to.  fnuii  deeisi<in  of  Auditor 1150  286 

r''orcis:n  coins  not  leeeivalile  Jur  ]iosta'j.estamps  or  dues 97  54 

Foreign  dead  letters,  treatment  of.  determined  by  conventional  stipulations 34  42 

Foreign  letters  fur  transmission  abroad  only  to  be  received  from  post-office 561  132 

Foreign  mail  agencies,  eslablisliiiieiit  and  payment  of 19  37 

Foreign  mail  contracts,  term  of,  limited  to  two  years 607  144 

Foreign  mails,  condition  of  form  and  weight  of  correspondence  in lli:i  264 

compensation  for  carrying,  limit  of 6.">4  154 

contractors  for  carrying,  may  be  lined 655  154 

contracts  for  canying,  may  be  terminated  by  Congress 0.56  154 

term  of •i52  153 

exchange  of  correspondence  with  Canada  not  governed  by  Convention  of  Paris 1107  263 

howcarried 653  1.54 

inquiries  relative  to,  to  be  addressed  to  Sni)erintendeut  of 1132  278 

in  tr.ansit  throuch  the  United  States  to  be  treated  as  domestic 651  153 

metric  weights  usrd  for 1105  262 

may  be  tiaiispurted  through  the  United  States 650  153 

miscellaneous  regiilations'and  suggestions  regarding 1132  273 

liostaue  and  reuistration  fee  on  correspondence  with"  Postal  Union  countries 1104  262 

Superintendent  of,  business  of  otiice  of 27  41 

1 1  eatmeut  of  dutiable  articles  in 1133  280 

Foreign  matter,  delivery  of,  when  received  registered 906  189 

ueneral  rules  for  registration  of 898  188 

niisdireeted  registered,  .should  be  sent  to  exchange  post-office 901  180 

postmasters  legist i-riug,  should  consult  Postal  G-uicle 900  188 

registered,  forwaided  within  Postal  Union 912  190 

liable  to  customs  duty,  how  treated 910  190 

packages  inclosiu,!!,  to  be  niarke<l  foreign 905  189 

speciall.v  held  for  delivery,  how  long 911  190 

to  be  postmarked  at  excliange  jiost-offices 013  190 


392  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  EEGULATIONS. 

Sec.     Page. 
Foreign  matter — Continned. 

registration  fee,  upon 899  188 

registry-retum-receipts  attached  to  undelivered,  not  to  be  sent  to  Dead-Letter  Office .  909  190 

signature  and  return  of  registry-retum-receipt  for 907  189 

undelivered  registered,  to  be  sent  to  Dead-Letter  Office 908  190 

Foreign  publications  admitted  as  second-class  matter 212  77 

offered  as  second-class  matter,  how  examined 213  77 

violating  United  States  copyrights,  not  admitted  as  second-class  matter 212  77 

copyright,  to  be  reported . . .' 214  78 

Forgery  of  foreign  postage-stamps,  penalty 1228  308 

of  mail-locks  and  keys,  penalty 1243  313 

money-orders,  penalty  for. .". 1226  307 

postage-stamps,  dies,'etc.,  penalty  for 1227  307 

Form,  conditions  of,  for  matter  ad(bessed  to  Postal  Union  countries 1113  264 

Forwarding  of  matter  addressed  under  cover  to  postmasters 373  103 

at  request  of  person  addressed 371  103 

erroneously  delivered  and  redirected 372  103 

Fourth-class  matter,  definition  and  permissible  weight  of 221  79 

list  of  articles  of,  which  cannot  be  registered  to  foreign  countries 904  189 

mav  be  cariied  outside  of  the  mail 572  134 

registered - 810  176 

to  what  foreign  countries 900  188 

must  be  subject  to  examination 229  80 

penalty  for  prohibited  wi-iting  upon 233  82 

permissible  additions  to 231  81 

postmasters  may  examine,  on  receipt,  for  prohibited  writing,  etc 266  88 

rate  of  postage  on 229  80 

rules  to  be  observed  by  persons  offering,  for  registration 815  177 

to  be  open  for  examination 182      ,     72 

undelivered  valuable,  to  be  advertised 451  115 

weight  of,  limited  to  four  pounds: 221  79 

which  might  damage  the  mail,  how  to  secure  same 223  79 

Fractional  currency  sent  for  redemption,  special  instructions  for  registration  of. .  818  177 
sent  to  Treasury  of  the  United  States  for  redemption  may  be  registered  free  of 

charge 817  177 

Franking  privilege  granted  to  members  of  Congress,  etc.,  when  sending  or  receiv- 
ing public  documents 245,  246,  248  84 

oflBcial  correspondence  between  postal  administrations  of  Postal  Union  countries 

relative  to  postal  service,  admitted  to  privilege  of •  1110  264 

Fraudulent  letters,  penalty  for  sending,  through  the  mails 1246  314 

Fraudulent  lotteries,  money-orders  not  to  be  paid  to. 1043  212 

registered  letters  addressed  to  persons  conducting,  may  be  returned,  when 875  184 

Fraudulent  schemes,  list  of  persons  conducting,  published  in  Postal  Guide 20  28 

Fraudulent  matter.     (.Sfe  Dead  matter.) 

of  foreign  orisin,   the  delivery  of  which  is  forbidden,   to  be  returned  to  Dead- 
Letter  Office". 876  185 

Free  county  delivery,  not  applicable  to  sample  copies 244  84 

not  granted  to  paper  claiming  two  offices  of  publication  in  different  counties  . . : 243  84 

second-class  matter  free  in  county,  except  at  letter-carrier  offices 239  83 

intended  for,  to  be  mailed  separately 242  83 

Free-delivery  post-o&ces,  delivery  of  letters  i)y  private  carriers  prohibited  at 556  131 

general  delivery  at,  to  be  discoiuaged 338  99 

oliday  and  evening  delivery  at 350  100 

how  to  offer  second-class  matter  for  mailing  at 241  83 

no  fees  to  be  paid  to  carriers  at 337  99 

persons  calling  for  advertised  letters  at,  to  be  requested  to  leave  addresses  so  that 

mail  may  be  delivered  by  carriers 356  101 

postage  on  second-class  matter  at 240  83 

transient  matter  and  matter  without  street  and  number  or  box  number  not  to  be 

given  to  carriers,  but  held  at  general  delivery 345  99 

use  of  postage-due  stamjjs  at 270-274  89 

Free-delivery  system,  accoimts  to  be  reported  quarterly  to  Auditor 341  99 

accounts  to  be  stated  monthly  l)y  postmasters .' 340  99 

show  income  from  local  postages,  and  expenses 339  99 

applications  for  establishment  of,  how  made 316  96 

appointment  of  temporary  carriers  by  postmasters  at 322  96 

books  for  accounts  of 366  101 

districting  of  cities  for  operations  of 308  95 

number  of  deliveries  not  to  be  reduced  without  orders  from  the  Department 352  .       100 

payments  on  account  of,  not  to  bo  entered  on  account-current 1172  289 

postmasters  to  issue  necessary  orders  to  carry  out 362  101 

superintendent  of,  to  what  otfice  attached ;  duties  of 27  39 

supplies  for,  how  obtained 365  101 

what  matter  is  to  be  delivered  by  carriers 342  99 

when  city  directory  is  to  be  used  to  ascertain  addresses 346  100 

cstabUshed 307  94 

Fncl,  allo^Fance  for,  only  made  to  post-offices  of  first  and  second  class 129  63 

Funds,  public,   for  deposit  may  be  transmitted  by  postmasters  in  free  registered 

letters -' 80  52 

must  be  safely  kept 72  51 

to  be  kept  in  current  money --  95  54 

Furniture  in    post-offices   to  be    turned   over  by  retiring   postmaster  as   public 

property 539  127 

Oarnisbment  of  property  belonging  to  judgment  debtors 1213  303 

of  registered  matter  in  hands  of  postmaster,  not  to  be  permitted ■ 874  184 

General  delivery,  to  be  discouraged  at  free-delivery  post-offices 338  99 

transient  letters  to  be  delivered  at 345  99' 


INDEX.  393 

Sec.     Page. 
Ci^ncral  pontal  account,  amounts  of  Auditor  8  dral'lsi-ollcctt'd  by  jiOHtmastcr  to  bo 

entered  upon ." 11&4  299 

Auditor  will  charge  upon,  amount  of  collection  drafts  neglected  to  be  collected  by 

postinastora 1107  299 

blanks  for,  liirnislicd  to  I'rosidnitiul  post-offices  only 1187  297 

i'orni  ot,  fur  rinirtli-iliiss  pc,st<pl1i<-.-H 111)0  287 

poatniastors  to  coniiiarc,  willi  Auditor's  statement  of 1186  297 

quarterly  statement  of,  bow  dill'creiit  from  quarterly  account-current 1183  296 

never  to  lie  inclosed  with  nuartirly  account-current 1184  296 

not  re<|uired  from  fourth-class  jiost-otlices 1188  297 

to  he  sent  to  Auditor  by  jxistmasters  at  Presidential  post- 

otlicesonly '. 1180  296 

to  l)e  transmitted  to  Auditor  before  twentieth  daj'  of  next 

<iuarter 1189  297 

to  be  kept  by  postmasters 1179  296 

■what  to  1)6  eutcrcd  on  credit  side : 1182  296 

debit  side 1181  296 

retained  by  postmasters  as  vouchers  to •- 1185  296 

Ocrtnany,  money-orders  exchanged  with 1055  217 

special  arrangements  with,  for  transmission  of  book  packt-'S 1118  2C6 

Gift  rntrrpri»ics,  pavinent  of  monev-orders  to,  may  be  .stopped  by  order  of  Post- 

nuister-General . . .' ■ 104.3  212 

ri'iiisi ered  letters  addressed  to  pci sons  conducting,  may  be  returned,  when 875  184 

Gold  cannot  be  registered  to  lorciLiu  countries ' 904  189 

Govrrniurnt  may  purcha.sc  tclegi  aidilincs  for  postal,  military,  or  other  purposes. . .  1258  318 

rates  for  relegiains  on  business  of 1201  318 

telegrams  on  business  of,  to  be  tran.smitted  at  rates  fixed  by  Postmaster-General. . .  1257  317 

Great  JSi-itain,  money-orders  exchanged  with 1015  214 

money-orders  uyion,  how  drawn 1046  214 

special  arrangements  with,  for  transmission  of  books  and  periodicals 1118  2CC 

Guano,  not  permitted  to  be  seut  by  mail 223  79 

Guarantrc     (.SVr  I'.oxus.) 
Guarantor.     {Sec  Srp.i'.riKS.) 

Guatemala,  prices-current  and  circulars  may  be  sent  to,  at  newspaper  rates  of  post- 
age, ri -3 : ■ 1132  280 

special  postal  arrangements  with  '. 1120  275 

Hnnd-billi^  not  mailable  as  .sup]dements 208  77 

Hawaiian  Kingdom,  special  postal  an-angemcuts  with 1120  275 

Held  for  postage.     (.See  I'xmaii,.vi;i.k  MATTEk.) 

Holiday!!!,  matter  not  re(|uire(l  to  be  reiiistered  on 811  176 

Honey  not  -permitted  to  be  .sent  in  the  mails 222  79 

HookN,  eiiijiloyes  of  Kailway  Mail  Service  forbidden  to  use,  in  handling  mail-bags 789  172 

proliibited  in  handling  mail-bags  l)y  jiostmasters 405  106 

Horse-c.vprcMS,  Postmaster-General  may  employ,  to  carry  mail  over  railroad  routes, 

when 645  152 

Horse-ron  tes,  direct  packages  to  be  made  for  post-offices  on,  ofmail  to  be  forwarded  by.  391  105 

Hotel  card!«,  letters  bearing,  not  to  be  returned  to  hotel,  except 404  117 

Hotel  matter.     (<S>e  Deah  .^[AT•rI■■.^{.) 

to  be  sent  weekly  to  Dead-Let t<r  Otliee,  when 476  118 

stamped  with  date  of  original  di'livery  and  return 477  119 

unclaimed,  uot  to  be  held  at  hotels  longer  than  ten  days 18  30 

when  rediiected.  to  be  forwarded  without  additional  postage 476  119 

Hour.s  of  bn!<ines!«,  at  post  offices  the  usual,  in  the  place 525  125 

Hou!$e  of  Representatives,  members  and  Clerk  of,  are  entitled  to  send  and  re- 
ceive j.ublic  documents  free 245,  ^16,  248  84 

Identity,  proof  of,  mav  be  re(iuired  by  postmaster  before  delivering  mail 277  90 

Ignorance  of  rides  no  i  xcusi-  for  violaticm  by  employC'S  of  Railway  Mail  Service 793  173 

Imprisoned  judgment  debtors,  discharge  of 41  43 

discharge  of.  no~l>ar  to  exi  cution  on  property 42  43 

Incidental  expenses  at  jiost-ofHces,  allowance  for 124  62 

Inclosiires,  jienalty  for  euil>czy.liiig  letters  containing 1230  308 

Increased  celerity  on  mail-routes,  determination  of  compensaticm  for 620  145 

increased  couiix-nsatiou  for 619  145 

Increased  service  OH  mail-routes,  inereu.sed  compensation  for ObS  145 

Indebtedness  of  postmasters,  sureties  not  responsildc  for,  when  suit  is  not  instituted 

within  three,  years  after  elo.se  of  accounts 115  58 

Indemnity,  bond  of,  to  accompany  ai>]»lication  for  renewal  of  lost  warrant  or  draft  . .  1201  300 

Indictment  for  enibez/leuunt  of  ietters  containing  inclosures,  how  drawn 1230  308 

Information  concerning  letters,  etc.,  not  to  be  given  to  unauthorized  persons  by  era- 

liloy6s  of  Kailway  Mail  Service '64  170 

Informer  to  receive  half  of  penalties  and  forfeitures  recovered  for  violations  of  postal 

laws 63  50 

Initial  post-oflices,  mails  to  and  from,  to  be  accompanied  bv  employ6s  of  Hallway 

Mail  Service  ... • 755  169 

Injunctions  of  courts  to  be  respected  by  postmasters  in  the  delivery  of  mail 290  92 

Inland  transportation.     (&e  JfAli-  cONTltAi  1^.) 

Insane  persons,  uioney-(nders  for.  how  paid  1028  210 

registered  matter  for,  how  delivered ''73  184 

Insolvency,  in  case  of,  of  sureties,  new  bonds  required 109  .57 

Inspection  l>i vision,  business  of 27  40 

duplicates  of  reports  to.  to  be  preserved  in  post-offices 601  155 

reports  ot  arrivals  and  departures  of  mail,  of  failures  and  complaints,  to  be  made  to.  6.")8  155 

to.  how  and  when  to  be  forwarded 660  155 

special  reports  of  mail-service  to  be  made  to,  when 659  155 

Instructions  for  opening  mail  and  placing  same  on  deliverj' 265  88 

to  fourth-class  jiost masters  for  keeping  accoiu\ts  1178  292 

jiost  masters  concern  lug  delivery  of  niailiuatter  in  dispute 289  91 

Insufliciently  prepaid  matter.     [See  rNi'AiD  maitek,) 


394  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  Page. 
Insurance  companies,  printed  documents  of,  filled  out  in  writing,  third-class 

matter 232  81 

Insurance  policy,  printed,  flUed  out  in  writiug,  third-clsvss  matter 232  81 

Interest  not  to  be  drawn  by  postmasters  on  deposits  of  postal  funds 73  51 

rate  of,  on  balances  due  Department 1220  304 

International  postal  cards  to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-General 141  65 

to  1 )»'  used  for  card  coiTespondence  within  Universal  Postal  Union 1119  266 

Intoxicating  liquors,  use  of,  on  duty,  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  for- 
bidden   ". 768  171 

Inventories  of  public  property  at  post-offices  by  incoming  postmasters 515  124 

of  public  property  at  post-ollices,  how  disposed  of 516  124 

to  be  kept  by  the  Postmaster-General 30  42 

Investment  of  proceeds  of  attached  property  to  be  in  what 1211  302 

Ireland.    (See  Great  Britain.) 

Irregii  larities  hi  distribution  of  mail  received  to  be  reported  by  poi^tmasters 402  106 

ii?  forwarding  the  mail  to  be  reported  to  Division  Superintendent  by  employes  of 

Kailway  Mail  Service - 774  171 

Italy,  money-orders  exchanged  with 1055  217 

prohibiteii  matter  in  the  mails  to 1121  266 

Jeivelry.    (/See  Unjiailable  matter.) 

cannot  be  registered  to  foreign  countries 904  189 

Judges,  district  or  cu-cuit,  to  make  preliminary  examination  of  persons  arrested  for 

mail  depredations 495  121 

.iurisdiction  of,  over  offenses  against  postal  laws 16  37 

of  any  court  of  record  in  the  United  States  are  authorized  to  administer  oaths  in  re- 
lation to  settlement  of  accounts 1149  286 

Judgment  at  return  term  iu  suits  under  postal  laws 1219  304 

may  be  compromised  by  Auditor,  when 1147  285 

Juries,  postmasters  not  exempted  from  serving  on 6  27 

Jurisdiction  of  justices  of  the  peace,  magistrates,  or  other  judicial  officers  over 

offenses  against  the  postal  laws 52  47 

of  United  States  courts  of  causes  arising  under  postal  laws 1206  301 

over  offen.ses  against  postal  laws 16  37 

Justices  of  thepeace  are  authorized  to  administer  oaths  in  relation  to  settlement 

ofaccoimts 1149  286 

jurisdiction  of,  over  offenses  against  the  postal  laws 16  37 

may  examine  persons  arrested'lbr  violations  of  postal  laws 15  36 

postmasters  may  hold  office  of,  without  violating  President's  order 321 

Keys  {see  M.vil  keys) 1243  313 

mail,  penalty  for  stealing  or  forging 1243  313 

Ij  abcls,  applic"ations  for,  by  postmasters,  to  whom  made 409  107 

on  mail-bags  to  be  returned  to  post-ofhce  of  origin 408  107 

to  be  returned  to  Office  or  post-office  whence  received 736  167 

Iiaud  Grant  Railroads  must  carry  mails  at  rates  fixed  by  Congress 637  151 

latis  fixed  by  Congress  for  carrying  mails  on 638  151 

iia'w  clerk  of  Dejmrtment  to  supervise  correspondence  on  postage  and  classifi- 
cation of  mail-matter  27  39 

IiaiTs,  changes  in,  how  noted 353 

lieares  of  absence  of  local  agents,  how  obtained 803  174 

of  letter-caiTier.s,  how  obtained 325  96 

of  ctnploy6s  of  Eailway  MaU  Service,  how  obtained 747  169 

Ijcdger  account,  amounts  of  Auditor's  drafts  collected  by  postmasters  tobe  entered 

upon 1194  299 

Auditor  will  charge  upon,  amount  of  collection-drafts  neglected  to  be  collected  by 

postmasters '.  1197  299 

blanks  for,  furnished  to  Presidential  post-oflices  only 118"  297 

form  of,  for  fourth-class  post-olfices 1190  297 

postmasters  to  compare  with  Auditor's  statement  of 1186  297 

quarterly  statement  of,  how  different  from  quarterly  account-current 1183  296 

never  to  bo  inclosed  with  quarterly  account-current 1184  296 

not  required  from  fourth-class  post-offices 1188  297 

to  be  sent  to  Auditor  by  postmasters  at  Presidential  post- 
offices  only 1180  296 

transmitted  to  Auditor  before  20th  day  of  next  quarter.  1189  297 

to  bo  kept  by  postmasters  with  the  United  States 1179  296 

what  to  be  entered  on  credit  side  1182  296 

debit  side 1181  296 

retained  by  postmasters  as  vouchers  to    1185  296 

IiCgal  tender,  no  money  not,  to  be  received  by  postmasters,  except  national  bank- 
notes   .' ; '. 89  53 

liCtter-balances,  tests  of,  by  standiird  weights,  how  made 18  28 

Iietter-box.    {See  Eeceivixg-box.) 

for  mail  at  third  and  fourth  class  post-offices,  fonn  of 528  126 

Iictter-boxes.    (See  Stueet  jiailixu  coxes.) 

penalty  for  injuring , 334  98 

mail-matter  deposited  in 1229  308 

street,  establishment  of 333  98 

injuries  to,  to  be  reported  by  carriers    335  98 

Iictter-boxcs  iu  post-ofBccs,  amount  t£  rent  for,  to  be  reported  quarterly  by  post- 
master; penalty  for  failing  to  report 299  93 

erected  by  holders  at  their  expense',  rent  to  bo  collected  as  long  as  used 305  94 

list  of  holders  of,  to  be  ke))t  by  postmaster 298  93 

may  bo  erected  by  box-holders  at  their  own  expense 296  93 

postmaster  at  his  own  oxi)onse 295  92 

names  of  holders  not  to  bo  disclosed  by  postmasters 306  94 

not  to  bo  rented  for  imi)ropcr  puiposes 304  93 

record  of  receipts  for  rent  of,  to  be  turned  over  to  successor  by  retiring  postmaster.  303  93 


INDKX. 


395 


£<ettoi'-boxcs  in  |ios(.oilli<-rM— ('oiitinin'il. 

rent  loi-,  1)1111  ol'  liM.sis  c.r  .salary  i)(  Pn-siili'iitial  iiD.sfniastfrs Uf, 

salary  of  roiiitliilaHs  ixMtmii.sU^r!) 117 

to  lie  lolU't'lcd  (luaitt'ily  in  ailvanco '_'  yoo 

lostiictioiis  on  iiso  (if '. [ '.'.'...'...  302 

iini)ai(l  for  tin  days  al'ti  r  in<l  t)l»|niiiti'r,  toUiuIeclnrtMl  vacant "..!!!!..!!!!.  301 

wlio  may  use   '''*  097 

L.cticr-<:ii-ri<-r  |«iNi  olUcf^H.    (.S'w  Kkek-keuvkkv  r»)«T-OFFicKS.) 

Hietn-r-riirriri-s,  aildiiiimal,  not  to  bi>  I'mploycd  uutil  n])poiiitcd  by  Department 323 

apiilicalioiis  lor  appointiiii'nt  as,  how  made ." 319 

applications  for  (.vet  1''jii;i;-iii;liv!;hy  s^vsikm) .'.'.'.'.'.'.".'..  3l(( 

ajipointnu  nts  and  iiroinotioim  of,  how  niadu 11]  3pj 

auxiliary  apiiointmcnt  of,  autliorized .'.'.'.'.  311 

bonds  and  oaths  of  olliii-  of,  to  bo  returned  to  First  Assistant  Postmastcr-Genorai. .  3'2<J 

recjiiindof , 315 

rant  ion  to  be  iist'd  in  delivery  of  registered  matter  by 361 

<'lassilii-ation  of 3(){) 

deliveriu.ir  rc-iisteied  matter  by gQ«j 

eflicieney  of,  t o  b(>  tested  frequently 351 

how  appointed 317 

leaves  of  ahscnee  of 305 

may  be  eniphiyed  in  post-ofliee  durimr  iutei-vala  between  trips 324 

sell  stamps  in  limited  (inantitics,  when S.IS 

must  beware  of  doiis 3f>} 

not  contract  debts  on  their  routes 331 

deliver  mail-matter  before  it  has  passed  through  post-oftice 348 

mat  ter  iu  1  lie  strei^ts 344 

deviate  from  routes,  must  not  show  letters,  etc 348 

receive  money  to  pay  iicisTaL;e  on  inatti  r  handed  Ibeni  for  mailing 347 

return  to  any  person  ht  tci  s  ilejiosited  in  street  mailing-boxes 300 

solicit  couiribiitions,  I'fc 332 

receive  properly-stamped  letters  for  mailing 347 

report  injuries  to  s(  net  mailing-boxes 3.3.") 

retui-n  mail-keys  and  s.vtehels  to  post-office  after  last  delivery 35!) 

supply  their  own  uuifonus '. 32t) 

Wear  uniform  on  duty,  etc  330 

write  reason  for  iion-di'livery  on  undeliveied  matter 349 

names  of,  must  apjiear  in  legistrv-delivery-book 8fi7 

no  fees  to  be  ])aid  to,  iqion  matter  delivered 337 

not  to  dili  ver  matter  at  unoccupied  premises 343 

number  of,  limited 314 

penalty  for  absence  without  leave  by 326 

assaulting,  when  on  duty  and  in  uniform 334 

qualifications  of,  for  ajipointiuent 3I.S 

salaries  of 310 

substitutes,  how  a])pointed 321 

temporary,  may  be  ajipoiuted  by  postmasters 322 

must  take  oath  of  oihcc 322 

to  be  employed  in  what  cities 307 

obey  orders  of  postmasters 31J2 

make  lirst  trip  as  early  as  possible 342 

uuifonu,  penalty  for  unlawfully  wearing   327 

prescribed  for .' 3".'8 

Kiettcr-cuvcloiics,  return,  retui'ii  stamps,  when  to  be  canceled 376 

IjTttrr  of  tj-aiimniittal,  piiri)ort  of,  to  accompany  deposits 79 

liOiicrsheel  envelopes,  rostmaster-General  may  issue 143 

IjCtlcrs.     (,SV(;  First-class  .MA riF.i:.) 

addressed  to  a  ilefunct  lirm  or  <-orpoiatiou.  to  be  delivered  to  representatives 287 

dissolved  tinu  or  partneiship,  how  disposed  of 288 

deceased  persons,  how  tn^ated ; 28.'J 

minors,  to  be  controlled  by  parents,  guardians,  etc 284 

after  stamjis  are  canceled,  not  to  be  retui-ued  for  mailing  on  train 40(j 

allowance  for  advertising 1171 

carried  by  foreign  vessels,  must  be  received  from  and  delivered  to  post-offices 1138 

containing  inclo.sures,  penalty  for  embezzlement 1230 

dead,  containing  money,  to  be  returned  to  owners 484 

when  to  be  sent  to  Dead-Letter  Office,  and  how 485,  486,  487 

when  to  be  forwarded  by  postmasters  to  other  offices,  and  when  not 488,  489 

delivery  of.    {See  Dklivehy  ok  matteu.) 

incloseil  in  stamped  envelopes,  may  be  conveyed  outside  the  mail,  except ^. ..  568 

for  foreign  countries,  can  only  be  sent  from  post-offices 5«'.l 

from  Pension  Office,  to  be  (hdivered  to  address 281 

local,  (jnl.y  returned  to  writer  at  other  pest-office,  when  luopaid 403 

may  be  conveyed  out  of  the  mail  without  conipen.sation  by  private  hands 567 

registered,  to  wliat  foreign  countries '. 900 

witlidra^Nai  from  mailing  post-office  in  certain  cases 201, 292 

must  not  Ix;  delayed  on  account  of  other  mail 369 

placed  in  pouch  loose 395 

loo.se  in  jiouches  by  eiuployfis  of  the  Eailway  Mail  Service 727 

not  to  be  placed  under  straps  of  pouches '. .' 407 

of  11  dep.'irt  ment,  bureau,  or  office  of  the  government,  free  of  postage 2 19.  250,  251 

declared  value,  not  admissible,  to  Po.stal  Union  mails 1124 

officially  addressed,  must  be  delivered  to  person  holding  the  office 283 

of  postmasters  to  Department 538 

opened  by  mist  ake  by  person  of  same  name 278 

outside  of' or  under  strap  of  pouches,  to  be  reported  to  Division  SuperintendejQt  by 

employes  of  Eailway  Mail  Service 740 


Pago. 

59 
CO 
03 
03 
03 
03 

00 

06 

00 

95 

05 

90 

00 

101 

95 

184 

100 

90 

06 

00 

100 

101 

08 

100 

09 

100 

100 

101 


101 
98 
98 

100 

184 
99 
09 
06 
07 
08 
90 
05 
06 
96 
90 
94 

101 
09 
97 
97 

103 
52 
65 

91 

01 

91 

91 

107 

289 

283 

308 

120 

120 

120 

134 
132 

01 
117 
IM 
188 

02 
102 
106 
167 
107 

85 
207 

91 
127 

90 

168 


396 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 


Ijetters— Continued. 

penalty  for  detention  of,  by  postmaster 

intercepting,  embezzling,  destroying,  etc.,  by  persons  not  in  the  postal 

service 

opening,  destroying,  secreting,  or  embezzling,  by  persons  in  the  postal 

service 

sending,  through  the  mails  with  intent  to  defraud 

prepayment  on,  optional  to  Postal  Union  countries 

received  unsealed,  to  be  sealed  and  .stamped  by  postmaster 

registered,  rules  for  senders  of 

relating  only  to  cargo  of  vessel,  may  be  carried  outside  of  mail 

seized  for  violation  of  law,  how  di.sposed  of 

ship,  addressed  to  a  foreign  country,  no  fee  on • 

brought  by  jjassengers  or  sailois,  no  fee  allowed 

to  be  delivered  "to  legal  assignees  or  receivers 

withoilt  opening 

to  have  preference  over  other  matter  in  dispatch 

unlawfully  carried  out  of  the  mails  may  be  seized  or  detained 

concealed  in  goods,  entail  forfeiture  of  goods 

valuable  dead,  record  of 

when  to  be  marked  ' '  ship  " 

"steamboat'' 

withdrawal  of,  after  mailing.     (See  Withdraw.\l  of  jiatter.  ) 

beyond  mailing  post-office  only  allowed  by  authority  of  Postmaster- 
General .' .' 

from  maUing  post-ofBce  may  be  refused 

with  one  full  rate  prepaid  forwarded  at  request  of  person  addressed 

liights,  allowance  for,  only  made  to  post-offices  of  first  and  second  classes 

liiiuit  of  salaries  of  postmasters 

liiiuit  of  ■»veight  to  four  pounds  for  thii'd  and  fourth  class  matter  only 

r^iq uor.  intoxicating,  not  to  be  sold  in  post-office  room 

l.ilhogi-apIis.    (/S'ee  Pelxtetj  jiatter.) 

lioca  I  agents,  courtesy  in  dealing  with  the  public  enjoined  upon 

daily  reports  of,  to  Division  Superintendents 

examination  of 

fovemed  by  general  instructions  to  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service 
andling  of  registered  matter  by T \ 

leaves  of  absence  of,  how  procured 

record  of  arrivals  and  departures  of 

mails  transferred  at  stations  by 

report  in-egularities  in  mail-messenger  service  to  Division  Supeiintendent 

to  assist  in  transfer  and  delivery  of  mails,  dispatch  missent  mails  by  proper  trains, 
notify  DiN-ision  Sviperintendeiit.s  t)f  changes  of  schedule 

tinder  supervision  of  Division  Superintendent  only 

vigUancc  required  of,  in  guarding  the  mails 

Ivoclis.    {Sec  Mail-locks.) 

Hiock-boxcs.    (&e  Letter-boxes  in  post-office?.) 

erected  by  box-holders  at  their  own  expense  are  property  of  the  Department 

Hiondon  international  exchange  post-office  for  money-orders  - 

lioss  of  quarterly  returns  in  transmission 

Kiosses  in  tlu-  mails  to  be  promptly  reported  to  Chief  Special  Agent  

what  facts  reports  of,  must  state 

Ijost  matter,  inquiries  for,  to  be  addressed  to  Chief  Special  Agent 

IjOsI  postage-stamps  to  be  charged  to  postmasters 

liotteries.    ( .SV e  Fraudulext  schemes.) 

jjostmasters  forbidden  to  act  as  agents  for 

l<otter y  advertisements,  in  second-class  matter,  are  not  excluded  from  mails 

Iiottery  eireiilars  prohibited  in  the  mail 

JLottery  matter.    (See  Ux.mail.^ble  matter.     See,  also,  Dead  matter.) 

proliibited  in  foreign  mails  IT  19 

lioiiiigers  not  permitted  in  post-offices 

liunatie,  delivery  of  letters  addressed  to 

ITIagazines.    (See  Second-class  matter.) 

Magistrates  may  examine  persons  arrested  for  violations  of  postal  law 

jurisdiction  of.  in  suits  under  the  postal  laws 

over  ofleuses  ngaiust  the  postal  laws 

mail,  meaning  <>f  words  in  law  ■  iiitcinleil  to  l)e  conveyed  by'' 

ITlailable  njatter,  iinstiuastc-vs  uliliuid  to  register  . ." 

sent  to  Division  Superintcndtut  by  tniploy^'S  of  Railway  Mail  Service  as  immaila- 

blc  to  be  cbi'cked  as  errors '. ". '. 

mail-agentM.  loieigii,  appointment  and  payment  of 

in  (Jhiiia  .mil  Japan ". 

on  00 fill  1  .'^tiaiiiers 

route,  >  iiijilcjyment  and  pay  of 

Mail  apai-tiueiits  to  be  provided  on  mail  steamboats  (see  Offices) 

Mnil-bags,  applications  for  additional,  to  state  what 

applications  toi-,  to  be  made  to  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General 

state  what 

communications  concerning,  to  be  addressed  to  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-Gen- 
eral   

contents  of  one,  to  be  distributed  before  another  is  opened  by  employes  of  Railway 
Mail  Service . .'. 

canvas,  to  be  turned  inside  out  when  emptied  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service. 

damaged,  to  bo  sent  to  established  repair  shops' 

dcpositoiics  of,  to  render  accounts  to  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General 

list  of 

different  kinds  of 

eqnal  exchange  and  reciprocal  return  of 


Sec.     Page. 


310 


1233 

309 

1246 

314 

1108 

264 

382 

105 

814 

177 

561 

132 

566 

134 

259 

87 

260 

87 

286 

91 

282 

91 

369 

102 

564 

133 

565 

133 

483 

119 

259 

87 

262 

87 

294 

92 

293 

92 

371 

103 

129 

63 

122 

62 

221 

79 

523 

125 

804 

174 

799 

174 

eOO 

174 

805 

174 

802 

174 

803 

174 

801 

174 

798 

174 

797 

173 

795 

173 

794 

173 

796 

173 

296 

93 

1045 

214 

1169 

289 

490 

120 

491 

121 

20 

31 

173 

70 

541 

128 

227 

80 

226 

80 

1132 

279 

524 

125 

10 

37 

52 

47 

16 

37 

1231 

309 

809 

176 

742 

168 

19 

37 

21 

38 

20 

38 

22 

38 

608 

144 

691 

160 

674 

158 

673 

158 

705 

162 

732 

167 

734 

167 

679 

159 

684 

109 

683 

159 

671 

157 

681 

159 

.  INDEX.  397 

Seo.     Paga 
J?Iail-bngs — Coutiuuod. 

every  niail-ronte  to  bo  siipiiliod  with 072  168 

faatcniutrstiap  of,  never  to  be  cut 70«  102 

found  in  bad  order  in  transit,  to  bo  repaired 876  1G8 

hooks  ])rolubitcd  in  handling,  by  eiuployfs 789  172 

potttniaatcrs 405  106 

in  which  Congressional  docunientti  were  sent,  to  bo  returned  to  Waaliington,  D,  C. .  678  158 

mutihitiou  of,  forbiiklen 077  158 

only  to  be  used  for  transmission  of  niail-niattor 086  160 

penalty  for  ihutilating  with  intent  to  steal  or  rob  the  mail 1242  312 

stealing  or  diverting,  from  proper  uso 1241  312 

pouches  to  be  thoroughly  examined  wucn  emptied  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail 

Service .-.." 735  107 

purchase  of,  by  jiostnuistors  forbidden 689  ICO 

record  of  outgoiiiL:  ;iih1  incoming,  to  bo  kept 682  150 

repairs  of,  by  ])ostiii;ist(T'8 675  158 

surplus  at  dei)ositoriis,  to  bo  kept  apart  from  current  stock 685  160 

surplus  of,  not  to  bo  accumulated  at  jjost-oflices 680  150 

to  bo  carefully  handled  by  mail-carriers 614  146 

unlawful  use  "of,  to  be  reported  to  the  I)ei)artment 704  162 

waste  and  abuse  of,  to  be  prevented 688  160 

when  opened  at  ])08t-oftices,  to  be  carefully  examined 4)1  107 

supplied  to  pultlisliers 687  160 

Mail-carriers  ex(iii]itiil  from  militia  duty 6  27 

must  lie  over  sixteen  years  old 604  156 

need  nut  leave  team  to  deliver  mail  at  way  post-offices 662  155 

not  allowed  to  receive  or  deliver  obscene  matter,  etc 225  70 

not  to  be  entrusted  with  registered  matter  outside  pouch 833  170 

penalty  for  desertion  of  mail  by 1240  312 

postmasters  to  report  delinipient 663  156 

special  delinriueneies  of,  to  l)e  reported 664  156 

to  receive  properly  prepaid  matter  and  deliver  it  for  mailing  at  next  post-office  at 

which  they  arrive 628  148 

ITIail-cars.    (See  Offices.) 

Mail-catchers,  how  funiished 690  160 

Mail-coutractors  combining  to  prevent  bids  for  carrying  the  mail,  to  forfeit  contract 

and  Ite  disqualified  for  five  years  from  caixying  the  mail 589  140 

debts  due  the  Department  may  be  transferred  to 60  49 

failing  to  perform  sei-^'ice,  Postmaster-General  may  contract  with  next  lowest  bid- 
der; etc 604  142 

to  carry  all  mails  and  care  for  mail-bags 614  145 

s])i-(ial  agents  and  ]>ostal  siqudics  free 615  145 

Mail-contracts,  annulment  of,  for  what  causes 613  144 

assignment  or  transfer  of,  prohibited  and  null 023  146 

awarded  to  lowest  bidder 001  141 

between  Fnited  .Stares  and  foreign  ports  limited  to  two  years 607  144 

copiis  t<i  1i,.  eertitied  to  Auditor 37  43 

made  hi  name  of  the  United  States 601  141 

may  be  made  with  railroad  companies  and  ownersof  steamboats  without  advertising  607  143 

new  sureties  on,  may  be  aoeepted  or  required  by  Postmaster-General 002  142 

notice  of  change  of,  and  leadvertisinieut 576  136 

not  to  be  awarded  to  persons  who  have  failed  on  former  contracts 601  141 

made  in  less  than  sixty  days  after  lirst  publication  of  advertisement 578  137 

with  persims  making  combinations  to  prevent  bids 589  140 

subletting,  forbidden  without  consist  of  Postmaster-General 624  146 

temporary,  not  to  bo  made  by  post  mast  ers  after  expiration  of  contract-term 617  145 

-when  to  be  made  by  jiosl  masters,  when  made  to  bo  reported  to  Second 

Assistant  Postmaster-General 616  145 

without  advertisement,  when  authorized 605  143 

tfirm  of,  limitetl  to  ftmr  years 010  144 

time  of  executing Oil  144 

times  of  payment  on 012  144 

to  be  executed  in  duplicate C09  144 

tijiou  water  routes  may  be  made  without  advertising 607  144 

who  may  unt  b(^  interested  in 599  141 

Mail  depredations,  unclaimed  money  recovered  from,  turned  in  to  Treastiry 56  49 

monev  recovered  from,  to  be  returned  to  owners 497  121 

reports  of,  to  be  made  to  Chief  Special  Agent 492-496  121 

Mail-keys,  defective,  to  be  reported  to  t  he  Department  -  -  -  698  161 

furnished  emjiloves  of  the  Kaihvay  Mail  Service,  to  be  kept  in  Otfice  for  which  origi- 

nallv  funiished 695  161 

how  funiished 693  160 

penalty  foi-  loss  of 693  161 

for  stealing  or  forging l'^43  313 

receipt  to  be  taken  for,  not  to  be  transfeiTed  without  permission 696  161 

repairs  of.  prohibited 697  161 

safety  chain  for,  to  be  used  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service 784  172 

specihc  number  upon  each •  694  168 

to  he  turned  over  to  Division  Superintendent  on  resignation,  etc.,  of  employ6s  of 

Railwav  Mail  Service   - -- •-  705  170 

when  defective,  will  not  open  lock,  mail-bag  to  be  sent  to  nearest  post-office  to  be 

opened - 700  102 

Mail-lettings,  advertisement  of  general,  how  made ^'^  |~ 

advertisement  of  routes  omitteu  in  general °75  ISO 

annual,  of  general 574  136 

contract  terms  of  general ^*  |^^ 

miscellaneous,  detinition  of 577  JdO 

form  of  advertisement  of 578  ido 


398 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Sec. 

mail-Iocke,  brass,  not  to  he  sent  to  iron-loct  post-offices 699  161 

communications  concerning,  to  be  addressed  to  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General.  705  162 

how  furnished 692  160 

must  be  used  with  economy  and  be  equally  exchanged 703  162 

not  to  be  left  in  Offices '. 784  172 

penalty  for  stealing  or  forging 1243  313 

repaii's  of,  prohibited 697  161 

when  defective,  staple  of  mail-bag  may  be  cut 701  362 

Mail -matter  addressed  to  a  jjerson  in  care  of  another,  should  be  delivered  to  address.  280  90 

addressed  to  deceased  persons,  how  treated 285  91 

fictitious  persons,  etc..  to  be  returned  at  end  of  each  week 276  90 

minors,  to  he  controlled  by  parents,  guardians,  etc 284  91 

advertised,  list  of,  to  be  displayed  in  post-offices 446  115 

to  be  .so  marked . . . .' 453  116 

advertisement  of,  in  new.spapers 452  115 

authority  of  Postmaster-General  to  kill 468  117 

cannot  be  delivered  by  postmasters  when  not  addressed  to  their  post-office 279  90 

carried  by  foreign  vessels,  must  be  received  from  and  delivered  to  post-offices 1138  288 

classification  of 176  72 

dead,  definition  and  classification  of 433  112 

printed 478  119 

domestic 480  119 

foreign 479  119 

retnm  of 482  119 

delivery  of  {see  Delivery  of  Matter),  injunctions  of  courts  to  he  respected  by  post- 
masters    290  92 

to  representatives  of  a  defunct  firm  or  corporation 289  91 

when  addressed  to  a  dissolved  firm  or  partnership 288  91 

deposited  for  mailing  or  delivery,  and  letteis  received  for  delivery  or  distribution,  to 

be  postmarked  at  po.st-offices' .' 379  104 

dii'ect  packages  for  horse-routes 391  105 

disposition  of  destructive 440  113 

fictitious,  not  to  he  advertised 455  ne 

foreign  letters,  advertisement  of 445  115 

form  of  advertisement  of  unclaimed .  451  115 

fully  prepaid,  forwarded  from  one  post-office  to  another  at  request  of  person  ad- 
dressed    371  103 

held  for  postage,  how  treated 437-439  113 

hotel,  how  to  be  stamped 477  119 

to  be  sent  weekly  to  Dead-Letter  Office,  when  476  118 

local,  to  railroad  and  sfianiship  lines,  how  dispatched 388  105 

lost,  to  be  reported  to  ("liiif  Special  Agent 490  120 

facts  to  be  stated  by  iiostmaster  in  report 491  121 

uiquiries  for,  to  be  addressed  to  Chief  Special  Agent 1T20  31 

inadvertently  forwarded  without  proper  payment,  how  treated 436  112 

in  dispute,  instruction  with  regard  to  delivery  of 289  91 

injuring  of,  deposited  in  street  mailing-boxes,  penalty 1229  308 

in  transit,  delivery  of,  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  forbidden 769  171 

missent,  dispo.sition  of '. ". 467  117 

manner  of  making  up,  for  railway  lines 390  105 

must  not  be  carried  in  Offices  outside  of  regular  mail-bags,  except 778  171 

not  of  first  class,  sender  may  have  returned  by  sending  postage 465  117 

I0  be  delivered  at  places  not  post-offices  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service. .  772  171 

offered  for  registration,  becomcsregistered  when  a,  registry  receipt  is  given  therefor.  821  178 

officially  addressed,  must  be  delivered  to  the  person  holding  the  office 283  91 

of  first  class,  definition  of 177  72 

how  to  be  treated  when  in  bad  order 382  164 

not  to  be  held  on  mere  suspicion 434  112 

fourth  class,  definition  of 221  79 

postage  upon 229  80 

that  might  dam.age  the  mail,  how  to  secure  same 223  79 

second  class,  definition  of 184, 1 85  73 

disposition  of  refused '471  118 

entry  of,  at  post-offices 199  75 

essential  characteristics 185  73 

free  county  publications  must  be  mailed  by  themselves 242  83 

in  county,  except  at  carrier  post-office's 239  83 

foreign  publications  may  pass  as 212  77 

form  of  bill  which  may  be  attached  to 234  82 

how  to  be,  ofi'ered  at  free-delivery  post-offices 241  83 

in  doubtful  cases  postmasters  must  appeal  to  First  Assistant  Postr 

master-General 188  73 

inspection  of  foreign  publications 213  77 

may  be  examined 209  77 

must  be  pr<»j)erly  folded  and  addressed 236  82 

wrapped  and  sufficiently  dried 235  82 

postage  on [ 190  74 

upon  at  free-delivery  post-offices 240  83 

postma  sters  may  grant  temporary  permit  to  pass  new  publications  as .  1 96  75 

re(juire  evidence  of  subscription  list 194  74 

publications  not  granted  free  county  delivery  when  claiming  two 

offices  of  publication  in  dift'erent  counties. . .  ^ 243  84 

rate  of  jjostagc  upon 190  74 

record  to  be  kept  by  postmaster 189  74 

rule  regarding  Jott<>ry  advertisements  in 227  80 

eaniple  copies  not  entitled  to  free  county  delivery 244  84 

ofnewsp:ii)er8,  etc.,  allowed  to  be  sent  by  newe-agents  195  74 


INDEX. 


399 


S.-C. 
niail-ninltor— Continiii'd. 

s*"coiul  class,  scpMriiU'iulvortlKfiiKiit  slu'Ctn  in  iu'Wh|iU)ii'1m,  etc.,  uol  allowed  Ht'Cuiiil' 

<'lii88  riit<-s 210 

siH'Oiul  I  (IIii-hIvc  Htamp  for 191,  192 

how  used 1.10 

to  lie  wii^ilicd  ill  bulk 19a 

wlifii  HusiKictcd  to  t'oiitiiin  unlawful  inattf>r  abould  bo  dctuincd 211 

of  third  class,  dctinitioii  of aift 

manner  of  present  iiig  for  mailing 237 

iniiy  contain  what    , 238 

permissible  writing  on , 232 

other  than  letters,  may  be  delayed  when  ncressary  to  expcdit«  letter-mail HOO 

local,  sent  to  railroad  and  Hteamsbi])  lines 389 

penalty  for  bein;|;  accessory  after  t  lie  fact  to  stalling  of 1248 

detaininjr,  in  a  post-otlice 12.TJ 

inteicei)ting  or  secreting    y>'M 

stealing,  delainintr,  or  destro^ving  newspapers 12J7 

or  wi<ingfiilly  obtaining,  from  Department 1235 

nnlawful  detention  of,"  by  postma'ster 370 

place  for.  at  fourtbclass  post-otlices  .129 

jiostmasters  not  to  give  iiit'(Uiiiation  concerning .131 

to  receipt  for  copyriiilit  matter 374 

proof  of  identity  iii.iy  bi>  reiniiieil  before  delivering 277 

recei%'ed  for  regislialioii,  to  be  entered  on  registration-book,  numbered,  and  receipt 

therefor  to  be  given  the  sender 819 

refused,  disposition  of 471,  472 

returned  from  Dead-Letter  Office  should  be  advertised 454 

return  of  diad,  to  lie  forw.-irdcd  even  when  there  is  none  to  be  sent 473 

second,  third,  and  fourth  class  may  be  examined  by  receiving  postmasters 26C 

not  to  contain  proliibiti'd  writing 233 

IKiniissiblo  additions  to  (in  writing,  etc.) 231 

to  be  open  for  examination 182 

sent  Irom  post-office  on  stage-i'oute  to  go  bey<md  last  po.'-t-office 392 

statement  of  unclaimed 474 

stolen,  penalty  for  receiving  or  concealing 1236 

that  should  not  be  advertised 450 

to  be  delivered  to  legal  assignees  or  receivers 280 

made  up  by  States 387 

whom  to  be  delivered 275 

unclaimed,  after  returning  to  sender,  how  treated 4(>C 

and  undelivered,  advertisement  of 444 

fin.Tl  di.sposition  of 469 

official,  to  be  treated  as  card-matter 4.59 

nndelivered,  reasons  to  be  shown  for  iion-dclivery 470 

unlawfully  detaining,  opening,  or  destroying,  penalty 1233 

nnmailabfe,  definition  and  classification  of 432 

how  to  make  up,  and  transmit  retums  of 443 

reaching  destinat  ion,  lu)W  treated 475 

received  from  railway 'Offices,  how  treated 435 

to  bo  returned  to  sender,  when 437, 438 

.sent  to  Dead-Letter  Office 431 

how  often  and  in  what  manner 441, 442 

nnpaid,  double  postage  to  be  charged  on  delivery 267 

how  to  be  treated  at  free-delivery  post-offices,  if  unable  to  deliver 273 

not  to  be  delivered  until  post-agc  is  paid 268 

penalty  for  failing  to  affix  poatage-due-stamps  to,  before  delivery 271 

postagc-dut-stamps  to  be  affixed  to,  before  delivery 270 

time  of  affixing  postage-due-stamps  to 272 

valuable  dead,  record  of 483 

weight  at  time  of  mailing  determines  rate  of  postage  on 269 

who  may  have  access  to,  in  post-offices 520 

withflrawal  of,  beyond  mailing  post-office  only  allowed  by  authority  of  Postmaster- 

Ceneral " 294 

when  permitted 291, 292 

when  refused 293 

miail^nirsiiien^crs,  postmasters  to  report  to  Thiril  Assistant  Postmaster-General 

amount  paad  to 81 

registered  matter  not  to  bo  intrusted  to,  except,  in  pouches 833 

when  and  how  employed;  how  paid;  duties  of;  no  compen.sation  to  postmaster  acting 

as  ;  must  take  oath  of  office 627 

under  super visiim  of  local  agents 797 

IVaiUrobbcrH,  arrest  of,  to  be  reported  to  United  States  district  attorney 494 

postmasters  must  try  to  apprehend,  when 496 

preliminary  exiiniination  ot 495 

inail-robbefy ,  in  vicinity  of  post-office,  duties  of  postmaster 496 

penalty  for ." 1238 

attempting 1239 

punishment  of  accessory  to,  after  the  fact 1247 

recovery  of  money  in  case  of,  how  disposed  of 497 

to  be  immediately  reported 492 

reported  to  Chief  Special  Agent 493 

mail-route  messengers,  (see  Emi-loyes  ON  THE  Railway  Mafl  SKR\acE) 709 

ITIaiUroutcs  (see  Post  Roai'8),  special  service  on  new,  may  be  extended  one  year 

inails,  attempt  to  fob,  penalty 1239 

Canadian  and  other  foreign',  may  be  transported  through  the  United  States 650 

not  to  be  opened  within  reach  of  unauthorized  persons 621 


Page. 


77 
74 
6H 
74 
T7 
78 
M 
83 
81 
103 
105 
314 
309 
310 
311 
310 
103 
12ft 
12S 
103 
90 

178 

118 

116 

118 

88 

82 

81 

72 

105 

118 

311 

115 

91 

100 

90 

117 

114 

117 

116 

117 

309 

111 

114 

118 

112 

113 

111 

113 

88 

89 

88 

89 


119 


92 
92 
92 

.52 
179 

147 
173 
121 
121 
121 
121 
312 
312 
314 
121 
121 
121 
164 
354 
312 
153 
125 


400  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

Sec.  Page. 

Alails — ContiuueLl. 

on  railroads  to  be  weighed  under  instructions  from  Postmaster-General 633  150 

opening  of,  instructions  for 265  88 

penalty  for  desertion  of,  by  person  in  charge 1240  312 

Postmaster-General  may  contract  for  carrying  domestic  mails  through  a  foreign 

country 649  153 

robbery  of,  penalty  for _ 1238  312 

stopping  over  night  must  be  kept  in  post-ofiice ' 412  107 

time  of  closuig,  prescribed  by  law 368  102 

regulation  under  law  410  107 

to  be  accompanied  in  transfer  by  local  agents 796  173 

to  and  from  initial  and  teiininal  post-offices  by  employSs  of  the 

Eail way  Mail  Service 755  169 

carried  by  ships 252,  253  86 

vigilant  guard  over,  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service 738  168 

]TIail-steauiboa.t!s,  lett"ers  on,  how  disposed  of 261  87 

ITIail-ti-ains,  accidents  to,  to  be  reported  to  Division  Superintendents 788  172 

I?£ail  ve-sscls,  no  fees  to,  for  ship-letters 263  87 

Manifolding  not  printing,  and  therefore  first-class  matter 220  78 

ITIaiiiiscript  of  all  kinds  tirst-class  mail-matter 177  72 

Maps  fourth-class  matter  when  made  with  pen 221  79 

post-route,  prepared  by  Topographer  for  use  of  Department,  for  sale  to  indi- 
viduals when,  titc 27  39 

Marking  stamps.    (See  Dated  stamps.) 

Married  >vonien  may  be  appointed  postmasters 105  50 

not  accepted  as  mail-contractors 595  141 

Marinc'8  Icttcris  may  be  forwarded  unpaid,  how 179  72 

Masters  of  vessels  shall  not  receive  ships  fees  on  printed  matter 264  87 

shall  Deceive  mail 252,  253  86 

Mayor  of  city  authorized  to  administer  oaths  in  relation  to  settlement  of  accounts  . .  1149  286 

may  examine  persons  arrested  for  violation  of  postal  laws 16  37 

Marshals  to  make  returns  to  Auditor  of  proceedings  upon  process  of  execution 1225  306 

Member  of  Congress.    (See  Fkankinu  pkivilege.) 

Merchandise.    (Sec  Fourth-class  matter.    See  Samples  of  merchandise.) 

cannot  be  registered  to  foreign  countries 904  189 

not  admissible  to   foreign   mails   except  as    bona-flde   samples   without   salable 

value.Tr22 , 1132  280 

Metals,  samples  of.    (See  Fourth-class  matter.) 

Metric  system  of  weights  and  measures  used  for  foreign  correspondence 1105  262 

Mexico,  cxchanso  post-offices  for 1125  273 

Militia  duty,  jioshnasters  and  mail-carriers  exempted  from 6  7! 

Mincralogical  s]>«-ciincns.     (»S'(?«  FouitTH-CLASS  MATTER.) 

Minor.s  c;i'uuut  lie  niijioiiited  postmasters 108  57 

letters  to,  to  be  controlled  by  parents,  guardians,  et<! 284  91 

Misdemeanors.    (See  Offenses  against  postal  laws.) 

Misdirected  matter.     (Sec  TJnmailable  matter.) 

address  of,  not  to  be  changed  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service v 740  168 

not  to  be  forwarded  by  postmasters  on  trial 467  117 

Misdirected  registered  packages  of  common  matter  to  be  returned  for  better  di- 
rection    850  181 

of  postage-stamps,  etc.,  to  be  stopped  and  held  for  instructions  from  Third  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-General 851  181 

Missent  niattrr,  postmasters  not  to  correct  addresses  on,  except 467  117 

to  be  postmaikcil  with  date  of  receipt  at  post-office 379  104 

so  stami)ed  l)v  employes  of  the  liailway  Mail  Service 775  171 

Mistake,  letteis  ojjeued  by,  by  person  of  same  name,  how  remailed 278  90 

Moieties,  half  of  all  fines  and  penalties  recovered  to  go  to  informer 63  50 

not  turned  into  Treasury 56  49 

to  officers  seizing  letters  on  board  of  vessels 562  133 

Monetary  ralue,  printed  representations  of,  in  Postal  Union  mails  subject  to  letter 

postage 1116  265 

Money  belonging  to  post-office  to  be  kept  separate  from  private  cash .529  126 

collection  of,  irom  postmasters,  by  Auditor's  drafts,  in  favor  of  other  postmasters  .  1192  299 

contractors'  orders 60, 1191  49,  299 

counterfeit,  received  by  postmasters  must  be  replaced  by  genuine 91  53 

current,  funds  to  bo  kept  in 95  54 

foreign,  not  receivable  for  postage-stamps  or  dues 97  54 

how  to  be  deposited 73  51 

must  be  safely  kept 72  51 

not  paid  directly  to  Department 75  52 

to  be  received  by  postmaster  from  predecessor  unless 517  125 

paid  in  consequence  of  fraudulent  representation,  how  to  be  recovered 61  49 

into  the  Treasury  subject  to  draft  by  the  Treasurer 71  51 

postmasters  may  deposit  in  national  banks,  when 73  51 

public,  for  deposit  may  be  transmitted  by  postmasters  in  free  registered  letter 80  52 

recovered  from  mail  robbers,  disposal  of 497  121 

return  of  dead  letters  containing,  to  owner 484  120 

stolen,  to  bo  delivered  to  owner  when  recovered 62  50 

to  be  frequently  deposited 74  51 

tinclaimed,  in  dead  letters,  or  from  mail  depredations,  how  to  be  disposed  of 56  49 

Money-order  accounts,  cash-book,  how  written  up 1077  223 

cash-book  to  show  transfer  of  postage  funds 1079  .    223 

Moncy-oriler  advices,  blank  forms  for,  how  treated  when  spoiled 991  '    2()3 

contents  of,  to  be  kept  strictly  secret 1018  208 

correctness  of,  to  bo  verified  by  postmaster 1002  205 

date  of  payment  of  money-order  to  bo  stamped  upon 1026  210 

examined  and  tiled  alphaoetically  as  soon  as  received 1017  208 


INDKX.  401 

S^'«-.      Page. 
.TIoiiey-or«l<>r  ntlvii-cH  — ('(iiitiiiiiiil. 

cXHiiuiii'il ■!•  a  wei-k  tor  those  inuii'  tliun  il  yi-ar  olil 

instructions  for  nuikiiii;  out    ". 

invalid,  uion- thiin  a  yi-iir  olil.  rctiinieil  to  I>i-|iartiiii-nt 

niissent  to  wron;^  iiost-otHi-r,  to  lir  |iruni|itly  rcniaili'tl  to  ilfstination 

niissin>;.  in<|uirv  tor,  to  \>e  niaiU- " 

name  ofiiayini;  post-otHcc  to  In-  written  in  full  u]ion ■- 

omitted  anil  defect ivi-  Idanks  tor,  to  lie  report I'd 

receijit  of  neiessary  liefore  money -oriler  ran  lie  paid 

repayment  of  money-order,  liow  noted  upon 

rejieated  failure  to  receive,  from  any  one  po.st-oHice  must  lie  reported 

retained  upon  tile  for  four  years 

special  iiistru<-tions  for  forwardini;  - 

of  rejiayment  of  money-order,  ■when  sent 

to  be  sent  without  delay  to  iiostiuasters  upon  wiiom  money-orders  are  drawn 

stamped  with  a  sjieiial  stamp 

imiiaid.  less  than  two  weeks  olil,  how  lejiorteil  in  weekly  statements 

ITIoiK-y-ortlrr  biiMiiirMM.  a<  counts  of  how  to  lie  kept  \iy  Auditor 

domestic,  compensation  to  ]  post  masters  for  transacting 

international,  ;;eiieral  rules  for  compen-sation  for 

letters  upon.  toSupcriiiti  iideut,  to  lie  in  separate  envelopes  without  other  iuclosiirus. 

net  proceeds  of.  turned  into  Treasury 

jiayiuents  on  account  of.  not  to  lie  entered  on  account-current  

3Iouf'>--ortl<-r  roiivciitioiini,  Postma.ster-General  may  conclude  with  foreign  postal 

aclministiatioiis    '. 

Moncy-ortler  fiiiKlH.  credits  for,  on  Xew  York,  how  drawn  upon 

ciedits  on  Xew  York  allowed  for 

collection-drafts  not  drawn  upon,  suit  ajrainst  late  postmaster  for 

daily  remittances  of,  how  made 

receipted  for  

not  credited  until  receipt  is  obtained 

i-ejiorts  of  remittances  received  

deliuition  of.  Assistant  Treasurer  of  tlie  United  States  to  open  an  account  for 

deposit  of,  in  national  banks  iiemiitted 

other  than  national  banks  forbidden. 

drafts  for,  must  be  on  iirinteil  forms  only 

embezzlement  of,  penalty  for 1 

fixed  reserve,  how  determined 

not  to  be  paid  out  upon  contractors'  orders 

posta-ie  funds,  how  transfeired  to 

receipts  and  pajinents  of,  how  entered  on  ca.sh-book 

regulations  for  postal  funds  do  not  apply  to ,   . 

remittances  and  deposits  must  be  promptly  made  of.... l(j.S.'> 

of,  special  iiistrmtions  for  making 

special  drafts  for,  in  emergencies 

drawer  to  be  provided  for,  to  keep  .separate  from  all  other  cash  on  hand 

transfer  of  postal  revenues  to,  by  Postuiastir-General 

to  postmasters  and  creditors  by  Postmaster-General 

transferred  from  postage  a<-count.  how  enteied  in  cash-book 

unpaid  advices  less  than  two  weeks  old.  how  rejiorti-d  in  weekly  statement  of 

weekly  statements  of,  at  close  of  (piarter.  how  made " 

form  for   

how  transmitted 

made  up  every  Saturday 

must  be  promptly  transmitted 

"no  business'' 

reiiuired  from  postmasters    

to  111'  numbered  consecutively  from  January  1st,  each  year  .. 

vouchers,  accompanying 

Money-order  Post-ofllceiii,  account-books,  blanks,  and  circulars,  furnished  to 

bond  reipiired  of  postmasters  at 

circulars  and  instiaictions  received  by  postmasters  at,  to  be  kept  on  file  for  reference. 

cla.ssification  of '. 

has  no  referen.-e  to  classification  of  iiost-orti<-es  under  laws  fixing 

salaries 

clerks  and  ])ostmasters  at,  prohibited  from  filling  up  apjilications  for  money -orders . 

at,  paiil  out  of  postal  funds,  not  to  be  employed  in  money -order  business 

compensation  to  postmasters  at,  limit  of ". T 

discontinuance  ot.  to  be  carefully  noted 

expenditures  at,  for  money-order  business,  not  allowed  without  authority  from  De- 
partment   I 

gold  premium  to  be  kept  on  file  at  what 

incidental  exjienses  at,  liow  allowed 

new  po.stmasters  at,  todiOiit  themselves  with  funds  received  from  late  postnuister.. 

receive  what,  fiom  outgoing  jiostnnister 

official  M.  ().  B.  envelopes,  furnished  to 

retiring  postmasters  at,  to  deposit  funds  with,  and  turn  over  blank  circulars,  etc., 

to  succ«'ssor 

stationery  and  clerk  hire  at,  may  be  allowed  out  of  proceeds  of  money-order  business. 

sur]ilus  leceipfs  at.  from  money -order  bnsin-«ss,  to  be  accounted  for    

ITIoney-ordcr  necoinl  adriccs,  entry  of.  by  receiving  iio.^fmaster.  uimn  register. .. 

to  lie  furnislifd.  win  ii  needed,  to  .secure  issue  of  a  duphcate  money-order 

when  and  how  to  he  made 

iUout^y-order  system,  accounts  and  records  reipiired  by,  furnisheil  on  ajiplication 

to  Superintendent  of 

design  of  Congress  in  establishing 

establishment  of 

net  proceeds  of,  turned  into  Treasury 

20  P  L 


lo:{3 

211 

OtH 

204 

H)Xi 

211 

loiu 

208 

W£i 

2o!» 

w: 

204 

99-J 

204 

lolti 

20X 

1<»4U 

212 

ll7:t 

20o 

1017 

20.K 

9M} 

20.-< 

103t( 

212 

Hsl 

2ir2 

987 

203 

lOKti 

22.S 

ll-J.-i 

28.". 

WW 

200 

1070 

221 

1»7."> 

201 

.')« 

49 

117:; 

2iH 

97C 

201 

loati 

228 

109,5 

228 

]2<Hi 

300 

1081 

224 

1082 

224 

1U83 

224 

1084 

224 

1074 

221 

1076 

222 

1100 

229 

1098 

228 

1076 

222 

loso 

224 

1191 

29*.* 

1078 

223 

1U77 

223 

1087 

22."« 

108.1 

224 

1099 

228 

1097 

228 

1089 

22-'> 

1073 

221 

1072 

221 

1079 

223 

1086 

22.'> 

1093 

225 

1093 

227 

1088 

225 

1091 

225 

1101 

229 

1092 

225 

107,j 

222 

1090 

225 

1094 

228 

965 

199 

964 

19;i 

965 

199 

963 

199 

!)«3 

199 

979 

202 

970 

20O 

968 

200 

998 

205 

971 

200 

1064 

219 

971 

20O 

967 

199 

966 

199 

971 

200 

9C6 

195) 

969 

200 

070 

200 

1020 

208 

1008 

206 

99.-. 

204 

977 

201 

9.->8 

198 

9.-* 

197 

:>*i 

49 

402  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  Page. 
Money-order  systciu — Continued. 

objects  of,  safety  of  how  secured 957  197 

regulations  of,  must  be  strictly  confonned  to  by  postmasters 973  200 

safety  of,  to  be  commended  to  the  public,  by  postmasters 972  200 

superintendent  of,  how  appointed 5  35 

Money-ordcri^,  acts  of  clerks  designated  to  sign,  covered  by  postmasters'  bonds 961  198 

amounts  of,  to  be  expressed  in  writing  upon 996  204 

aiiplicants  for,  to  be  instnicted  upon  wha't  post-offices  to  draw 999  205 

apjilications  for  blank  forms  supplied  by  Postmaster-General 978  202 

upon  Great  Britain,  form  of ; 1047  214 

must  be  filled  up  by  api)licant  only 979  202 

blank  fomis  for,  liow  f leated  when 'si)oiled 991  203 

must  be  securely  kept:   po.stmasters  responsible  for  fraud  com- 
mitted by  lost  or  stolen  monej-order  blanks 993  204 

Canadian,  applications  for,  how  made 1062  218 

curiency  or  coin,  value  of,  to  be  decided  by  postmaster  at  New  York 1061  218 

duplicates,  how  obtained 1069  220 

how  stamjyed  and  forwarded  from  exchange  post-offices 1065  219 

inquiries  concerning,  how  made 1U68  220 

international  exchange  post-otHces  for 1059  217 

invalid,  how  repaid 1067  220 

jiayment  of  how  made 10C3  219 

repayment  of lo66  220 

I'nited  States  "  inland  "  post-offices  may  issue 1060  218 

clerks  designated  to  sign,  to  write  signature,  how. 962  198 

in  post-olfioes  ma  v  be  desiauated  to  issue 960  198 

date  of  payment  to  be  staiiiiied  mxiu 1026  210 

deliverable  to  ap])lieant  only  ( m  payment  therefor 986  203 

differ  from  drafts  and  cheeks  in  wliat  respects 9.57  197 

disagreeing  witli  advice,  to  be  refused  payment,  except 1024  209 

duplicate    cannot  lie  issued  by  ]iiistiiiasteis ■ 1011  207 

having  been  applied  for,  orighial  may  be  paid  wlien 1009  206 

postmasters  must   certify   to    non-payment  of 

original .' 1010  207 

issued  by  Superintendent  Money-Order  System  ;  under  "what  conditions.  1006  206 

issue  (if  how  and  when  permitted 1005  205 

notiie  of  receipt  of  to  be  sent  bv  po.stmaster  to  pavee 1042  212 

postmaster  ajiplying  for  issue  (if.  to  .state  what . ..". 1007  206 

to  be  drawn  only  u)i(iu  issiiiui;  or  ]iaying  pdst-oftices , 1012  207 

erroneously  made  out  must  lie  eaueeled  and  new  mouey-order  issued 990  203 

paid,  how  recovered  for  owner 1031  211 

fees  charged  for  issuing 983  202 

forgery  o^  penalty  for 1226  307 

fractional  paits  of  a  cent  not  to  be  included  in 984  202 

improperly  issued,  to  be  refused  payment 1022  209 

indoised  more  than  once  become  invalid 1014  208 

indorsement  upon,  pennitted  only  once 1014  208 

international,  coin  value  of,  in  cun'ency,  decided  bv  postmaster  at  If ew  York 1049  215 

not  to  be  decided  by  issuing  po.stmasters  . .  1048  215 

drawn  upon  international  exchange  post-office  at  Xew  York 1045  214 

duidicates  how  olitained 1054  217 

exchange  po.st-offices  for,  in  Germany,  Switzerland,  and  Italy 1055  217 

fees  for  (except  Genuany ) 1046  214 

from  Great  Britain,  imiuiry  for,  how  made 1052  216 

jjayment  of 1051  216 

how  drawn 1046  214 

issue  of,  when  gold  and  currency  are  at  par 1071  221 

on  Germany,  fees  for 1057  217 

Switzerland,  and  Italy,  how  forwarded  from  international 

exchange  post-office  at  New  York  City 1058  217 

Great  Britain,  form  of  application  for 1047  214 

how  forwarded  from  international  exchange  post- 
office  at  Xew  York  City 1050  215 

Switzerland  and  Italy 1056  217 

repayment  of ." 1053  216 

issued  bj-  acting  postmasters,  how  signed 962  198 

desigTiaf  ed  clerks,  how  signed 962  198 

issue  of,  by  clerks  designated  for  that  purpose 960  198 

for  more  tlian  $300  upon  any  other  tlian  a  flr.st-class  post-office,  to  be  spe- 
cially reiM.rted .' 1001  205 

in  one  day  forbidden  (if  more  than  three  of  fifty  dollars  each  to  one  remitter 

in  favor  of  sauie  ]i;iyee 985  203 

of,  on  Sunday  foi  hidden 974  200 

])rohibited  on  ciedit  or  for  anv  money  not  legal  tender  except  national- 
bank  notes \ '. : 982  202 

to  be  lecorded  in  "register  of  money  order.s  issued."  .sub.sequent  action 

upon,  to  be  noted  therein 1000  205 

ujion  branch  post-otfices-.  etc 959  198 

invalid,  illegally  indorsed,  diiiilicates  for,  how  obtained 1 0.32, 1034  211 

(more  than  a  year  old),  dniilicates  for.  liow  obtained 1032, 1034  211 

limited  to  fifty  dollais,  fees  for  issuing 983  202 

may  be  diawn  only  by,  and  u])on  money-order  i>ost-ofHces 963  199 

must  be  payable  to  onei)erson  or  firm  onlv 994  204 

truly  dated  and  stami.ed ' 986  203 

name  of  ])0s1 -office  drawn  upon,  to  be  written  in  full  upon 997  204 

omitted  and  defective  blanks  for.  to  be  reported 992  204 

paid,  not  coirectly  receipted  and  sf amiied,  charged  to  i>aying-postmaster 10'.29  211 


ITIon«>y-or(i<<rM— Coiitiinii'tl. 


IMil'.X.  403 


IMl 

212 

U-V* 

I  UK 

lois 

208 

1027 

210 

1044 

2n 

lolf, 

20H 

|0.'<0 

211 

1031 

211 

1U4.-I 

21. J 

10.W 

212 

102« 

210 

1U-'.J 

210 

1044 

21.3 

tMi 

20:j 

1021 

20» 

m\ 

198 

l"-.'l 

20« 

»X*) 

202 

UM 

20:{ 

lOO.T 

20.-. 

1004 

20.-. 

1024 

200 

102.'. 

210 

95H 

19H 

103K 

212 

]o:i7 

212 

io:{!( 

212 

io:iO 

212 

io:t5 

211 

95!) 

1M.<< 

101.-. 

20S 

9fl!) 

203 

9«7 

203 

1013 

207 

162 

CS 

94 

.■4 

9:t 

.-4 

|i<iyiil>li-  only  at  post-iitticfH  iii.oii  wliicli  ilniwn 

piijco  of,  caiinnt  bi-  ]>r«- vi'iitcil  fvinu  r<<ci viii;j  |mviiii-iit  1>\  n'mittrr 

til  lie  iili-nlirtfil  In- ton-  |>ayiiiriit  of 

payiiieiit  of.   I.y  diipliratf.  liow  notcil 

I.y   posliiia.HtiT  at  Iiih  own  risk   wlii-ii   Staff  of  payiiii;  |HiHl.»ttii-<'   im 

riToiifOii.sly  yivcii 

forliiddfii  until  advices  ai<>  n-ccivrd 

on  day  of  i.-»suf 

tcnninate.s  n-.sponsibility  of  Department 

to  fr.iudnli-nt  coMicni.'*  may  l>i-Hto)>pfd  Ity  orilerof  I'ostnia.Ht«?r-(ii'inT.il. 

l>aycf  at  post-otlicf  of  i.-*.snc 

upon  powiT  of  attorney,  upon  indorsement,  and  to  leyal  repreKenta- 

tives  of  dci-ea.si'd  jiayee 

upon  presentation  to  lie  provided  for 

withheld  li.v  po.stniaster.s  under  what  eireumstani-es 

]iii>ta<:e..stamps  not  receivable  for  fee.s  upon 

piistnia.ster  resjtonsible  for  jiaynieut  of.  to  wron^  jh-i-xou 

postnia.ster.s  to  desijniate  i-lerk.s  to  si;tn.  when 

precautions  to  be  taken  before  paying 

printed  foruis  for.  to  be  furnished  by  the  I'ostnia.ster-Oeneml 

]»urcha.sers  .should  carefully  examine 

rei.ssue  of,  paynnent  of  uew  fee  required 

rules  for 

reissued  on  account  of  fault  of  issuing  po.stma.ster,  fee  upon  to  be  ]>:M  by  jiost- 

nnvster  in  fault 

lefu.sal  of  [lostma.ster  to  pa.v.  except  from  lack  of  fund.s,  cause  for  his  removal 

remitter  of.  cannot  revoke  after  receipt  by  payee 

rei>aid,  how  to  be  si^ied 

to  be  so  stain])ed 

t.epa,vnient  of.  by  dn^ilicate.  how  noted  1039 

niles  tor •..•..• 

To  applicant,  fee  not  returned 

responsibility  of  )iostniasters  for  money  received  for  i.s.sue  of 

.signature  f<i  receij.t  upon  face  of.  must  be  that  of  ](er.son  presentini:  for  jtayment. .. 

upon,  of  postnia.ster  or  issuing  clerk  must  be  written,  not  stam))ed 

to  be  stamped  with  a  sjiecial  .stamp 

valid  and  payable  onlv  one  year  from  date 

monthly  report  of  po.stajie-stamj.s,  etc.,  to  be  rendered  by  po.stniastTs  at  Presiden- 
tial post-ottices '. 

ITIiitilatrd  4-oiii.«.  ix.st masters  must  not  acce])t 

.Tlutiialril  ciirrf  iicy,  iMistuiasteis  not  required  to  redej-m 

3luiilnt<-il  niaitor.     (>'<■»•  Un.mmi..\ht.f.  .M.vrrKU.) 

>'aiur  of  post-oflir*",  clian<;e  of.  necessitates  new  In  mils 114 

IVauiP«  of  post-offices,  when  new  iiostottices  are  ajiplied  lor.  iio.stma.ster  at  neijjhbor- 
iuz  posT-iittice  not  to  approve  application  if  name  sidected  has  already  beeu  given 

to  another  post-ottice *^17 

Xegleet  of  postmasters  to  promptly  collect  drafts  may  be  considered  .lust  ground  for 

removal 

IVe^v  foil  lift  land,  money-orders  exchanged  with 

Xew  pub  I  ir  at  ions,  how  admitted  to  second-class  rates 

3fews  agents,  detiuitionof 

how  fhey  can  obtain  second-class  rates 

may  inciose  bills,  receipts,  ami  subscription  orders,  in  second-class  matter 

Send  and  receive  seciiml-ilass  matter,  including  sample  copies,  at  ]iound  i-ates  . 

rar.st  verity  character  of  matter  utiiiiil  as  second-class 

Xe^r  Mouth  Wales,  special  postal  ariauueinents  with. 

Newspapers  carried  out  of  the  mail  and  i.laced  in  po.st-otlice  for  delivery  must  have 

postage  paid 

extra  numbers  of.  are  not  sample  coi)ies 

may  be  carried  out.side  of  the  mail  

entered  at  ])ost-otlice  as  seiimd-class  mail-matter 

sent  to  subscribers  in  Canada  at  ]iound  rates 

(ireat  I'.ritain  at  pound  rates 

tile  Sandwich  I.slands  at  pound  i-ates 

inisceilaneons  mail-lettings  to  be  ailvertised  in 

new.  how  to  pass  as  se<'ond-class  mail-matter 

not  granted  free  county  delivery  when  claiming  two  offices  of  publication  in  dillercnt 

counties 

mailable  to  Russia,  except 

penaitv  for  stealing,  destroying,  or  detaining 

regular  sub.scribers  to.  detinecl 

secoud-class  mail-matter,  free  countv publications  mu.st  be  mailed  by  tliem.selves... 

must  be  proi)erl y  folded  and  addressed 

wTapi>ed  and  suthciently  dried. 

postma.ster  nia.v  reipMre  evidem'e  of  subscrijition-list 

.sample  copies  allowed  to  be  sent   by  and  to  news-agents 

not  entitleil  to  free  i-ountv  delivery 

sent  to  foreign  countries  .shonld  be  in  single  wrapper.s,  excejit.  *   11  

when  ti-ausii-nt.  are  thinl-class  mail-matter 

to  pass  as  second-class  mail-matter 1  ■"*-•.  •<>•"'  "3 

IVevrspapers  and  periodicals.    (.See  SF.roxr>-ri..\.s.s  M.\rrEH.) 

doubtful  publications  referred  bv  po.stmasters  to  First  Assistant  Postma.ster-den- 

eral...   :.! l"^  'S 

])03tage  collected  from  j.ublishers  of.  how  rejmrti-d ICl  6S 

on  .second-cla.ss  to  be  cidlecled  in  money K'-o  t'^ 


119.'=: 

300 

10(°K) 

218 

liW 

7.'. 

202 

ve 

200 

T.'* 

233 

S2 

19.-. 

7.1 

201 

".^ 

11 20 

**7*> 

.-.72 

134 

204 

7r. 

-.71 

134 

199 

7;'> 

1121! 

274 

1118 

2tW 

112»; 

27.-. 

.-.78 

I3t; 

190 

<  J 

24-1 

R4 

11-23 

207 

1237 

311 

193 

74 

242 

S3 

236 

82 

23.-. 

82 

194 

74 

19.-. 

74 

244 

.<4 

11.T2 

279 

21.-. 

78 

404 


POSTAL    LAWS    AXD    REGULATIONS. 


Sec.  Page. 

Newspaper  and  periodical  stamps  accounted  for  as  postage-stamps l.ifi  68 

how  used l.J9  68 

supply  of,  to  lie  kept  up IfiO  68 

Newspaper  wrappers.     (See  Po.stage-stamps  for  general  provisions  concerning.) 

postage  on  .s])oile(l.  refunded  h'ow 170  69 

po.stniasters  not  to  lose  fraction  of  cent  on  sale  of 16<i  69 

re(iuisition  for.  how  to  be  made 147  66 

to  be  sold  at  cost  and  postage 174  70 

IVcw  York  City,  gold  premium  at,  to  be  telegraphed  rlaily  to  "inland"  post-offices.  1064  219 

international  exchange  post-office  for  British  money-orders 104.'>  214 

German,  Swiss,  and  Italian  money-orders 1056  217 

.salary  of  postmaster  at 122  62 

IVe-»v  Zealand,  special  postal  arranginients  with 1126  276 

IVigiit,  luail  stojiping  over,  to  be  kejit  in  post-office 412  107 

IVight  runs,  duties  of  emjdoy^s  of  the  Kailway  Mail  Service  on 783  172 

IVixcs  (matter  addressed  to  ]iiaces  not  post-offices  or  to  States  in  which  there  is  no  such 
po.stoffice  as  that  named  in  the  address)  to  be  returned  to  publication  office  by  post- 
masters    4:iK  113 

to  Division  Superintendents  by  enijiloy^s  of  Railway  ^fail  Service 740  168 

IVotary  public,  postmasters  may  hold  office  of  without  violatiiiLi  I'resideufs  order. .  321 

Oath,  blank  form  of  to  be  furnished  to  postmasters  upon  their  apiioiutmcnt 107  57 

may  be  aibniniste red  by  whom,  in  regard  to  accounts  before  Auditor 1149  286 

no  allowance  to  i>ostmasters  for  fees  paid  for,  being  sworn  to  accounts 1174  289 

of  bidders  for  cariving  the  mail 581  138 

postmasters'  qiuuteily  returns  to  be  accompanied  by 1152  287 

sjiecial  agents  auflKirizcd  to  administer 8  35 

Oath  of  office,  before  whom  taken 25  38 

must  be  taken  liy  mail  contractors  before  drawing  pay 25  39 

of  assistant  postmasters  and  clerks  in  post-office  to  be"  sent  to  First  Assistant  Post- 

ma.ster-General 519  125 

letter-caniers  to  be  returneil  to  Fiist  Assistant  Postmaster-Genei'al 320  96 

omission  to  take,  not  to  affi'Ct  liability , 51  46 

to  be  taken  befoi-e  entering  upon  duties  and  recei^-ing  salary 24  38 

by  mail  messengers 627  148 

Obscene  matter.     (See  Uxm.vil.vble  .matter.    See.  also.  Dead  .matteu.) 

jjenalty  for  abetting  trade  in,  by  officers  of  the  government 1253  316 

mailing,  etc '. 225  80 

jiostmasters  responsible  for  admission  of,  to  the  mails 228  80 

l)rohibited  in  domestic  mails 225  79 

foreiiin  mails,  U  19 1132  279 

Obstructing  the  mail,  penalty  for  ;  what  is  not.  within  the  statute  553  130 

Ocean  mail  service.     (See  Foreign  mails  and  M.vil  costkacts.) 

Ocean  steamers,  mail  agents  on,  appointment  and  salaries 20  38 

OAeuses  against  postal  laws.     (AVe  Penalty.) 

aiding  or  abetting  ia  trade  in  obscene  matter,  penalty 1253  316 

assaulting  letter-carrier  on  <luty,  penalty 334  98 

attempt  to  rob  the  mail,  jienalty 1239  312 

being  accessory  to  robbery  of  the  mail,  )ienalty 1247  314 

stealing  mail-matter,  penalty r24>i  314 

breaking  into  post-office  with  intent  to  steal,  penalty 1244  313 

carrying  letters  on  board  a  mail  vessel  mitside  of  the  mail,  penalty 560  132 

outside  of  the  mail,  ]ptnalty 559  132 

per.sons  acting  as  private  ex])ress,  penalty 557  132 

combinations  to  nTcvent  bids  for  carrying  mail,  penalty 589  140 

counterfeiting  bids,  bonds,  etc,  penalty 1245  313 

delaying  mail  at  a  feny.  penalty S.'H  131 

depositing  lottery  circulars,  etc.,  for  transmission  in  the  mails,  penalty 226  80 

obscene  matter  for  transmission  by  the  mail,  penalty 225  79 

deserting  the  mail,  penalty 1240  312 

detention  of  mail-matter  iii  ]K>st-offi(es,  penalty 1232  309 

embezzlement  of  letters  containinn  inclnsures,  penalty 1230  .308 

not  cdiituiuinu  inclnsures,  penalty 1233  309 

establishing  or  abittiuj;  private  cx|iri'sses,  penalty 5.55  131 

failure  to  affix  jiostajre-due  stamps  wlien  required,  penalty 271  89 

deliver  mail  tn  ])ostoffi(e  by  masters  of  inland  .steamboats,  penalty 2.53  86 

fal.se  returns  by  postmasters,  ])enalty 118  61 

failure  to  receive  mail  from  I'nited  States  consuls,  etc..  or  to  deliver  mail  to  ])ost- 
office  by  masters  of  ves.sels  arriving  in  the  United  States  or  dei)arting  from  for- 
eign jxirts.  i)enalty , 2.52  86 

false  statements  of  .sureties  on  bidders'  bonds,  penalty .582  138 

forging  iir  counterfeiting  foreign  postage-stamps,  penalt.v :  1228  308 

money-order,  penalty .■ 1226  307 

United  States  postage-stamps,  etc.,  penalty 1227  307 

stealiug  mail  locks  or  keys,  jjcnalty 1243  313 

fraudulent  receipt  of  i)o.stase,  penalty 1250  315 

illegal  approval  of  bidders"  bonds  b.v  postmasters,  penalty ,5X7  1.39 

injuring  mail-bags,  with  intent  to  rob  the  mail,  penalty 1242  312 

matter  in  street  mailing-box,  etc,,  iienaltv 1229  308 

.street  mailingbnxe.s,  ])enalty ' 3:i4  9« 

interceptiu'j;  lettiis,  |)eualtv 1234  310 

issue  of  nioney-ordeis  on  credit,  penalty 982  202 

iurisdietiiiu  (if  Federal  and  State  courts  over .52  47 

laws  relati\e  to,  ajijdy  to  foreign  mails  in  transit 651  1.53 

making  straw  bids,  jienalty 603  143 

nia.ster  of  vessel  Ureakin;;  bulk  before  delivering  letters  to  nearest  jiost-office 562  133 

may  be  trieil  in  St  ite  enurts 52  47 

moieties  of  penalties  and  foifeitures  for,  to  be  paid  to  informers 63  50 


INKl.X.  405 

Svr.  I'aj;i*. 
OilVii'^t'H  tiuiiiiiNl  |>i>«liil  liitVM— I 'iiiitiiiiii'il. 

ii<';:lii  (  li\  iMPsiniii.stiis  111  iiiiiliT  iiriiiiiiils.  |ii'iinlty IIM  2^7 

iKi;!"'  tiiil;  to  ili'i»>sil  pnsiiil  nviim.'s.  iiciialty 1240  aU 

iilistriirliiii;  i)iissii;;n  of  the  mail.  |ii'iialt  v V^J  ]'.W 

|)aiutiM'j:  ii|inii  vfssrls.  dr..  tin-  winds  I'liitrd  Stati's  Mail.  |)cii»lt,v 1-'>1  'tl'> 

lirrMiiiis  I'liipliiyi-il  ill  )i<iHial  scrvic)'  ln'i'iiiiiiiiir  intrri'sti-il  in  rmitrai'tH.  penalty......  4:t  43 

jiostinasti  IS  acting  a.s  l(itliT.\  a;:iiits.  |ii-ii:ilty ,...  .VII  \2X 

IMistal  i-iii|>li)V(''s  LCiiilty  of.  lialilr  to  |ii'iiallifs  wlii-tlicr  lliuy  liavi- taki'ii  tlit'oatliornot  'il  4<l 

picliiiiiiiary  licariii^  of  pcisuiis  ai  tiisimI  of , 1<1  .17 

piori'cdiii'^s  ill  trial  of.  lirfoic  wlmiii Hi  'i7 

ircoiviii;jf  aitiili's  stolon  iVoni  the  mail,  pi'iially l-^Mi  311 

lofiisal  of  lolciiiaiili  ciimpaiiirs  to  transmit  lioviTiiinciit   tilo;;iiliiis  at  iiiIi'n  fLxcil  l)V 

flu-I'ostiiiast.TtJiinral.  piiialtv .'.  12W  318 

rolil).-iy  of  tin-  mail,  penalty IZ-'W  :n2 

sindinir  Iftteis  liv  privati-  oxpn-ss.  jionaltv •'>.">M  132 

tl'iroimh  tin- mails  with  iiitoiit  to  (li-frainl.  pi-inilty 124f.  314 

stealing;,  ilitainini:-,  or  distroyinji' ni'wsiiapi'rs  in  tin- mail,  pt-iialty 1237  311 

luaillia^sor  otln  r  iiost-ollii'i'  piopiitv,  penalty 1241  312 

the  mail,  iionalty ". " 123.'>  310 

siililcttinii  mail  rimtiait.s  witlmnf  cnn.sent  of  rostiiiastpr-Gi-nt-ral    024  146 

snlmiission  liy  iiulilislicis  of  false  evideiiee  a.s  to  oliavactor  of  a  jmlilicatioii,  i)enalty.  11»7  7.^ 

trial  of,  ill  Federal  and  State  courts -VJ  47 

unl.iwfiil  eaiiiaiieof  letters  to  or  from  the  I'liited  States  liy  foiei<;ii  vessels,  penalty .  I13H  2K2 

detention  of  mail  matter  by  ]iostiiiasters.  penalty 37«(  _lt)3 

removal  of  po.sta^ie-.stamjis  from  mail-matter,  penalty ]2."ii;  31."> 

sales  of  stamiis.  etc..  iieiialty ll**  '>1 

use  of  ottieial  en veloiies.  penal tv 249  >*5 

<iv  ille-al  dei.osil  of  nmney.order  fund.s.  penalty Ili7t;  222 

wearini;  of  letleriarrieis'  uiiifonn,  ])enalty 327  97 

w  lit  in;;  or  iniiitiui;  upon  mailniatter.  penalty 233  K2 

unlaw  fully  iirofes.sinn  to  keep  a  imst-otliee,  iienalty fl^  •'>■} 

OnU-c  hoiirw  at  iidst-oliiees.  the  usual  liusiiiess  hoins  of  the  place '>-■>  125 

Onifcrw'  leltevs  delivered  aeeoidinu  to  ottieial  desijpiation 2i<3  01 

mnst  Vie  prepaid -  •  '•"*"  '- 

"Olllces."  applied  in  Tiailway  ^lail  Service  as  a  general  term  for  jmstal  ears  and  mail 
ajiartnients  in  ears  and  on  steamlmats.  desijniated  by  I'ostmaster-General  as  imst- 
offices  for  the  distribution  of  mail  in  transit  {eee  E.\ii-i.ovi-.s  of  Ji.\ii.WAV  ^I.\ii. 

Seuvick) "*"^  'C3 

<'ancellation  of  postage-stani])s  in 721  ]6<j 

Division  Su]ierinteii(lents  to  be  notified  of  chanses  needed  in 7Hr>  172 

eiiiploy6s  in  charne  of.  designation  and  duties  of ^2"  '?' 

list  of  exchaniie  iiouches  to  be  ki])t  by  eiiiiiloye  in  charge  of 773  171 

mail  to  be  received  foi' niailinii  at;   matter  bearing  canceled  stamjis  not  to  be  re- 
ceived at "20  lOfi 

mail-locks  not  to  be  left  in  - J'^-*  ^  '.^  • 

postmarking  .stani])  not  to  be  used  for  canceling  postage-stamps  in -• 722  UMt 

]irinted  labels  received  from,  to  be  returned  to <3*>  ^^' 

registered  matter  found  in  bad  order  in.  to  be  turned  in  at  terminal  post-ottices H.">2  181 

responsibility  of  em))loyes  in  charge  of l\*^  ^I|V 

.s  lie  of  postage-.stani])s  at T .^ ; '*>-  1'" 

second-class  matter  not  to  be  receivcnl  for  mailiiiL;  at.  without  certificate  of  postmas- 
ter that  postal;.-  has  been  jiaid Jr'l  - 

to  be  examined  bv  emjiloves  at  i-nd  of  runs,  to  see  that  no  mail  is  left  therein,  etc  ..  7."iC.  I'O 

provided  on' board  mail  steamboats [j'.'J*  If-* 

trii>  permits  to  ride  in,  how  liianted '•'■•  ^i** 

tobetakeiinp :-■.■■•■. "''"  ^'" 

"waste  paper  and  twine  in",  to  be  (-xamined  by  employes  of  Kail  way  Mail  Service  and 

turned  in  to  terminal  iiost-otHces ^39  1C8 

who  m.iy  liave  access  to 'J'^  ' '^2 

Oflicial  <-ii-ciiIariii  from  nepartment  to  be  treated  as  letters    ••■3'  |"-j. 

Oliirial  corrcNpoiidoiifr,  conduct  of.  bv  postmasters  •>34  li.< 

replies  to.  bv  emploves  of  liailway  Mail'Service "•'"  ''!? 

to  be  conliiied  to  one  subject  iu  eacli  letter -I*"*  ]'-L 

liostmastcrs  must  not  allow,  to  pass  into  the  hands  of  the  iiiiblic ->33  lli 

Ollicial  «'iivoloi»0!>i.  reipiisitiiiii  for.  for  use  of  postmasters,  how  to  be  made   147  66 

Ollii-ial  lettcrsiif  the  United  StatestJovernmeiit  fret- of  po.stage  in  penalty  envelopes.  24'.t  )<■> 

no  limit  of  weiiiht  for "-^21  j^9 

of  the  Post-Ottice  Department  free  of  po.stage  and  registration  fee ^^12  1<6 

nnclaimed.  to  be  treated  as  card  matter f .';'  '3- 

Oflicinl  pnprrH,  retiiiTi  of.  by  postmasteis.  not  to  be  given  to  the  public -^  12i^ 

Oftirial  penally  enrclopcN,  penalty  for  uiilawfnlly  using 249  ft> 

to  be  iirovided'by  <-a<li   Department'. '. 2-j"  ^2 

used  by  all  oth<ers  of  I  lu' government -•'',  ^j 

Oflicial  NiampN  and  en vrloprx,  I'ostmaster-General  to  issue,  to  Depaitments 13»*  6.> 

Opening  of  ieltera  strictly  luohibited '-^^z  ^^ 

Openinjs  the  mail,  instructions  for -*'•'  ^ 

Opinions  of  Assistant  Attorney-tJeneral  for  Tost-Dllice  Department   32-'> 

Order-book.  em]ili>yes  of  Railway  .Mail  Service  must  examine 777  171 

of  postmasteis  at  iiost-ottiees  of  the  fir.st  and  second  class 421  108 

Ordert*  to  be  certitied  to  .\uditor •'•'*  •♦•' 

trulv  dated ^■'  •'2 

what  to  be  earned  bv  emploves  of  the  Kailway  Mail  Service 714  ]6"> 

Organization  ot  ]'ost-(  »ltice  i)ciiarfmeiit  )iro))er 27  39 

OvercharseN  of  iiostaKeon  domestic  mail-matter  cannot  be  remitted  by  postmasters; 

1       i-  "»'l->  1  '^7 

remedv  tor •  •'-  '-' 

of  posta-re  on  foreiim  matter  must  be  refunded  bv  the  iiostma.stei-s  who  demandt-d 

them,  'in t ■- 11-t^  279 


406 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Sec.  Page. 

Overpayiiirntii,  mode  of  lecovery  of,  by  tlie  Department 61  49 

Packages,  limit  of  weight  of 221  79 

of  a  department,  bureau,  or  office  of  the  government,  free  of  postage 249,  2.'}0,  251  85 

third-class  mail-matter  may  contain  what 238  <33 

sealed,  to  be  forwarded  as  lirst-class  mail-matter,  if  at  least  one  full  rate  of  postage 

is  prepaid 183  73 

I»ackct,  word,  as  used  in  postal  law  equivalent  to  letter o'jo  131 

JPaiiania,  registration  of  letters  to,  permissible 1129  278 

Papyrographic  process,  matter  produced  by,  printed  matter 219  78 

Parents,  right  of,  to  control  coi-respondence  of  minor  childien  284  91 

Paris  Convention.     {See  Convextiox  of  Pauis.) 

does  not  govern  exchange  with  Canada 1 107  263 

Partial  duty  of  employes  of  Ilailway  Mail  Seixice  to  be  noted  on  record  of  arrivals 

and  departures 751  169 

Partnership,  delivery  of  letters  to  members  of 268  91 

Payments,  all,  by  postmasters  for  <iuarter  expired  to  be  made  before  transmitting 

quarterly  returns  and  statements  to  Auditor 1189  297 

by  postmasters  and  others  of  collection  drafts  must  be  prompt 1193  299 

failure  to  make,  on  draft,  cause  for  removal  of  postmaster 85  .53 

for  advertising  letters 447  115 

clerks  at  separating  post-offices 121  62 

postal  service  to  be  made  on  Auditor's  certificate 59  49 

letter-carriers  not  to  receive,  when  on  leave  of  absence  on  account  of  illness,  etc.. .  325  96 

must  be  in  what  kind  of  money 89  53 

out  of  appropriaticms  by  warrants  countersigned  by  Auditor 65  50 

no  allowance  for  expense  in  making 90  -53 

of  employes  of  the  Kailway  Mail  Service 510  123 

foreign  mail-agents 19  37 

letter-carriers 310  95 

mail-agents  on  board  ocean  steamei's 20  38 

messengers 627  147 

postmasters  j)ro  te^a 135  63 

railway  postal  clerks 23  38 

route-agents - 22  38 

special  agents  employed  in  certain  duties 10  36 

on  collection-drafts  to  iiiclude  all  money  except  monej-oi der  funds 86  .53 

mail-contracts,  times  of 612  144 

leceijjts  for,  on  collection-drafts  to  be  sent  separately  to  Auditor 86  53 

to  mail-messengers  and  sincial  cairieis  to  be  reitorted  quarterly 81  52 

masters  of  ships  carrying  mail  on  their  vessels 252,  253,  2.54  86 

want  of  funds  no  excuse,  for  postiiia.ster  failing  to  make 83  53 

wrongfully  made  may  be  recovered  by  suit 61  50 

Penalties  and  forfeitures,  half  of  amounts  recovered  to  be  paid  to  informer 63  50 

how  and  by  whom  remitted 40  43 

imposed  for  violation  of  postal  laws  ;  collection  of,  to  be  superintended  by  Auditor.  1144  285 

to  be  turned  into  the  Treasury 56  49 

Penalty.    (See  OfI'Knses  ag.^ix'st  Postal  Laws.) 

for  abetting  trailc  in  olisi  tiic  matter 1253  316 

absence  witlmnt  leave,  of  Irtter-carriers 326  97 

altering,  forging,  etc.,  of  bonds,  bids,  etc 1245  313 

attemi)tiug  to  rob  the  mail 1239  312 

being  accessory  to  mail  robbery,  after  the  fact 1 247  314 

stealing  mail-matter,  after  the  fact 1248  314 

breaking  and  entering  post-offices 1244  313 

carrying  letters  on  board  a  mail  vessel  out.side  of  the  mail 560  132 

outside  of  the  mail • 5.59  132 

persons  aitiug  as  private  exi>resses 557  132 

combinations  to  ])veveiit  bids  for  earrving  the  mail .")89  140 

coucealiu;>'  anv  i>riihil)iled  writing  iu  uiuil-matter  of  second,  third,  and  fourth 

cla,ss..f... ...'.. : 233  82 

conveying  through  the  United  States,  outside  of  the  mails,  letters  intended  to 

be  conveyed  in  a  foieign  vessel 1138  282 

delaying  niail  at  a  ferry 5.54  131 

deserting  tlie  mail  by  person  in  charge 1240  312 

detaining,  opening,  or  destroying  letteis 12,33  309 

embezzlement  of  letters  eontainiiig  iuclosurcs 1230  308 

establishing  or  abetting  ])rivate  e\])resses 555  131 

failing  to  affix  postage-dm-  stanqis  to  unjiaid  matter 271  89 

false  statements  of  sureties  on  bidders'  bonds ,582  138 

forging  money-orders 1226  307 

or  counterfeiting  ])ost age-stamps 1227, 1228  307,  308 

fraudulent  receipts  of  posl  age,  etc 12,50  315 

iUegal  a]ii)r(ival  of  bidders'  bonds  by  postmasters 587  139 

injuring  ui;al-bags 1242  312 

matter  dejiosited  in  stieet  mailin^-bo.x 1229  308 

street  letter-box.  s '. 334  98 

inteice])ting  or  secieting  letters 1234  310 

issuing  money-orders  on  credit 982  202 

mail  robbery 1238  312 

making  straw-bids 603  143 

masters  of  ships  who  refuse  to  aeee|)f  mail 252,253  86 

master  of  vessel  breakinu  bulk  before  delivering  letters  to  nearest  post-office  ...  562  133 

neglect  to  render  ipiarterly  return  by  postmasters 11.53  287 

obstructing  jiassage  of  the  mail -553  130 

liostmaster.  acting  as  a  lottery  agent 541  128 

receiving  articli's  stolen  from  t hi'  mail 1236  311 

refusal  of  telegra]>h  companies  to  transmit  government  telei;iams  at  rates  fixed 

bv  Po.stmaster-Gencral 1260  318 


INDEX.  407 

Sijc.  Page. 
Peiinlty — CciHtimicd. 

icinoviiiy;  rniiii  inail-iiinttvi',  or  iiHiii};,  waMliiii-i.  or  wflliiii:  |)iMtii:;f'Hlaiii|iH.  iift«-i- 

caii.rll:iti..n 12.'.2  .iV, 

i-fiiiliTiiiK  I'alsr  ii-tmiis  iir  unlaw  fully  sclliii-r  ))ostai;f-.>ttniiii)s Hi  01 

n-fitsiil  liv  ti'|i'^ni]>li  ri>ni|iaiii('M  to  traiiHiiiit  ;;ovci-uiiii'iit  t)-li-;;raiii.i  at  riilcn  Hx«mI 

by  tlir  roslinast.i  (Mii.ial 1200  3H 

srniliiin  k-tttTs  liv  inivati-  cxiivc-is   55M  ITJ 

tim.u:;li  til.' iiiMil  with  iiitiiit  to  (Ift'i-Jiml 1240  314 

stfaliuj:,  (li-tainiliL:.  or  distroyiii;;  iii-w«)ia|ii-rs 12:J7  311 

or  ili  vert  inn  t'loin  ]iro]M'r  u.if  tlir  iiost-olHcc  iiropcrt  v 1241  'M2 

lorj:iiiu  mail  IimUh  ami  krys ". r.'43  313 

wroii  nil  illy  olitaininn  niailniattrr  tVoiii  I)i'|iartiiifiit  .    rj:i.">  310 

siililcttin;;  inail-ioiitrarts  without  tin-  consent  of  tin-  I'o;'tina«tt'r-(;i'iifral 0'J4  140 

nuliniittini; false  I'viilcnrr  as  to  a  puliliiation  (second-class  matter) 11>7  7.*> 

unlawful  carriage  of  letters  to  or  from  the  I'nited  States  hy  forei^jn  vessels IKW  2*J 

use  of  or  illegal  dejiosit  of  moni'y-order  t'tiud.s lOTO  2VJ 

wearin};  of  lettercairiers'  uniforni 3'J7  97 

unlawfully  detrtiiiins  mail  matter 370,  1232  103,3iK> 

paiutinn  the  words '■  r.  S.  Mail  "  on  stt-amlioats,  etc 1251  31."> 

willful  neglect  of  deposit  iiig  postal  revenues    1249  314 

of  bonds  recpiired  with  bids  for  carrying  tlie  mail .Wl  137 

Penalty  envelopes,  reipiisitions  for,  how  to  be  iiiaile 147  Wi 

must  be  furnished  bv  Deiiartmeiits  in  Washington   2r)l  8'» 

Pennion  Ollice,  letters  from,  must  be  delixered  only  to  person  adrtresHcd  281  11 

Periodicals  doubtful  in  character  to  be  referred  by  postmasters  to  First  Assistant 

rostmaster-General 1*8  73 

extra  numbers  of,  are  not  sample  copies 204  76 

may  be  entered  at  jhisI -offices  as  second-class  mail-matter 199  7.5 

new,  how  admitted  as  .secoml-class  mail-matter 190  75 

not  granted  free  county  delivery  wlu'n  chiimiug  two  otBces  of  publication  in  different 

counties  243  84 

po.stage  collected  from  publishers  of,  how  reported 101  fW 

rejrular  subscribers  to,  defined 193  74 

second-class  mattei-,  free  county  cojiies  mii,st  be  mailed  by  themselves 242  83 

uuist  be  properly  folded  and  addressed 230  82 

wrapped  ami  sufficiently  dried Xi'>  82 

sauijile  copies  allowed  to  be  .sent  by  and  to  news  agents 19.")  74 

not  ent itled  to  free  county  delivery 244  84 

postmaster  nuiy  reciuire  evidence  of  subscription-list 194  74 

when  to  pass  as  second-class  mail-matter 181.  18.">  73 

third-class  mail-matter,  when  not  sent  to  subscribers 21.">  78 

Periodical  slain p!«.  how  used ^'>'->  68 

when  exhausted,  jiostage  should  be  collected  in  money  100  OH 

PermilM,  temiiorarv,  for  new  second-class  publications,  blanks  for.  Low  procured 17  2  27 

to  ride  in  Ottices  ". J-^j^  ^I" 

not  good  for  transportation 701  l^o 

to  be  taken  up  if  not  annual  700  17.1 

PerniOiial  correspondence,  negatively  defined,  for  domestic  mails 232  81^ 

negatively  detiued  under  Postal  I'nion  regulations,  for  foreign  mails  only 1113  205 

Plank  roads,  mail  may  be  carried  on 540  130 

Poisons,  uumailable ---  '^ 

Poslagc  collected  from  publishers  to  be  reported  by  postmasters 101  68 

collection  of,  on  shoit-])aiil  returned  card-matter 402  llti 

cim.snls  may  pay.  on  foreign  letters  for  the  I'nited  States 1130  281 

determined  by  weight  of  matter  at  time  of  mailing 2t)'.t  89 

double,  to  becharged  on  letters  carried  by  certain  ships 2."i5  86 

unpaid  matter ; ;''"  ^ 

excessive,  on  domestic  matter  cannot  be  remitted  by  postmasters.  reiiiedy_l'or o32  V-i 

on  matter  addressed  to  foreign  countries  may  be  refunded,  '   17 1132  2.  J 

first-class  rate  charged  cm  second,  third,  and  fourth  cla.s's  mail-matter  when  unlawful  ^ 

writing  is  ailded -^^  _- 

foreinm.  Postal  Guide  to  be  consulted  for  rates  of 1131  -<» 

fraudulent  demand  or  receipt  of  excessive,  by  postmasters,  penalty 12.50  31.> 

letters,  packages,  etc..  of  a  depai-tment  or  office  of  the  goveniuient,  free 249,  250,  2ol  8o 

must  be  paid  before  delivery  of  mail 208  8» 

prepaid  in  full  on  legistered  matter - 812  1 1 0 

none  recpiired  on  registrv-bills  and  registry -return-receipts  b<2  Hi 

not  fully  prei)aid  oii  regi'.stered  matter  must  be  paid  to  the  Department  by  the  post- 

master  who  received  it -.  ,  ™-  1'^ 

not  to  be  charged  cm  public  documents  sent  by  members  of  Congress,  etc 24j,  240,  U^  84 

cidlected  upon  delivery  of  registered" mat ter *61  18.3 

on  first-class  matter !'•;  '"- 

fourthclass  matter  22'»  ^^ 

matter  forwartleil  to  a  country  within  the  Postal  Fuion 11-"  -2*J 

postal  cards,  when  leposted  iifter  delivery 1^1  ;|."- 

secoud-class  mail-  matter •_ ly  '.* 

at  free  delivery  post-offices |-|*'j  5-* 

third-class  mail-matter •■••  21  j  lO 

postmasters  collecting  Cfcessivo,  on  matter  for  foreign  countries  may  he  compelled  ^ 

to  refund,  1   17 -. --  1'-*-  "'■' 

Postmaster-General  may  impose  retaliatory,  upon  matter  earned  in  toreigu  vessels, 

when •,-•■•. •  •  • ■  11"*'  -'  '■ 

prepayment,  conditions  of,  for  articles  exchanged  wth  couutriea  ot  Universal  Postal 

rnion • -.•■■■••••-. •,  "°*  -" 

mode  of.  for-  coiTespondence  exchanged  with  countries  ot  Uui versa! 

Postal  Fniou \\09  264 

rates  of  on  .ship-letters -•"  *'* 


408 


POSTAL    LAWS    AXD    REGULATIONS. 


Sec.      Page. 


I*ostag?— Contiiuu'il. 

rates  of,  fin  various  articles  of  mail-matter  exchaiijieil  with  countries  of  Fiiiversal 

Postal  Unicm 1108 

to  countries  of  Universal  Postal  Union 1104 

foreign  countries  with  whom  no  convention  exists 1127 

non-convention  countries,  on  matter  not  sent  direct 1130 

sent  direct 1128 

I*o«tage-fIiic  stamps  accounted  for  as  postage-stamps 156 

how  used 158 

must  not  l)e  aflixcd  to  matter  forwarded,  returned  to  writer  or  sent  to  Dead  Letter 

Otiicc.  exi<])t  at  frit-  delivery  post-offices T"  14 

not  re<i);:iiiz('d  in  pn-]iayni<-nt  of  postage 378 

to  be  sold  oi-  used  for  prepayment  of  po.stage 270 

on  forwaidid  matter,  how  refunded  to  postmasters  of  free-delivery  post-offices  only.  274 

undelivered  matter,  how  treated  at  free  delivery  post-offices  only 273 

penalty  for  failing  to  affix 271 

time  of  affixing 272 

to  be  usi'd  on  unpaid  matter  reaching  destination 270 

Postage-fiiiids,  how  trausfeiTed  to  money-oi'der  account 107K 

I*oatage>.<!itaiup  Diviaion,  business  of 27 

PoKtagc-staiiipiii,  accountability  of  jiostmasters  for 145 

auirotlur  su]>iilies,  record  of,  to  be  kept  by  postmasters 514 

cancellation  of,  in  Offices 721 

in  i)ost-offices  upon  matter  deposited  for  mailing  or  delivery,  failure 

to  cancel  to  be  reported  by  postmaster  at  destination 375 

credit  for  bunied  or  destroyed,  how  obtained 167 

detailed  statement  of,  received,  to  accompany  quarterly  returns  from  Presidential 

post-offices IIGI 

forgery  of  foreign,  penalty 1228 

or  countei-feiting  of  United  States,  penalty  for 1227 

how  accounted  for.  on  quarterly  retura - 154 

disposed  of  by  late  po.stmaster  at  discontinued  post-office 164 

kinds  of '. 137 

matter  Ijearing,  previously  used,  to  be  held  for  postage 378 

money  not  to  be  sent  to  Department  for •- 157 

monthly  i'ei)oits  of.  fiom  Presidential  post-offices 162 

mu.st  be  sold  for  ca.sh  only 166 

mutilated  and  fractional,  not  receivable  for  postage 378 

no  percentage  allowed  postmasters  for  sale  of - 165 

not  fiuoiished  to  postmasters  failing  to  make  quarterly  returns  to  Auditor 155 

until  they  are  commissioned 150 

to  be  exchanged 1G9 

penaltv  for  removing  from  mail-matter,  or  using,  washing,  or  selling  after  cancella- 
tion:  f. - 12.52 

persons  using,  a  second  time,  to  be  re])orted  to  United  State/?  district  attorney 378 

Postmaster-General  may  adopt  improvements  in,  etc 144 

postma.sters  to  be  ehariied  with  value  of  lost  or  stolen 173 

keep  sujiply  of 146 

receipt  foi'.  to  be  sent  to  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-Geneial 151 

received  damaged,  proper  course  of  postma.ster 152 

record  of  receipts  of.  to  be  kept  by  postmasters 1168 

requisition  for,  by  postmasters,  how  made •- 147 

when  to  be  made 148 

sale  of,  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Sei'V'ice 762 

sold  at  discount  to  designated  agents .- 175 

stolen  friiui  iiiist-iiffice,  no  credit  allowed  for 168 

to  be  counted  by  ]iiistmasteis  when  received 151 

issued  by  Postmaster-General 136 

sohl  at  post-offices 145 

turned  over  to  successor  by  retiring  postmaster 163 

tracer  to  be  sent  when  receipt  of  registered  packages  of,  is  not  acknowledged 885 

unlawful  sale  or  hypntlieiatiim  of.  penalty 118 

unserviceable,  acquired  by  exchange,  not  to  lie  returned  to  Department 169 

valid  for  postage  in  countiy  of  oiigin  alone,  to  be  used  in  Postal  Union  correspond- 
ence   1109 

Postal  ageuts  in  China  and  Japan 21 

Postal  arrangements  (see  Akkaxgemen'ts) 1 126 

Postal  cards  cannot  be  issued  except  by  Department 142 

cannot  be  sent  to  countries  not  in  Postal  Union  except  at  letter  rates,  IT  18 1132 

domestic,  to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-General 140 

for  use  in  Postal  Union  correspondence 141 

how  redeemed  when  si)oileil 171 

international,  to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-General 141 

used  for  Postal  Union  correspondence 1119 

postage  on,  when  reposted  after  delivery  181 

requisition  foiv  how  to  be  made 147 

return,  return  stamps,  when  to  be  canceled 376 

to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-General 141 

tracer  to  be  sent  when  receijif  of  registered  packages  of,  is  not  acknowledged  885 

when  dead  to  l»e  sent  to  Dead  Letter  ( )ffice  if  wholly  in  writing  481 

spoiled,  and  redeenu-d  by  imstiiiaster.  how  to  be  returned  for 172 

(f^cc  I*cisr.\i.i;-sTA>fP.s  for  general  provisions  concerning.) 
Postal  cars.     (See  Okfices.) 

additional  i)ay  for.  not  afl',?cted  by  act  of  July  12.  1876 633 

to  i-ailroads  for;   surplus  approiuiations  for.  may  be  used  to  meet 

deficiencies  for  railway  transimrtatiou  of  the  mails 631 

railways  refusing  to  furnish,  not  entitled  to  extra  eomiiensation  for 630 


264 
262 

277 
278 
277 
68 
68 

28 
104 


8» 
89 
223 
40 
66 
124 
166 

103 
69 


308 

307 
67 
69 
64 

104 
68 
68 
69 

104 
69 
67 
67 
69 

315 

104 
66 
70 
66 
67 
67 

288 
66 
66 

170 
70 
69 
67 
64 
66 
69 

186 
61 
6» 

264 
38 

274 
65 

279 
65 
65- 
70 
65 

266 
72 
66 

103 
65 

186 

119 
TO' 


1.50 
14i> 


IMiKX. 


409 


StT.  I'agi*. 

PoNliil  <'l<-ri4H,  railw.iv.  iippiiinl mint  ami  ]>:\\  nf "JS  M 

tin  cliiti<s.  ,ii-..  111'.  Ki'i'  EMri.uvi;s  <iK  Uaii.wav  Mail  Skkvk  k. 

PoMlnl  fOiiVfiitloilN,     {See  CoXVlCN TlnNs) 112(1  274 

topics  iii;  to  \<>-  siiil  to  Srcn-tiiryofStati-  M  42 

I'ostiiiasti'i-i  iiiiciiil  iiiiiv  ni:ikc.  with  Imri^ii  c'oiiiitrii-H :tl  42 

jiioofslicits  of,  to  l)c  rc'vis.'il  at  I'osI  (mire  I),  partiiient :i2  42 

PoMtnl  fiiiKln  (xce  ^luNKY),  rulUction  ol',  tVoiii  poMtiiuirttt-rM  by  AiuliloVHilrnnH  In  fuvor 

ol  ot li.i  postiuasti'is 1 102  29f> 

to  lii>  paid  out  by  postmasti'is  upon  pfcs-ntationof  fontnirtoi-M'  onlcrH lllil  21tO 

PoHtnl  iiiiiitle,  ("'noi's  in,  to  lie  icpoitcd  bv  (■Miploy6!4  of  thi;  Uailway  Mall  SiTvire...  "!.'>  IWl 

supjilii'il  to  iiostinasti'i'H  unil  to  be  consulti-il   XIS  127 

to  I.,'  consiiltcl  for  lati-.s  of  Ionian  posti^is ll:il  278 

PoMtnl  laMM,  oti'cnsi's  av:ainsf   (xcc  Oikknsics   aijaisst  Postai.-Laws) ;  pifliiiiiiiary 

]iiortMMlini;s  in  trial,  iiy  wlioni 10  :i7 

PoHtnl  lawM  nncl  regiilntioii**,  constiiirtioii  oT,  to  be  made  by  iiostinuHtrrrt  in  tin- 

tiist  iiistaiuc  .suliji-.<t  to  appeal  tu  I'o.stma.ster-Geueral 10  2)* 

changi's  in,  ]io\v  noted XU 

PomIrI  monopoly  {see  Puivate  Exi-IlESSlis),  violations  of,  to  be  reported  by  itost- 

masters Tm  134 

PoMtnl  rorenues  {see  MoxEY),  failure  to  deposit,  in  Treasury  constitutes  embezzle- 
ment   1240  314 

Postal  iiintioiia.    {Sec  BitAxni  rosT-oi'-rifi-.s.) 

ai)plioati(iu  for  estalilisliineiit  of.  how  made 3.'>4  IfMI 

eonveyance  of  mail  between  ;;eneial  post-otliie  anil 3.'>.'>  KMi 

PohIrI  fiiipplicH  earried  by  railway  companies  witliont  extra  cbary.e t>44  152 

traiis])i>rteil  free  by  mail-contractors lil.-i  14.'« 

PoMtnl  lelrgraphy,  authority  for  introduction  of 12.>«  31« 

Poiiilal  Union.    (.See  Tnivkksal  Postal  rxioN.) 

Poste  rcstantc  letters)  to  be  held  two  iuoutlis  before  advertising 4."0  lir. 

Posters  are  not  sujiplements -'"^  "" 

PoMtmarking,  how  to  secure  leirible 381  104 

required  on  all  but  second-class  matter  deposited  for  mailing;  or  delivery 379  li»4 

dead  matter  sent  to  Dead-Letter  C )ttice 442  113 

reipiiremeuts  of,  in  Postal  ruion  correspimdenee r--  HH  2ri4 

PoMtiuarking  stamp.    {See  Dated  sta.mi-.) 

not  used  in  Ortices  for  caiieelinu;  postaffe-stamp.s  722  IW 

Postmasters,  accounts  of  expeuses  by,  to  be  stated  quarterl v  bv  Auditor  to  Postmas- 
ter-General  A -■ 1140  2?.-. 

aflidavit  made  by,  to  loss  of  collection-drafts 1 20.1  .'{ol 

alli iwance  to.  lor'ad vert isiiif;  letters 1171  280 

all  pavnieuts  tor  quarter  to  be  made  by,  before  trausmittin.g  quarterly  returns  and 

statements  to  Auditor 11«0  297 

application  by,  fc <v  \ iriuTed  labels 409  107 

appointments  of,  issued  by  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General 102  ^>6 

are  responsible  for  admission  of  impro])er  mail-matter 224  70 

at  delivery  post-ottice.  to  lu)Iil  unmailable  matter  230  81 

fourth-class  post-otlices  may  transact  other  business  than  that  pertaining  to  office 

in  ))ost-otiice  room ^20  12.> 

notreqiiired  to  uuike  quarterly  statement  of  general  jiostal 

account  excejit  by  special  itireetion  of  the  Auditor 1188  207 

to]uovide  separate  drawers •''20  12t> 

Presidential  post-otfices  must  remler  monthly  report  of  postage-stamps,  etc 11)2  68 

\vitb  quarterly  return  a  detailed  .statement 

of  iiostage-stamps.  etc.,  and  vouchers  ... .  IICI  2S.^ 
use  the  i)rinted  labels  for  transmitting  quarterly 

returns 1160  2S7 

only,  to  send  quarterly  statement  of  general  postal  ac- 
count to  Amlitor  ..-■ - 1180  206 

blanks  for  it.se  of,  how  procured 1  ; ' 

bonds  of,  to  be  given  before  entering  upoii  their  duties 105  56 

l)u,sinc.ss  hours  ot •>25  12.' 

by  whom  appointed 101  •_'•' 

removed 101  ■''' 

cannot  deliver  mail-matter  addressed  to  anntlier  i)o.st-oHice.  except  in  certain  ca.ses.  270  90 
cause  of  failure  to  collect  amount  of  collection-iliafts  to  be  rejiorted  by.  to  Auditor.  1196  299 
collectinu  excessive  iiosta^e  ou  matter  addressed  to  f.)reiu:n  countries  must  reim- 
burse the  sender,  1117 ..:... - "•''2  2.0 

collection  of  postal  funds  from,  by  Auditor's  drafts  in  favor  of  other  po.stnmsters.. .  1102  200 

b"y  contractors' orders 1101  299 

commissions,  how  recorded  and  signed 103  j^ 

of.  how  to  be  made  out  and  recorded 1"3  •_><> 

compensation  of,  at  Presidential  post-othces H''  -'^ 

fourth-class H'  t! 

course  of,  in  case  of  publishers  entering  second-cla.ss  mail-nnitter 100  i^ 

to  be  taken  in  case  of  receiving  misprinted  special-request  envelopes l->3  ^67 

deceased,  who  may  render  accounts  for l}*^'  -^^ 

delivery  of  niail-n'iatter  to  legal  assignees  or  receivers 2Sr>  ^91 

directions  for  obtaining  blank  forms 11'''  -?? 

disposition  of  destructiye  matter ■"'!  l, 

duties  of,  in  case  of  mail  robbery  in  vicinity  of  post-office —  -  40t)  V-l 

errors  in  their  quarterly  returns  to  be  corrected  by  Auditor lljj'  -'''^ 

evidence  of  demand  upim.  for  balances  due  t  lie  Department 12J.4  30.> 

execution  of  new  bond  by.  does  not  clian-e  m  inner  of  rendering  quarterly  retunis  .  1164  -8^ 

exempted  from  militia  diit v.  but  not  from  .jury  ami  road  duty -•.-     '         "  '-• 

tailing  to  dej.osit  postal  revenues  in  the  Treasury  guilty  of  embezzlement,  penalty.  r-40  .114 


410 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


PostinasterM — Continued. 

litiliug  to  sc-c  propff  i)ostiiu:e  and  fees  aiv  preiiaid  on  registered  matter  must  pay  it 
themselves '. .. 

forbidden  by  President  to  iiarticijiati-  in  ]iolitieal  eampalsns,  etc 

failing  lo  to  address  or  seal  nuisteieil  litti-rs  or  to  i)Ut  postaji;e-stamps  thereon 

rejnimand  other  postmasters  for  violations  of  rej^istry  regulations 

wiite  to  foieign  postmasters  upon  registry  business  except  at  exhange 

post-othcc-s' 

fraudulently  api>rovini;  bidders'  bonds  to  be  dismissed  from  office 

frequently  to  inspect  branch  offices 

jleueral  or  ledger  account  with  United  States  to  be  kept  by 

how  to  act  when  forwarding  or  returning  registered  matter  on  request 

address  the  Department 

classified 

to  conduct  official  correspondence 

deliver  mail-matter  to  rejirestntatives  of  a  defunct  firm  or  corporation 

deliver  matter  addressed  to  them  under  cover 

dispose  of  duplicate  inventories  of  property 

facing-slips 

postage-stamps,  etc.,  when  post-office  is  discontinued 

indorse  quarterly  returns 

registered  package 

keep  credit  side  of  general  postal  account 

debit  side  of  general  postal-account 

mail  quarterly  returns 

make  requisition  for  postage-stamps,  etc 

up  uumailable  matter  and  transmit  returns •. 

note  errois  on  fa<iu<;-slips 

l)ouch  registered  liiatter  sent  to  an  Office  from  a  distant  post-office 

proceed  when  newspaper  and  periodical  stamps  are  exhausted 

return  for  stamped  envelopes  and  postal  cards  spoiled  and  redeemed 

.stamp  hotel  matter 

treat  damased  supplies  of  postage-stamps,  etc 

secure  legil)le  stamping 

treat  letters  opened  by  mistake 

mail-matter  addressed  to  deceased  persons 

inadvertently  forwarded 

of  first  class  when  in  bad  order 

turn  over  money  received  fiom  .sale  of  postage-.stam])s,  etc 

treat  uumailable  matter  received  from  railway  Offices 

unpaid  matter,  at  fi-ee-delivery  post-offices,  if  unable  to  deliver 

use  newspaper  and  periodical  stamps 

jjostage-due  stamps 

in  case  of  death  of,  responsibility  of  sureties 

lost  mail-matter,  facts  to  be  stated  in  repoi  t 

in  coming  to  account  for  balance  of  quarter,  except  at  fourth-class  post-offices  un- 
der special  arrangement 

in  distribution  and  dispatch  of  mail  to  be  governed  by  orders  from  the  Department. 

instructions  concerning  delivery  of  mail-matter  in  dispute 

of.  for  opening  mail 

letters  from,  to  be  treated  as  card-matter 

limits  of  salaries 

may  allow  box-holders  to  erect  lock-boxes  at  theii'  own  ex])ense 

■withdr'awal  of  mail-matter  mailed  at  their  post-offices 

appoint  temporary  letter-caixiers 

be  removed  for  failing  to  collect  drafts 

deduct  salaries  and  expenses  from  receipts 

erect  letter-boxes  at  their  own  expense 

forward  not  valualile  dead-letters  to  other  post-offices 

grant  temporary  permit  to  pass  new  publications  as  second-class  matter 

make  temporary  mail-contracts  when 

not  be  interested  in  mail-<-outraets  nor  act  as  agents  for  mail-contractors 

require  appointment  of  reeei\er  in  case  of  dissolved  partnership 

evidence  of  subscription-list  for  mail-matter  of  second  class 

proof  of  identity  before  delivering  mail 

must  affix  postage-due  stamps  to  unpaid  matter 

be  able  to  ]jr(]ve  disjiatch  of  registered  matter 

cancel  ]iostage-stMmps 

certify  to  jpidjier  tlispat<-h  of  registered  matter 

deliver  letters  from  INnsion  ( IfHie  to  address 

demand  credentials  of  Speeial  Agents 

detain  second-chiss  mail-nuitter,  in  what  case 

examine  waste  jiajjcr.  and  us<'  same  again 

exclude  from  the  post-office  all  unauthorized  persons  when  making  up  or  open- 
ing mail 

forward  dujilieates  of  (juarterly  retuins  lost  in  the  mail 

give  new  bonds  in  case  of  death,  removal  from  State,  or  insolvency  of  sureties. 

not  allow  official  corresjiondence  to  pass  into  tin?  hands  of  the  public 

deliver  mail-matter  until  i)ostage  is  paid 

detain  mail-matter 

give  infoniiation  respecting  mail-matter 

notify  contractors  of  failures  to  arrive  on  sche<lule  time,  when 

not  make  changes  in  distribution  and  dispatch  of  mail,  except  in  case  of  emer- 
gency  

pay  attention  to  official  printed  circulars 

collection-drafts  pi'om])tlv 

receive  at  all  times  registereil  matter  from  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service.. 


Sec.     Page. 


862 

183 

323 

816 

177 

896 

188 

914 

190 

587 

139 

3.58 

101 

1179 

296 

881 

185 

538 

127 

100 

55 

534 

127 

287 

91 

373 

103 

516 

124 

398 

106 

164 

69 

1175 

289 

845 

181 

1182 

296 

1181 

296 

11.56 

287 

147 

66 

443 

114 

397 

106 

835 

180 

160 

68 

172 

70 

477 

119 

152 

67 

381 

104 

278 

90 

285 

91 

436 

112 

382 

104 

157 

68 

435 

112 

273 

89 

159 

68 

158 

68 

111 

58 

491 

121 

1162 

288 

283 

105 

289 

91 

265 

88 

460 

116 

122 

62 

296 

93 

291,  292 

92 

322 

96 

1198 

300 

132 

63 

295 

92 

489 

120 

196 

75 

616 

145 

599 

141 

288 

91 

194 

74 

277 

90 

270 

89 

834 

179 

375 

103 

834 

179 

281 

91 

540 

128 

211 

77 

522 

125 

521 

125 

1169 

289 

109 

57 

533 

127 

268 

88 

370 

103 

530 

126 

666 

156 

384 

105 

537 

127 

1193 

299 

853 

182 

imjkx.  411 

S»-v.       I*i«iJo. 
I'OKllllilKUTN — ('(inl  Jllllrll. 

liter  (l(iiil)iriil  iiiililiiMtioiiH  til  Kiist  A  KM  i. -4  til  lit  I'o^ttiiiiiHlfi  (ii-iicnil  Hh  7.1 

n-liiliv  iiii)iillil\  iiiHiit  lit' iiiirifi-sy  stem '.Hit  99 

leiu-w  liiiiiils  « lifii  iiaiin-  of  piist-i)tli<-c  is  I'liaiitifd 114  T>a 

n'l>0lt  liilsf  I'Viilriiri' siiliiiiiltfil  by  l)ul>llsliel« 1!»M  7.') 

r.  iits  oflitliilioMs '. '.".f.i  93 

risiilc  within  ililivciv  iif  jxiHtotlicc 104  3« 

s.iul  allidavit  fur  iinsiaui-staniiiH.  rtr.,  di-Htioyfil 167  flft 

(|iiaiiiTly  iftuiii  and  Iiaiisrii|it  lii;rftlu'r 11."  -M7 

tniii  ovcv  all  imlilic  iiiopcity  on  hand  to  sni'frssor MB  l'J7 

uocd  not  notit'v  inihlisln-rs  of  foicigii  iicw8iia|Mi-.s  and  iicriiMliralH,  wlii'ii  tlii'V  un;  not 

taken  on t."' -'4 '. 1l:i:t  2*) 

no  allowanee  to.  for  fees  paid  for  lieini;  sworn  to  aceonnt.t 1174  "J^ll) 

credit  allowed  to.  when  iinsta^ie-.stanip.s,  ete.,  are  .stolen  from  tlic'in Uiii  <V.i 

iKin-iiayinent  of  eoUeetion-diafts  to.  to  lie  rejiorted  Iiy,  to  Auditor lltt.'.  '.'9'.» 

not  alloweil  (oniiiensation  tor  .sale  of  iiostairc-staiiips".  ete lli.'i  6!» 

to  elianj:!'  site  of  ]i<ist-otliee  without  perniiasion  from  the  Depart iiieiit  . .  .V.'V  r.'ti 

deliver  oliseene  matter,  ete    'S-'i  73 

exihan.-iv  )io.sta;;c-stamps.  ete Ifi'.l  6!> 

c'oiiniiissioned  until  after  approval  of  bond   107  .I" 

furuisbed  with  postage-stamps,  ete.,  if  failing  to  render  <iiiaiterly  returus I.">  67 

until  eominissioned l.'iU  67 

required  to  receive  matter  for  rejristration  on  Sunday.s  and  letjal  holiday.s Mil  176 

to  act  as  lotter.v  agents,  penalty  for 541  12X 

allow  letter-boxes  to  be  rented  for  iin]>roiier  puri)()ses ;t04  9:i 

eluirffe  fee  to  carriers  on  shiiiletters  addressed  to  a  foreign  country 2-">9  S7 

collect  postage  or  fee  u|>i>ii  delivery  of  registered  matter Stil  l<: 

dis<do.se  uam%s  of  box  bolders. 30H  94 

employ  additional  letter-carriers  3'.':{  9«; 

enter  certain  moiu'v  on  (piarterly  returns 117"J  2H9 

forward  valuable  dead  letters  to'otlier  ]iost-olliee8 4HX  rjO 

hold  tirst-elass  matter  on  mere  suspicion 4;i4  112 

make  througli  iioiiebes  for  nniil-trains 40:!  106 

receive  money  from  jit cdecessor,  unless '>\'  1-'^ 

return  letters  after  laneeling  of  stamps 40li  107 

retain  more  than  salaries  and  commission  on  money-order  business i:U  6:1 

of  the  fourth  class,  form  of  general  postal  account  for...." 1190  297 

instructions  to.  for  kei'jiing  their  accounts 117x  292 

on  receiving  second,  third,  or  fourth  <lass  matter  must  examine  same 266  Si* 

outgoing,  to  ren(br  aeeounts  to  incoming,  how 1162  2H8 

payments  for  former  nuai  ters  not  to  appear  on  cpiarterly  returns 1 17ii  289 

payment  of  ((dleetion-drafts  t<i.  to  be  reiiorted  by,  to  Auditor 1194  299 

jH'ualty  for  failing  to  attix  ])osiage-diiestamps  to  nn|)aid  matter 271  1*9 

render  quajterh  returns ll.i^;  28  7 

fraudulent  collect  ion  of  p'l  istage 12.'>i)  31.'> 

jiowerless  to  remit  <ivercharges  on  mail-matter 5:12  126 

precaution  against  in.jurv  to  the  mail 223  ~'i 

prohibited  b.v  President's  order  from  holding  State  and  municipal  oftices,  excejit  at 

fourth-class  post-otbees  321 

punisbnieiif  of.  for  detaining  mail-matter 1232  309 

quarterly  rejxirt  of  ex]ienses 341  99 

returns  not  to  include  more  than  one  ([uarter 11  •"«9  287 

to  be  forwarded  bv,  when n.'>4  287 

remUre<l  by'. 1  l-'d  286 

receive  facing  slips  and  schemes  from  Superintendent  of  Kailwa.y  Mail  Service '        400  106 

1  ecord  of.  of  second-cla.ss  mail-matt er 189  74 

to  be  kept  bv.  of  receii)ts  of  postage-.stamiis.  blanks,  books,  box-rents,  etc   ..  1168  288 

receiving  matter  for  registration  to  enter  and  number  it  and  give  receipt  to  sender  819  178 

missent  re.iiisterecl  matter,  dutv  of 882  186 

legi.steretl  matter  for  dcOiverv.  duties  of 8.i6  1.82 

registered  package  in  transit,  how  to  sign  reccijit 838  18o 

reiiuiremeuts  to  be  made  by,  of  senders  of  registered  Ictter.s 814  177 

third  and  fourth  cla,s.s  matter.  815  177 

refntisition  for  special-ref|nest  eiivelojies  149  66 

responsible  for  failing  to  cidlect  .Auditor's  drafts  1197  299 

receiving  oliseene  matter  in  the  mail 2'.'8  80 

wrom;  deli\  erv  of  resist eri'd  matter 8ti9  184 

salaries  of,  at  Presidential  ]io.st-(ilhees 116  .i9 

biennial  read.justment  of 119  61 

fourth  class  '. 1 1  i[  5*' 

second-class  matter  :  samjile  copies  allowed  to  be  .sent  bj' and  to  uews  agents 195  74 

shall  not  allow  louniicrs  at  their  post-offices 5J4  12.> 

open  letters 2.-12  91 

should  deliver  to  address  mail-matter  addre.s.sed  toa  iierson  in  caro  of  another 280  90 

suggest  advantageous  changes  in  forwarding  mail 404  106 

special  instructions  to zi 

for  registration  of  currency  sent  for  redemption 818  1 1 1 

statement  of  unclaimed  ntatter ■♦"■'  H'l 

snit  pending  against,  for  delinquencies.  Auditor  to  furni.sh  papers,  et<- 1148  286 

their  quarterly  returns  must  be  signed  by  whom 1 166  288 

to  be  accom])anied  by  atHdavit 1152  287 

time  of  affixing  postage-due-stamps  to  unpaid  matter 272  89 

closing  mail,  r ' 368,410  102,107 

to  appoint  assistants Jl8  l_.-> 

be  charged  with  valiu»  of  lost  or  stolen  stamps,  etc 173  70 

charge  double  iiostage  on  unpaid  matter _     267  88 

themselves  with  postage-stamps,  etc 1.54. 156  C7 


412 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Sec.  Page. 
Postina!>iter« — Coiitiiiueil. 

to  collect  lent  tor  boxes  erected  b\  linx-holtlers  at  tlieiv  own  expense  as  long  as  used.  305  9^1 

comiiitie  ireneral  ]  ostal  ii<cooiit  with  Auditor's  statement  of 1186  2!  7 

count  posta;;e-sta)iiips.  ct<-..  wlien  received 151  t7 

decide  iiuestions  ot  construction  of  the  postal  laws  and  regulations,  subject  to 

aj>i)eal  to  tlic  Postmaster-(Teneral 19  28 

deliver  o^<iany-addressed  mail  to  the  person  holding  the  otHce 283  91 

display  lists  of  advertised  letters 446  115 

distribute  mail  by  schemes 385  105 

forward  oath  of  office  of  assistants,  clerks,  etc.,  to  First  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General 519  125 

.    immediately  notify  Auditor  of  collection  of  drafts 1194  299 

report  lobbery  of  ixist-ortices 492,  493  121 

keep  a  post-otfice  for  distribution  and  dispatch  of  the  mail 367  102 

sui)ply  of  ]postagestami)s  and  stamped  enveloi)es 146  66 

account  of  sliii)  and  steamboat  letters 262  87 

list  of  box-hcdders 298  93 

record  of  projierty  and  suy)])lies 514  124 

leave  lecoid  of  bo.v-receipts  with  successor 303  93 

make  application  for  readjustment  of  salai'ies  to  Fii.st  Assistant  Postmastei- 

General 123  62 

make  inventories  of  property,  etc.,  in  duplicate 515  124 

notify  publishers  when  subscribers  lefuse  second-class  matter 471  118 

to  observe  tlie  registry  s<'heme 844  181 

receijit  for  copywrij;ht  matter 374  103 

record  resist ered  (packages  in  transit  and  retimi  receipt 839  180 

refuse  withdrawal  of  matter  mailed  at  their  offices 293  92 

render  quarterly  returns  upon  regular  blank  forms  only...; 1158  287 

report  irretriihirities  in  mail 402  106 

lost  mail  matter  to  Chief  Special  Agent 490  120 

postage  collected  from  publishers 161  68 

unworke<l  mail 401  106 

require  quarterly  ]>repayment  for  letter-boxes 300,  301  93 

respect  injunctions  of  courts  relating  to  delivery  of  mail  290  92 

retain  original  of  (juarterly  return  and  forward  copy  thereof 1165  288 

return  registered  matter  that  cannot  be  delivered  ti'i  mailing  po.st-office 876  185 

to  writers  thereof  only  legisteied  letters  addressed  to  persons  conducting 

fraudulent  lotteries,  etc 875  184 

unmailable  matter  to  sender 437,  438  113 

wooden  labels,  etc 408  107 

sell  postage-.stamps  for  ca.sb  only 166  69 

and  stamped  envelopes  and  to  be  I'esponsible,  etc .  145  66 

send  receipt  for  jiostage-stamps  to  Third  Assistant  Po.stmaster-<  Jeneral 151  67 

unmailable  matter  to  Dead-Letter  Office 431  111 

sign  registcied-paekage  receipts  addressed  to  their  post-offices 837  180 

supervise  letter-cairiers 362  101 

take  impressions  of  dated  stamps 380  104 

receipts  for  pay  to  .lerks 128  63 

transmit  quarterly  returns  and  general  accounts  in  separate  envelopes 1184  296 

regular  return  of  dead  matter,  even  if  there  be  none 473  118 

use  facing  slips  for  letters  and  <irculars 396  106 

weigh  second-class  mail-nuitter  in  bulk  and  to  attach  .special  adhesive  stamps. . .   191, 192  74 

unmailable  matter  to  be  sent  to  Dead-Letter  Office  by 1 441,  442  113 

vouchers  to  general  postal  account  to  be  retained  by 1185  296 

when  in  doubt  as  to  law,  must  ask  for  instructions  from  the  Department -  - . .  536  127 

lecjuired  to  give  new  bonds 112  58 

retiring,  must  turn  over  ])Ostage-stamps,  etc.,  to  successor 163  69 

to  make  distribution  of  mail  by  States 386  105 

requisition  for  postage-stamps,  etc 148  66 

redeem  stamped  envelopes  and  postal  cards  which  liavi'  been  spoiled 170, 171  69,  70 

where  to  reside 104'  56 

w  eight  of  matter  at  time  of  mailing  determines  rate  of  postage 269  89 

who  may  be  appointed  as 108  57 

PoMtiiiaster-Ciriicral,  appeal  to,  from  decisions  of  jiostma-sters 19  28 

appointment  and  t<rin  of  office  :  how  removed 1  33 

authority  of,  to  prescribe  regulations 26  39 

authorized  to  make  advan<'e  payments  in  certain  cases .59  49 

cannot  open  adjustment  of  his  predecessor 29  42 

review  decision  of  his  predecessor ^ 29  42 

foreign  money-order  conventions  may  be  made  by 976  201 

in  case  of  absence  of.  who  may  act  as 1 3  34 

may  discontinue  post-offices  where  postma.sters  are  appointed  by  President 29  42 

make  postal  conventions  with  foreign  countries 31  42 

retaliatory  postage  to  be  iniposerl  by.  wlnii 1137  281 

money-order  system  to  be  establishi-d  and  maintained  by 9,56  197 

office  of,  under  supervision  of  chief  clcik 27  39 

prescribed  annual  estimates  of 46  45 

reports  of 44  44 

rates  for  transniitt'ng  government  telegrams  to  be  fixed  by,  annually 1257  317 

shall  keep  inviiitoiy  of  i)ublic  property '. 30  42 

statutory  duties  of.' 29  41 

to  furuish  cojiy  of  aiuiual  estimates  to  Secretary  of  Treasury 47  46 

PoMlma««ters-Ci<eneraI,  Assistant,  aiqijiointiiient  and  teriu  of  office  and  Iiow  re- 
moved    2  33 

PoNtinastera  pro  tent..  com])ensation  of 135  63 

Post-OtHce    I>fpartm<>iit,   accounts  of   to  be   kiqit   by  (Sixth)  Auditor  (of  tlie 

Treasniv) .' 1143  285 


'.'7 

.i;» 

I 

.la 

1224 

au.> 

812 

l7r, 

J 

:t4 

.T'.-. 

1220 

3U4 

2*< 

41 

aan 

OH 

m 

.V. 

OH 

.V. 

iw 

.'l.'l 

IHCT 

190 

Ott 

.Vi 

OH 

.l.-. 

112.-. 

2H7 

307 

114 

rf.'Hi 

lii» 

1244 

:n:t 

9H 

.■i.'i 

1,  7:iH  l(t7 

.  Iti7 

:{H7 

102 

123.-, 

:tli 

.542 

I2!t 

.>i:{ 

129 

.-,.V2 

i:«i 

.->.->l 

i:u) 

.>4!) 

i:<o 

r>.-io 

i:«) 

27 

33 

INDEX.  4  1  3 

l*OMf-<|||ici-  l>f|tni-liii<'iil— Ciintiiiiii'il. 

ilisti  iliutiiiii  i)f  liu.siiicss  <)(' 

.•.stiil.li.sliin.iit  of ' 

fviili'iu'c  of  ilciiianil  ii|i<>ii  iiii.'ttiiia.sti-i'.s  for  lialniK'c  ilin- 

Icttfi-.s  uinm  otliiial  liiisiia-ss  of,  ivfjistfix-d   iVei-  of  cliur;;)-   and  \nins  tlinmsli  '••'• 

mails  IVff  III'  cliaijic   

oIlicci-M  of,  a]i|ioiiit<'il  liy  PoNtnia.stcr-Crfiifral 

o)iinioiis  of  A.ssiHtaiit  .Vttonwy-Geuenjl  for 

latc  of  iiitiTi'.tt  on  lialaiicf.-i  iliie 

s.al  of 

I'osi-ollirrN,  liraiicli.  Postiiiastfr-Gfiirral  may  estuliliiih 

li\  \\  hose  aiitlioritv  ili.scoii tinned '. 

fstal.llshcd 

ila.ssiticatioii  of 

for  nioiu'v-didiT  bnsim-ss 

(liscontinnancf  of.  to  be  (•crtitied  to  Auditoi' 

istablishnient  of,  to  lie  (cititifd  lo  Auditor 

ixcLansf  for  all  forcij;n  mail  A,  list  of 

tiinuH-ially  dosifrnated  a:id  rlassilied 

33().1[  fiee-drlivcry,  cstalilislimcnt  of 

holiday  and  evening  delivery  at 

penalty  for  linakini;  inti> '. 

nnlaw fully  jiiofcssin^  to  keep 

l>rinted  labels  received  frt>m,  to  lie  returned  to 4{)K, ' 

to  be  kept  open  for  re<ei\in;;,  deliveriiifi,  making  np,  and  forwarding  mail   

what  constitutes,  under  Revised  Statuti's,  §  .34G9 

I'osl-roacis,  definition  of 

I'ostmaster-Geuoral  may  establish  service  on 

•  teniiiorarily 

service  on.  may  be  discontinued 

I'o.stniasti-r-fteiieial  may  select   

when  terminus  of,  may  be  chauired   

Post-route  iiiapN,  for  sale  by  topographer 

Pouches,  exchanue  of  letter-mails   by  einplov6s  of  Railway  Mail  Service  to  be  in 

locked ' ."   .' '. 771  171 

interior  of.  to  be  thoroughl.y  examined  when  emptied  by  euiplo.v6s  of  Railway  ilail 

Service  ' .' 7;i.-|  1»>7 

letters  not  to  be  ]>la<'ed  loo.se  in.  by  eniploy6s  of  the  Railway  Mail  Service 727  167 

received  outside  of  one,  to  be  reported  to  Division  Superintendent  of  Jtailwav 

Mail  Service '.  74ti  I «-i 

list  of  exchange,  to  be  kept  by  employes  in  charge  of  Offices 771:1  171 

Prepayuieut  compulsory  on  correspondence  to  foreign  countries  with  which  no 

convention  exists ]12j<  277 

ulitioiial  within  Postal  I'nion  on  letters  only 11U8  2»>4 

Pre»ii(lont,  order  of,  forbidding  postal  officers  to  jmrticipate  in  ])olitical  cami)aigiis 323 

ur<ler  of,   forbiilding  postmasters  to  hold   State  and  municipal  offices,  excejit  at 

fourth  class  ]iiistothces 321 

PriceM.rurrrul    ,ind  circulars  may  be  ,sent  to  Guatemala  at  newspaper  rates  of 

jiostai;e.  but  to  all  otlier  foreign  countries  as  "' other  printed  matter '   1'23 

(■(irrecticms  in  printed,  with  ]ii-n  or  ])<  mil  dn  not  subject  them  to  letter-postage 

Printed  labels  to  lie  returned  to  postortice  of  oriiiin  by  postmasters 

employe's  of  Railway  Mail 

Service 

Printed  matter.     {.Sec  TlllKIi-(i,.\ss  .M.viTKi;.) 

detinitiou  of 

uiuler  Postal  I'nion  regulations  for  foreign  mails  onl.v 

except  newspapers,  etc.,  sent  to  regular  subscriber.s.  is  third-class  mail-matter  .... 

fi-om  foreign  countries  free  from  duties,  except  Ixioks 

icjiresentinu'  monetary  value  jiays  letter-postage  in  Postal  Union  mails 

Private  expresses  for  carrying  letters  outside  of  nuiil  over  post-roads  prohibited. . 

penalty  for  aiting  as 

carrying  letters  on  Ijoaid  a  mail-vessel 

))ersons  acting  as 

sendiui;  letters  by 

]Mistni:isters  to  ri'port  existence  of 

Probationary  appointees  in  Railway  Mail  Service 

in  Kail  way  ^lail  Service  to  be  examined  mimthly 

Promotion**.  Division  Suiierinteudt'Uts  of  Railway  Mail  Sen-ice,  in  recommending. 

to  state  what '. ." 

of  eniidoyes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  based  ui)on  reports  of  Division  Superintend- 
ents  

letter-carriers 

Proof-sheets  of  jiostal  conve!>tions  to  bo  revised  at  Post-OtHce  Department 

permissible  writim;  upon,  as  tliird-class  matter 

Property,  holders  of   (b  tiudanl's.  after   |)ublication  of   attachment  proceedings   to 

account  for  it 

of  Post-Ottice  De])artment,  penalty  for  diverting,  from  proper  use 

ownership  of,  attached  how  to  be  determined 

proceeds  of,  held  ot- sold  under  warrant  of  attachment  how  to  be  invefjted 

public,  to  be  turned  over  by  iMistniaster  to  successor 

rec(ud  of,  to  be  kept  tiv  ]iost masters 

Proposals  for  carrying  the  mail,  alterations  and  modiffcations  in,  pridiibited  .. 

aniouut  of,  not  to  be  diviili^id  li\  jMistuiasters  who  approve  them 

assignment  of,  pi  obi  bit  ed 

how  witlidrawn 

penalty  for  altering  or  counterfeiting  

rei-eived  too  late  not  considerefl 

ri::ht  to  reiert  nil,  reserved  bv  tin-  Postmaster-General 


1132 

2H0 

232 

Hi 

408 

107 

219 

7S 

1114 

2fi.T 

21.-. 

7H 

1134 

2H1 

lllfi 

2ti.- 

,->.■>.-> 

131 

.-»9 

L!2 

560 

132 

.V)7 

132 

.=i.V* 

132 

.'•|69 

134 

710 

Hi4 

782 

172 

710 

1(>4 

312 

9.- 

32 

42 

2IH 

78 

1213 

.103 

1241 

312 

1210 

302 

1211 

302 

5.39 

127 

11«H 

2H.'< 

5!»4 

141 

591) 

140 

fiOO 

141 

.->H0 

137 

124.-) 

:il3 

59ti 

141 

.197 

141 

414  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Sec.  Page. 
Proposals  for  carrying  the  mail — Coutiuned. 

tu  lie  accompanied  by  bond.? 581  137 

certified  check  or  draft 58.5  1.39 

filed  and  recorded 5«8  140 

to  be  .sealed :  how  and  when  opened 580  137 

tran.sfer  of,  prohibited  600  141 

unaccompanied  by  bond  not  considered 581  138 

what  are  the  only  lejjal 591  140 

withdrawal  of,  not  allowed  later  than  twenty-four  hours  before  time  of  opening 594  141 

Prosecution  of  oti'enders  again.'*t  the  postal  laws  ." .52  47 

ProNpecliises  not  allowed  on  bills  or  receipts  for  .suh.scriptions 233  82 

Piibliratiou  office,  definition  of 186  73 

Pub  lice  tiouK,  defiuitioii  of  supplements  to    2U7  76 

(kiulitful.  to  Vie  referred  to  First  Assistant  Postmaster-General 188  73 

foreign,  may  pass  as  sec  iind-<  lass  mail-matter 212  77 

violating  United  .States  cuiiyri^ht.  not  sectmd-class  matter 214  78 

when  otiered  as  second-class  matter,  how  inspected 213  77 

free  county,  defined 239  83 

must  be  mailed  by  themselves 242  83 

new,  how  to  be  admitted  to  seconil-ehiss  rate 196  75 

l)eualty  for  publisljer  subiriittiiii;  false  evidence  as  to  character  of 197  75 

not  granted  free  eoinity  delivery  when  elainiing  two  oifices  of  publication  in  differ- 
ent counties 243  84 

sample  copies  of.  second-class,  definition  of 203  76 

how  to  be  mailed 205  76 

second-class  mail-iiuitter,  not  entitled  to  free  county  delivery    244  84 

jKistujasters  may  require  evidence  of  subscriptiou-list  of  .  194  74 

rejiular  suliscriliers  to,  defined 193  74 

samiile  lopies  allowed  to  he  sent  by  and  to  news  agents  ..    .       195  74 

suindements  to  regular,  may  be  mailed  as  secoiid-ilass  matter 206  76 

Public  docuuient>>  jtublislied  by  Cont;ress  free  of  postage 245  84 

Public  fuutlH  for  dejxisit  may  be  transmitted  by  postmasters  in  free  registered  letter.  80  .52 

must  be  safely  ke))t  (.sy<'  McixEV) .' "^ 72  51 

Public  property,  inventories  to  be  made  of.  by  i)ostma.ster  taking  charge  of  a  post- 

ottice .' - - 515  124 

mutilation  of,  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  prohibited 776  171 

not  t o  be  used  for  private  pui'iioses  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service 770  171 

to  be  turned  over  by  postmasters  to  sueeessors  includes  what .539  127 

Publishers  allowed  to  mail  su]i]ilei]ients  as  second-class  matter 206  70 

form  of  bill  they  may  attach  to  secondchiss  mail-matter 234  82 

how  to  enter  seconil-class  mail-matter  at  post-otfices 199  75 

pass  new  i>ublicatiuns  as  second-class  mail-matter 196  75 

mail  sample  cojiies  of  jiublications 205  76 

mail-baiis  su])plied  to.  when 687  160 

maniiei'  of  ]ireseuting  third-class  matter  for  mailing 237  83 

may  inclose  bills,  receijits.  and  subscription-orders  in  second  class  matter 233  82 

must  properly  ft  )Id  and  address  mail-matter  of  secoiul  class 236  82 

not  allowed  tii  iiass  extra  numbers  of  publications  as  .sample  copies 204  76 

not  to  sulmiit  false  evidence 197  75 

oflice  of  to  entitle  to  second-cUiss  po.stage-rates 186  73 

postage  collected  iVoiii.  how  to  hi-  rejioited  by  posttnaters 161  68 

sec(md-class  mail-mat  t-er  must  be  properly  wrapped  by.  and  sufficiently  dried 235  82 

4(ualitications  of  sureties  on  more  than  one  bidder's  bond 584  138 

of  sureties  on  biddeis   bonds    582  138 

<|uarterly  returns,  accompanied  by  aftidavit  to  what  eflVct 11.52  287 

blank  form  for.  how  ])rocured 1176  289 

composed  of  account-current,  tran.scripts.  and  vouchers , 1155  287 

copies  only  of,  to  be  sent  to  Auditor ;   originals  to  be  kept  by  postnuister 1165  288 

distinct  from  ipiarterly  statement  of  general  postal  account 1 183  296 

indorsement  on  back  of,  how  filled  up 1175  289 

errors  in,  corrected  by  Auditor:  notification  to  postmasters  of  corrections  1167  288 

forms  for,  at  fourtli-<iass  post-otfices 1178  292 

at  I'lesidential  |iost-oltices 1177  289 

from  Presidential  othces,  <U-tailed  .statements  of  .stamps,  etc.,  received  to  accom- 
pany   1161  288 

lost  in  transmission,  postma.sler  must  send  duplicates  of 1169  289 

must  be  forwarded  to  Auditor  bv  postmasters  in  one  unbroken  bundle,  with  no 

papers  that  do  not  strictly  lielon'g  to  it 11.56  287 

neiilect  to  render,  by  ])ostmaste7,  ])enalty 1153  287 

never  to  ln>  iiulosed  will]  (juaiterly  statement  of  general  postal  account 11S4  296 

new  bond  given  by  ])ostniaster  does  not  change  manner  oi  rendcrini^ 1164  288 

no  mention  to  lie  made  in,  of  registiation  fees 889  187 

not  upon  riguhir  blanks  will  not  be  audited 1158  287 

outgoing  jiostma.ster  at  fouitli-ilass  posl-ottices    nuiy  make  special  arrangements 

with  successor  about  leuderiiig 1162  288 

payments  for  former  <iuarter  not  to  ajipear  on   1170  289 

tm  account  of  wbat  not  to  lie  entered  on 1172  289 

printed  lab.-ls  fuiiiisli.d  foi-,  to  I'residcnlial  iiosi -oifices 1160  287 

signature  of  l)V  whom,  blank  beading,  liow  lille<l  up 1166  288 

to  be  lendered'bv  post  masters '. 1151  286 

to  be  transuiitted  to  Auditor  before  20th  day  ot  ne.xt  quarter 1189  297 

to  include  oidy  business  of  one  quarter 11.59  287 

transcript  and  account  current  nni.st  always  be  sent  together ll"'"  287 

when  to  be  t'orwaiileil  to  .Auditor  by  postmasters U.'-l  2^7 

who  may  ailiuiuistei-  oath  to ! 1149  280 

<|neenslanrt.  sji'-cial  postal  airaiigements  with    1126  276 

KaiUvay  cars  used  for  transjiortation  of  the  mails  to  be  constructed,  etc..  atexpense 

of  lailroail  coiiip.inies  as  i'e,|nired  liy  J'osim  ister-tjenerai  isri'  Oi'i'UKs)  632  150 


INDKX. 


410 


ICailtvny  foinpaiiirn  aitU'tl  by  liiiiil-!:niiitH  to  ciiirs  iniiil-.  ;it  iiiti-M  t\\t'i\  liv  <°<iiiui<  n*. 

iiidfd  by  liinil-giiiiits.  nitcs  Hxcd  liy  Ciiii^M'mh  to  br  |iiii(l  Im  iiiiryiiiij  iiiiiilH  by   

t'uiiiiiiuiiicatioiiH  iiH'crtiiit:  pay  lur  canyinn  tlif  iiiailM  by,  to  hi-  ail<it'i>HHril  tii  S»Tond 
Assistant  PostinastordciKTal 

ooiupi'Usatiou  of,  for  carry iug  the  mail  n-iluccd  five  jier  n-iit.  additional 

ten  ]«Tr«-iit 

liiips  may  bo  impo.si'd  upon 

uiay  bf  coutracted  witb  for  raiiyinv;  tin-  mail  wit  bout  s)dvcrtiH<-iiii-nt 

must  cany  mails  on  any  trains  witlimil  extra  clia !■;.'»• 

sjn'cial  ajients  and  postal  siiiipiii-s  witliont  extra  olinrye 

not  to  carry  mails  beyond  termini  of  route 

I'ostmastcr-Ueneial  to  deeidi-  niion  wbat  trains  nuiil  shall  be  canicrt  by 

readjustment  of  pay  to.  for  carry  in;;  the  mail ". 

refusinjr  to  provnle  jxmtal  cars  not  to  lie  jiaid  for  

reciuested  to  consult  Deiiartmcnt  about  naiiu-s  of  station:) 

re(iiured  to  deliver  mails  to  jMist  otbces,  when 

rules  of,  to  be  observed  by  ein]>loye8  of  Railway  Mail  Scl^'ico 

sjieeilic  reiiuiremeiits  of  I)ci>aitment  to  be  made  known  to,  through  (leneral  Super- 
intendent of  Kail  way  Mail  Service 

to  (It'sijrnate  to  Auilitor  a  financial  a};-ent  to  receive  and  receipt  f(»r  pay  for  carryinc 
the  mails 

to  rcjiort  operatinsr  exitenses  to  Postmaster-CJeneral 

to  Second  Assistant  I'ostmaster-ticneral  their  readiness  to  have  nniils 

weiu.lled      

RnilM-ny    iiiail-reijislry  book  to  be  turned  over  to  Division  Superintendent  by 

ri' tiring  empbiyes 

use  of,  by  emidoy^s  of  Kailway  Mail  Service 

KiiilM-ny  ITInil  Service,  chief  head  clerks  of 

division  superintendents  of.   as.siijnincnt  of 

employes  of,  ai)]>ointiuent.  duties,  .'te.      {Sep  EMI'I.OVKS.) 

(ieucral  Superiutendcnt  of  a]ipointment,  pay  and  allowances 

duties  of 

Rnilwny   poi>itaI    clerks,   Postmaster-General  may  appoint.     (See  EMi'i.OYts  of 

Kah.way  M.mi,  Sekvice) 

Railway  service,-  compen.sation  for,  reduced  five  per  cent,  additional 

ten  ]>er  cent 

conditions  of,  rate  of  pay,  and  a(\justmeiit  of  pay  for 

on  land-frrant  railroads,  rates  for,  as  fixed  by  Congress 

to  be  at  rates  fixed  by  Conirress 

•specific  requirements  of  the  Department  for,  made  known  through  General  Snipcrin- 

tendent  of  Railway  ]\Iail  Service  

Rales  of  postage  detenu ined  by  weight  of  matter  at  time  of  mailing 

on  first-class  niail-iuatter 

on  fourth-class  domestic  matter 

on  matter  sent  to  countrii-s  not  in  Postal  I'nion 

within  Postal  I'nion 

on  second-class  mail-matter 

on  ship  letters 

on  third-class  domestic  matter , 

ReadjiiNiment  of  jiay  to  railway  comiianies  for  carrying  the  mail 

of  po.st masters'  salaries,  biennial 

salaries,  ajiidication  for,  to  whom  made 

Receipt  for  ]iiista;;i'-stamps  to  be  si-nt  to  Third  Assistant  Postniaster-GeLcral 

to  \n-  given  by  new  ]iof,r master  to  (predecessor  for  public  property 

Receivers,  legal,  delivery  of  mail-matter  to 

Receiving  box  for  mail  at  third  and  fourth  class  jiost-ortices.  form  of 

Kecorfi.  C'ongressioual,  five  of  postage  when  sent  by  niembeis  of  Cimgress.  Ac 

Rccoril   of   arrivals  and   departures   of   emiiloyes  of    Kailway  Mail  Service, 

where  ke))t  and  how  ])osted 

of  local  agents,  liow  kept 

till'  m.iil.  how  ke])t  by  jtostmasters   

Record  of  registered  iuatter   received  and  delivered,  entries   upon,  how 

made   

Record  of  registeretl  matter  in  tran»iit  must  be  carefully  preserved  and  open 

to  in^iieetiou  of  s])ecial  agents 

Records,  jiature  of  to  be  kept  at  post-offices 

of  Iie;)artment  and  Auditor  to  be  evidence  in  suits 

Redemption,  currency  .sent  to  Treasurer  of  the  United  States  for,  to  be  registered 

free  of  cliarge ' 

special  instructions  for  registrati<m  of  currency  sent  for 

ReforM-nrding  permitted  of  all  matter  within  tlie  Postal  Tnion 

Refused   nialter.     (Ser  Dk.\D  M.VTTEli.) 

Return  of  dead  matter  to  state  when  nonc>  to  send 

to  be  sent  to  Dead-Letter  Ortiee  witli  unelainu-d  matter    

Registered  fourt ■■•class  matter,  rules  to  be  observed  by  senilers  of 

Registered  letters  addressed  to  persons  conducting  fraudulent  lotteries,  ic,  may  be 

returned  by  oi-der  of  the  I'ostmaster-deni'ral 

arriving  in  bad  order,  treatment  of  by  receiving  jiostma.ster 

unsealed.  Ireattnent  of  bv  receiving  ]iost master 

control  of  writer  ceases  after  dis]>ateh,  withdrawal  of  by  writer  before  dispatch 

not  subject  to  attachment  in  the  hands  of  postmasters  before  delivery 

rules  to  be  observed  b.v  senders  of 


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*  The  title  "  Railway  Service  "  refers  onl  v  to  the  tiansportation  of  nuiils  by  n»iln>ad  companies  under 
contract  or  otherwi,se,'  and  should  not  be  confounded  with  the  h'aitiray  Mail  Sen-ire.  by  which  is  under- 
stood the  distribution  and  dispatch  of  mails  in  tran.sit  upon  railroails  and  steamboats  in  "(iHices"  by 
route-agents,  postal-clerks,  and  other  postal  employes  denominated  in  these  regulatinns  "  Kniployes  of 
tlie  IJail'W.iv  Mail  Service.' 


416 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Sec.  Page. 

Rcsjistered  matter,  accouuts  of,  to  bo  preserved  in  post-oftices 890  187 

becomes  so  wlieu  postmaster  gives  a  registry  receipt  therefor 821  178 

care  required  iii  delivery  of 868  184 

Department  not  liable  for  loss  of 806  176 

delivery  of,  by  can'iers , 866,  867  184 

duty  of  postmasters  in 865  183 

on  order  of  tlie  addressee 870  184 

foreign,  forwarded  within  Postal  Union 912  190 

liable  to  custdiiis  duty,  liow  treated : 910  190 

post  marked  at  exchange  post-otfices 913  190 

specially  held  for  delivery,  bow  long 911  190 

undelivered  tliirty  days  "to  be  seut  to  Dead-Letter  OiBce,  except  request 

matter  from  Canada 908  190 

for  insane  or  dead  persons,  how  delivered 873  184 

found  among  ordinarv  matter,  treatment  of 886  186 

handling  of,  bv  local  agents 802  174 

how  prt'paivd  i\ ir  dispatch 828  179 

to  be  dis].at(  lied 831  179 

misseut,  duty  of  postmaster  receiving 882  186 

missing  or  lost,  to  be  reported  to  Chief  Special  Agent 887  186 

may  be  forwarded  from  one  post-olHce  to  another  on  request 881  185 

returned  to  sender  on  reiiuest 881  185 

never  to  be  sent  direct  o vei'  railway-mail  routes 836  180 

no  charge  to  be  made  on  delivery  of 861  183 

notification  to  box -h(dder  of  arrival  of 864  183 

not  reaching  destination,  to  be  reported  to  Chief  Special  Agent 849  181 

to  be  intrusted  to  mail-carriers  or  messengers 833  179 

tied  with  ordinary  mail-matter 832  179 

original  record  of,  returned,  must  show  what 878  185 

po.stage-stamps  on,  to  be  canceled;  matter  to  be  marked  '•Rkoistered" 822  l78 

l)ostmaster8  failing  to  see  that  proper  postage  and  fees  are  prepaid  on,  must  pay  the 

ditterence '.....  862  183 

responsible  for  wrong  delivery  of 869  184 

proper  dispatch  of  how  and  when  to  be  certified  to 834  179 

received  for  delivery  at  a  post-office,  treatment  of 856  182 

from  foreign  countries,  delivery  of 906  189 

receii)t  to  be  taken  upon  delivery  of 824  178 

record  of,  in  transit 841  180 

refused  by  addressees  to  be  letumed  to  mailing  post-office 877  185 

registry  notice  to  be  sent  of  arrival  of 863  183 

safety  of,  how  secured 808  176 

sent  to  an  Otfice  from  a  distant  post-office,  how  to  be  pouched 835  180 

Dead-Letter  Office,  how  to  be  indorsed 880  185 

must  be  rcgisten-d  free 880  185 

to  be  accomjianicd  l)y  what 880  185 

or  from  foreign  countries  to  be  postmarked  at  exchange  post-offices 913  190 

tliat  cannot  tie  <li4i\ered  to  be  leturued  to  mailing  post-office 876  185 

to  be  pouched  between  post-offices  and  Offices 939  194 

kept  apart  from  oi<liuMry  matter 823  178 

without  postagestamiis  affixed  to  cover  postage  and  fee,  to  be  reported  to  Third 

Assistant  Postmaster-Oeneral 862  183 

when  sender  of  leturned.  cannot  be  found,  must  be  sent  to  Dead-Letter  Office 879  185 

too  large  to  go  in  registered-package  envelopes,  how  tieated 829  179 

Registered  third-class  matter,  rules  to  be  observed  by  senders  of 815  177 

Registered-package  envelopes  to  be  consecutively  numbered,  commencing  each 

([uarter  with  Number  1 820  178 

used  np,  to  be  kept  one  year  and  then  sold  as  waste  paper 891  187 

to  be  used  only  in  covering  registered  mail-matter  in  transit 827  179 

Registered-package  receipts  of  rcgistiTcd  untter  in  transit,  liow  to  be  signed..  838  180 

record  of  examination  and  iudorsemeut  of,  must  be  continuous 840  180 

returned  to  mailing  post-office  to  be  filed 846  181 

to  be  examined  and  siirned  by  receiving  postmasters  and  returned 837  180 

when  and  how  to  Im-  used 830  179 

not  returned,  duidicate  to  be  sent  out 847  181 

R egistercd  packages  inclosing  foreign  matter  to  be  marked  foreign 905  189 

found  in  bad  order,  treatment  of 852  181 

how  to  be  indorsed  liv  postmasteis,  etc 845  181 

in  transit,  to  be  recorded  hy  jiostiuaster  and  receipts  returned 839  180 

misdirected  to  foreign  countries  sliould  be  sent  to  e.xchange  ^)ost-offlce 901  189 

must  be  received  bypostmastersatall  timesfi'om  employes  otRailwayMail  Service.  853  182 

seut  by  most  secine  loutes 843  180 

of  postage-stamps,  etc.,  found  damaged  in  transit,  treatment  of 855  182 

in  transit,  to  be  misdirected  to  bo  stopiied  and  held 
for  instructions  fiom  Third  Assistant  Postmaster- 

(Jeneral 851  181 

of  private  matter  found  misdirected  in  transit  to  be  returned  for  better  directions.  850  181 

to  go  in  way-l>ouclies,  wlien 842  180 

uniform  rules  for  treatment  of,  except 854  182 

Registration,  duty  of  postmasters  to  encourage 809  176 

matter  admitted  to 810  176 

matter  not  admitted  to,  wlien  addressed  to  certain  foreign  countries 904  189 

received  for,  to  be  entered,  uuudxred.  and  receipt  given  therefor 819  178 

not  allowed  on  Sunday  nor  re(iuire<l  ou  le^al  liolidays 811  17'> 

of  currency  sent  for  redemjition,  special  instructions  for 818  177 

toTreasurerofthe  FnitedStatesforredemption  to  be  freeof  charge.  817  177 

letters  only  to  Aspinwall  permissible 1129  278 

Panama  permissible   1129  278 

Shanghai  iieruiissilde 1129  278 


iM>i:x. 


417 


Ki^giHlriilioii — (  onl inui'tl. 

•f  mutt  IT  iidtliTsscd  to  I'difi^tii  I'oiiiitricN,  jji-ucral  nili'8  tin- 

to  I'osliil  I'liioii  coiiiitiius 

what  niiitttcr  lu'iinittrd i 

liimrtorly  rfi>orts  of,  to  Tliiifl  Asuistnut   I'osliiiaMtfr-tiriii'rnl 

v)  Australia  (New  South  WaU-a.  (^iUM-ii«laiiil.  and  Virtoriu)  ]u-riiii8Hil>le 

Ecuador  not  pfruiissildc 

(Juatcniala  not  pcrniis.siblf 

Nrw  Zialaud  pc  rniissiliU-   

Sand\\  iili  Islands  (Ilawaiiau  Kin<^duni)  not  piTiniHsibk! 

\'tni-/inla  not  iiirinissil)l(' _. 

R«  KIN  t  rat  ion  book  to  lie  nunilicrcd  1  at  c'onnncuct-nn'Ut  of  each  iinaHtT 

KcKiKtrulion  frv  lixid  at  ten  rents  for  caili  letter  or  narccl 

Uniit  of.  none  rcqiiirid  on  oltiiial  niattir  of  the  Post-Onicfi  Department   

on  matter  addressed  to  forei'in  (■inmtriis 

to  countries  of  I'niveisal  Postal  I'nion    ...  

RfKislry  bill,  al)sinee  of,  to  lie  rei)orted  by  jiostmaster  receiving  re^iiMterud  matter 

to  Til i rd  .\ ssistant  I'ostmasti'r-t  ienei'al 

directions  for  mal^ini^  out    

lailiu-;  to  return,  circular  of  iuipiiry  to  be  .sent  out 

no  postage  retpiired  on,  when  returned  

receivius;  postmaster  to  sui)ply  omissions  lui 

RcgiHiry  diMt-,  usc>  of,  upon  throughrejiistered-iiouches 

KcKiHtry  notice  to  lie  sent  to  persons  to  whom  registered  niatt«r  is  addressed 

K^HiMtry  rcc«'il»t  to  be  signed  and  returned  without  d«day 

Kf'KiMtry  return  receipt,  ali.sence  of  to  be  repoitcd  by  postmaster  receiving  refjis- 

tered  matter,  to 'I'hird  Assistant    l'ostmaster-(  Jeneral 

.Utached  to  foreign  undelivered  matte)-  to  be  leturned  to  exchange  post-offlco  with 

indorsement,  etc    

directi<ms  for  filling  out 

I'or  registered  matter  sent  to  foreign  countries,  to  be  made  out  at  exchange  post- 
office : 

may  be  demanded  on  registered  matter  sent  to  foreign  countries  

must  be  i)ostnuirkcd  with  date  of  deliv  ery 

remaUed  to  the  sender 

no  postage  reciuired  on,  when  retuiued    

of  foreign  origin,  how  to  l>e  signed  and  returned 

receiving  ))Osfmaster  to  sujijily  omissions  on     

Kegistry  schemes  to  be  comi)lied  with  by  postma.ster  

Kegistry  system,  envelopes  used  iu,  how  pivcured  

•>8tablishmeut  of    

through-registered-pouch    service.       (-See    Thuough-kegistehkk- 

POUCH.) 

List  of  blanks  used  in 

<il>ject  of _■ 

postmasters,  except  at  exehange  post-offices,  forbidden  to  write  to  foreign  post- 
masters upon  matters  conceming ;-- 

fiostmasters  in  doubt  as  to  regulations  of,  to  submit  the  question  to  Third  Assist- 
ant Postmaster-General  ._ 

posttnasters  not  to  reprimand  other  postmasters  for  violation  of  regulations  of 

to  Interest  themselves  iu  success  of 

supplies  used  iu.  to  l>e  kept  up    

Registry  tracers  must  receive  immediate  attention  of  receiving  postnni8t«r 

to  l)e  sent  when  receipt  of  registereil  postage-stamp,  etc.,  i>ackage  is  not  acknowl- 
edged    • ;    

Regular  subscribers  to  newspapers  and  periodicals  defined 

Regulations,  alterations  in,  how  noted 

examination  of  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  in   _ - 

mi.scellaueiMis,  and  suggi  stions  in  ivgard  to  mailing  matter  to  foreign  countries 

postal,  by  whom  to  be  prescribi-d 

Rejection,  right  of,  nserved  on  all  bids  for  carrying  the  mail    

Keiuoval,  in  case  of,  frcmi  State  of  sureties  new  bonds  re(iuired 

of  postmasters,  by  whom  made • 

ftjr  neglecting  to  promptly  collect  drafts 

Rene vfal  of  lost  warrant  or  draft,  how  obtained 

of  i>ostniaster's  bond,  how  made 

Rent  of  letterboxes  in  post-offices  to  be  prepaid  quarterly 

of  letter-boxes  nnist  be  reported  by  jjost masters 

of  jiostotlices.  aUowance  tor,  onlv  made  to  tirst  and  second  class  post-offices 

Reports,  annual,  of  Auditor  of  the  Treasury  forjthe  Post-Office  Department 

annual,  of  Postmaster-dcueral ,- 

monthly,  of  postagi-.stamps,  &c.,  to  be  made  by  postmasters  at  Presidential  offices. 

luartcrl  v.  of  exjien-ses  to  be  made  by  postmasters 

•  >f  local  agents  to  be  made  daily  to  l')ivision  Suiierintendent  of  what 

Representatives  in  Congress  are  entitled  to  send  and  receive  public  documents 

free  ol  iharge   -*•'• 

Request  matter  must  have  one  full  rate  of  postage  prepaid 

not  tirst  class,  sender  may  have  returned  by  sending  postage 

to  be  returned  to  writer   , 

ReNidenrp  nt  postmaster  must  be  within  delivery  of  iiost-office 

Resignations  of  cmi)loy6s  of  Kailway  Mail  Service  to  be  forwarded  to  Divisnm  Su- 

]ierinti>ndents    .' -.-,•••• 

Responsibility  for  uncollected  drafts,  sureties  of  postmaster  to  be  held  to,  it  the 

Matter  fails  lo  jmmiptly  collect  drafts 

.Return  of  dead  matter 

Ret  urn- letter  envelopes,  cancellation  of  return  stamps  on 

Postniaster-Oencral  may  issue 

27  P  L 


1112 
MlU 

1126 
1120 
1120 
1120 
1120 
1120 
H20 
MKI 
t*12 
HW 
1104 

858 
826 
848 
872 
8.->7 
92G 
H&'l 
830 

8o8 

909 
825 

903 
902 
871 
871 
872 
907 
85" 
844 
893 
806 


188 
2IH 
176 
187 
276 
275 
275 
276 
275 
277 
178 
177 
176 
188 
262 

182 
178 

181 
184 
1><2 
192 

la-j 

179 
182 

190 

178 

189 
189 
184 
184 
184 
189 
182 
181 
187 
176 


892 
807 

914 

897 
896 
895 
894 

884 

885 
193 

716 

1132 

26 

597 

109 

101 

1198 

1201 

112 

300.  301 

299 

129 

45 

44 

162 

341 

799 

246, 248 
4.Vi 
465 
456 
104 

76*5 

1197 
482 
376 
143 


187 
178 

190 

188 
188 
187 
187 
186 

186 

74 

353 

166 

278 

39 

141 

57 

56 

300 

300 

.58 

93 

93 

63 

45 

44 

68 

99 

174 

84 
116 
117 
116 

56 

171 

299 

119 

103 

65 


418 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Return  posstal  cards,  caiKellatiou  of  return  stanijis  on 

Postmastfi -(it-iieral  may  issue 

Return  requesiit.     (.SVcEKiiUEST  Matter.) 

Returns,  quarterly,. blauk  forms  for,  and  instructions  for  keeping,  at  fourth-class 

post-ottices 

composed  of  what  

copies  of,  to  he  forwarded  and  originals  to  he  retainecl  by  postmasters 

errors  in,  corrected  by  Auditor 

forms  for,  at  Presidential  ]»o.st-ortices 

how  to  be  mailed 

indorsement  on  back  of,  how  filled  up 

not  to  include  more  than  one  fniartci' 

not  upon  regular  blanks  will  not  be  audited  

payments  for  former  (|uai  ters  not  to  appear  on 

on  account  of,  wliat  not  to  be  entered  on 

penalty  for  failing  tn  render 

penalties  for  rendering  fal.se    

printed  labels  to  he  used  liy  postmasters  at  Presidential  offices 

rendition  of,  not  changed  on  account  of  a  postmaster  giving  new  bonds 

time  of  rendering  

to  he  accompanied  by  attidavit   

rendered  by  postni;isters    

signed  by  whom  

transcript  to  be  sent  wit li   ..  ..     

when  lost  in  the  mail  postmasters  must  forward  duplicates 

Revenues,  how  covered  into  the  Treasury 

from  postage  c(dlected  fiom  publishers,  how  to  he  i-ejtorted 

postal,  to  be  deposited  b,\'  certain  po.stmasters  at  least  once  a  week 

surplus,  to  meet  exi)euses  at  first  and  second  class  post-otMces 

to  he  paid  into  tin-  Treasury  ...     . 

uncollected  at  i>iist  otiici's  to  Imj  eharged  against  postiuaster.s 

Road  duty,  postma.stirs  not  cxeiiipt  from 

Robbery  of  post-otticc  to  1><-  reported  to  Chief  Special  Agent,  how 

Robbery  of  the  mail,  attempt  at,  penalty  for 

penalty  for '. 

punishment  of  accessory  to,  after  the  fact 

to  he  reported  to  Chief  Special  Agent 

Roster  of  clerks  at  post-othces  of  first  and  second  class 

Route  agents.     {ISee  EMi'i.dV^s  ok  the  Railway  Mail  Service.) 

on  steamboats  to  receive  and  take  charge  of  letters 

Postmaster-( jcneral  may  appoint 

to  he  provided  with  apartments  on  mail-.steamhoats 

Russia,  correspondence  to.  liow  addressed  

newspapers  not  allowed  to  be  mailed  to,  except  

Sacks,     (iiee  Mail-kacs.) 

Safety  chain  for  mail-keys  to  he  u.sed  by  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service 

Sailors'  letters  may  he  forwarded  unpaid,  how 

Salaries,  no  postmaster  to  retain  more  than 

of  clerks  at  jiost-othces 

foreign  mail-agtuts 

fourlh-class  ](ostmasteis 

letter-carricns 

mail-agents  on  board  of  ocean  steamers 

postmasters,  applications  for  readjustment  of,  to  First  Assistant  Postmaster- 
General  

postmasters  at  Piesideiitial  post-otHces 

biennial,  readjustment  of 

limit  of        

may  be  dated  back,  when 

may  be  deducteil  from  receipts  

(uders  ati'ectiiig,  to  l)e  reported  to  Auditor 

pro  teiii     

of  special  agents 

Sale  of  i(ostan('-stai\i]iK  and  stamjied  envelopes 

of  ))ostagestinii|is,  etc.,  tn  lie  nia(h'  by  postmasters  for  cash  only 

unlawful,  of  poHtage-staiiijis  ;  iiiiialties  tlu'refor ' 

Sample  copies,  definition  of 

manner  of  iiuiilin'.i 

not  entitled  to  free  county  delivery      

of  scicnidelass  mattei-  nia\  be  mailed  at  ])ound  rates   

Samples  of  iiicrciiandi-k<>   (kcc  CfiNVKN  iion  ok  Paris,  regulations  ai>oi'TKI>  r.Y) 
admissilile  to  mails  for  Canada,  New  SouthWales,  Xew  Zealand,  Qneenslan<l  and 

Victoria,  Australia     ....  

(■onditioiis  of  mailing  to  Postal  Union  countries 

not  a<hiiissilile  in  mails  to  Ecuador    

<  Guatemala 

Sandwich  Islands    

resti'ii-l  ions  on,  wlien  sent  to  ('anada 

Sandwic-li  Islands,  siiecial  [postal  arrangements  witli 

Satchels  lor  mail -carriers,  liow  obtained  

Seliedule,  c^hanges  of,  liy  railroad  lompanies  to  be  reported  to  Division  Superintend- 
ents liy  employes      

S<-hedule  of  arrival  and  departure,  when  clianges  may  not  be  made  in 

Selietliiles  of  arrivals  and  deiiartnifs  of  the  mails  to  be  furnished  postmasters 

Seliemes,  lacing  slijis  witli  errors  noted  timw  post-otticcs  to  he  compared  with 

how  olitained  l)y  jiostmasters   

to  be  fuinislieil  to  employ  ('s  of  Pail  way  Mail  Service 


Sec. 

Pa.-, 

376 

Ids 

143 

65. 

1178 

292 

115.-> 

287 

116.^) 

288 

1167 

288 

1177 

289 

1150 

287 

117.) 

289 

ll.'ifl 

287 

115(< 

287 

117U 

289 

1172 

289 

11.-.:! 

287 

lis 

61 

llOU 

>«7 

1164 

288 

11. -.4 

287 

115-.' 

2>*7 

11. -.1 

236 

1166 

288 

1157 

287 

1169 

289 

39 

3 

161 

68 

74 

?,l 

1-J7 

62 

66 

50 

57 

49 

6 

•fi 

492 

121 

1239 

312 

123.'* 

312 

1247 

:!14 

493 

121 

131 

es 

261 

87 

22 

38 

608 

144 

1122 

266 

1123 

267 

784 

172 

179 

72 

134 

6S 

131 

6S 

19 

37 

117 

60 

310 

95 

20 

■J» 

123 

62 

116 

.19 

119 

61 

122 

62 

12» 

61 

132 

65 

120 

61 

135 

63 

6 

3.=. 

145 

6^^. 

166 

65> 

118 

6! 

203 

76 

205 

76 

244 

84 

195 

74 

1126 

274 

1113 

264 

1126 

275 

1126 

275 

1126 

275 

1126 

274 

1126 

2T5 

365 

1'>1 

745 

168 

622 

145 

657 

1S4 

42:: 

\m 

400 

lOri 

731 

;  V' 

iM>i:\.  419 

Ncollllllfl.      (.SVi-  CKKAr   Ukiimn.) 

SonI  «)t  I'omI otlicc  I)«'i>iirtiii<iH 

W«>ulo(l  lotHTJ*  never  to  lie  o|iiuii|  i>rililiiitii<l  mi  hiihiim  ii>ii  tliiil  tliiv  idiitnln  tiiiiiiall- 

;llili-  iiiMlt.T  ...         .         ■ 

Nealc'd  piK'kiijfi'H  siilijcrf  to  liistiliis.-i  lalt-s  ul'  iiciHtaKc     

til  111-  CiiiNwnilid  MS  liist  rliisH  matti-i'  il'iiiir  lull  talc  <»('  |ioHta;;c  in  paiil 

Nfiilx,  Niiiiflity  ot\  iiiisliiiaMli'i.s  In  iirfSfivc  inviiilalc 

Wi>nr«'ln'"i  I'm-  iii;iil  iiNitli'i   trMiis|iiiT  tcil  in  viiil:iliiiii  <il' law 

Mi-coiid  AHHi«<innl  l*o*<liiiaMtrr  (a«*iii>rnl,  ii|i|iliratiiins  I'lir  iiiHiMtaiiH  lu  Im>  iiiadf 

to 

luisiiicss  orotliee  of 

iiiav  j;iiint  Icavc.-i  of  absi-iicc  to  ('in|)lo\  es  of  Kailway  Mail  Si-i'vifC  on  hiii');cou'ii  cer- 

t'iliiatc  of  ilisaliilit.v ' " 

may  siiTli  wliat  contiacts  

railway  roiii]iaiii<'s  to  icpoif  to.  wlion  ready  li>  liave  niailH  weijjlied     

to  he  fiiinislied  witli  Inventoiy  of  what  |iiil)lie  jiroperty  at  jiost-oltices 

Net'Oiid  clnNN  iiinil'iiiitlf<>r.  a|i|>ea'l  of  postmaster  in  iloiilitliil  cnHex  to  Fh'Hl  As- 
sistant I'ostiiia.stii-CMiiiial   

1  tills,  rt'ceiiits.  and  indeis  tor  suliscriiition  may  lie  iiirlosed  in    

deliuition  of  ' 

entry  of,  at  iiost-ottiees   

essential  eharaeteristies     

foreiftn  publieatioiis,  liow  iiiNiH-eted   

may  In-  admitted  as  

form  of  tiill  foi-  to  aeeom)iany 

freeeonniN   |iul>lieations  must  lie  mailed  liy  themselves   

must  not  claim  two  oltiees  of  |>nblicatioii  in  dift'erent  oouii- 

ties      

free  in  county  exee)it  at  carrier  post-oltices 

how  to  be  ottered  for  mailiujr  at  m'c-deli  very  iiost-oftices  

loses  its  cliaracter  when  iirobibited  matter  is  found  therein  

uianm-r  of  colleitini;  )Mistairi-  on 

may  be  carried  in  otti<es  outside  of  rejiular  mail-ba.sis 

ixamined  at  mailint;  )iiist-oftiee 

must  be  opeTi  for  exam iiiat  ion 

limiierlv   folded  and  addressed    

linijieily  wrajiped  and  Kufticieiitly  dried 

m)t  to  be  received  at  oftices  for  mailiug  without  ccrtiticat*  of  postmii8ter  that  post- 
age has  been  ]iaid 

of  foreijin  nviuiii  tinclaimed,  jiostmaster  uetMl  not  notify  i)ublisher  id' 

ponaltv  for  pnibiliited  writ  in.;;'  or  print  in  ji  npun 

peniiissiblc  additions  to 

(lostafte  on.  at  free-delivery  post-ottiees 

to  bi-  reported  to  Tliird  Assistant  I'ostmaster-deneral 

postnutsters  may  examine,  on  receipt,  for  iirohibited  writing,  ett' 

require  evidence  of  subscription  list 

to  notify  jiublishers  when  not  taken  from  post-ottice 

rates  of  jiostajre  on 

record  of.  to  be  kejit  by  iiostmaster 

rule  re<;ar<Uuii  lottery  advertisements   

sauiple  co]iics  not  entitled  to  free  count.v  delivery 

of  new  siiapers.  etc..  allowed  to  be  sent   by  and  to  iiublisliers  and 

news  airenls  

.sejtarated  advertisement  sheets  in  magazines,  eti'.,  not  allowed 

special  adhesive  stamps  for  postage  <m 

arrangement  for  mailing  to  (ireat  Britain  at  pound  rates 

Cana<la  at  iiound  rates  

Sandwich  Islands  at  pound  rates 

susp<'cted  to  contain  unlawful  matter  should  be  detained 

to  be  wi'ighed  in  bulk  at  mailinii  post-otli<e     

teni]!  irary  permits  for  iie\N.  blanks  for,  how  proiuri'd -  '^1 

|iermit  uuiy  be  granted  by  iiostmasters  for  new  ]iublications  to  pass  as..  liHi  7.' 

S«'t'relary   of  Mciiatr    entitled    to   "send    anil    receive    public    documents    free  of 

postage   245.246,'J4S  M 

McrdM  from  Aiiricultural  Dciiai'tment  free  of  postage "-47  fi4 

may  be  mailed  in  .sealed  envtdopes,  how -'^  "* 

Seiieurcs  of  packaiies  containing  letters  unhiwfull.v  concealed,   forfeited  to  United 

States ■ ■'*.'.  1X1 

Menate,  Seci-elarv  of,  entitled  to  .semi  and  receives  public  documents  free  of  post- 
age  ".    245,24«.24f  S4 

Meiiatoi-N  arc  entitled  to  send  and  receive  public  documents  free  of  postage 245,  246,  24X  S4 

W<>pai-atiiig  jtOKl-oHi<-<>M.  allowance  for  clerks  at 1-1  Oi 

Mliausliai,  registi-ition  of  letters  to.  penni.ssible 1121>  27K 

Nliip  I<>tl<-ri4.  account  of.  kept  by  postniiister '-K  iS7 

de  tin  it  ion  of -■j'j  "^ 

double  postage  on --^2  'IH 

manner  of  collecting  fees  on '-{'"  ■*'2 

no  fee  on.  addressed  to  foreipi  countries --'^  '^ 

no  fees  to  mail  vessels  for  bringing        "-'•'■'  ".i. 

no  fees  to  passiiincrs  or  sailors  for  bringing -'(JO  ». 

payment  for  carrying [-■}^  ";* 

ratini;  ii|i  postiiL:e  on -•'*'  •"'' 

to  In-  ni  civi-il  liv  masters  of  all  I'nited  States  v<-ssels 2">2  ^i 

Wliip  prill |«-<I  iiiaticr  may  be  forwarded  charged  with  double  postage 

Nhip.o,  m-iil  to  be  received  on  board  of   -•''-• 

Migiialiire  on  circulars,  etc.,  does  not  make  tUeni  subject  to  letter  postage 

Wilvev  cannot  be  registered  to  foreii;n  countries 


l'ai;e. 

2« 

41 

4.-M 

112 

IKI 

73 

IKt 

~.t 

:<m 

\M 

.'.70 

m 

074 

l.W 

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74K 

100 

4U 

40 

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.-.IB 

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7."> 

ik:. 

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77 

l.W 

68 

77« 

171 

209 

77 

1X2 

72 

2:m 

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2:1.'. 

s2 

723 

160 

irjH 

280 

2n:t 

82 

2.11 

81 

240 

83 

101 

6« 

2l!«i 

88 

1!M 

74 

471 

118 

190 

74 

IS!) 

74 

22»; 

SO 

244 

.<4 

19.-. 

74 

210 

77 

192 

74 

lilt* 

2C0 

112»i 

•274 

112ti 

**7."i 

211 

77 

191 

74 

2«M 

.xT 

253 

80 

2:« 

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9m 

189 

420 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Site  of  post-ofliccs  uiit  tu  be  changed  by  iiostinasters 

Size  of  pai-kageM  in  jtostal  union  mails 

Skelehes,  foiiith-tlass  matter,  being  unclassified 

^Iide-label!4.     {See  Labels.) 

Smithsoniau  Institution  allowed  to  send  package.-*  iu  excess  of  four  pounds  as 

t'imrth  class  matter         

Soldier!<i'  and  sailors'  letters  may  be  forwarded  unpaid,  how 

to  be  forwarded  when  mailed  in  oftices 

Special  agents'  accounts  referred  to  Division  of  Special  Agents  and  Mail  Depreila- 

tions  

ajipointed  by  Postmaster-Geueial 

authoiized  to  administer  oaths 

authority  and  i>owei-s  of 

bond  required  of   

carried  by  railway  companies  without  extra  charge 

cases,  when  allowed  per  diem  pay 

certain  officers  of  Dei)artnu-nt  may  act  as 

communications  from,  confidential 

credentials  of,  always  sigmd  by  whom 

should  l)e  di  luandid  by  postma.sters 

employed  in  certain  duties,  paid  out  of  what  appropriations 

employes  of  Railway  Mail  Seivice  must  assist  j  must  not  report  presence  of 

instructions  to,  by  whom  given 

mail  rn  tiansit  may  be  delivered  to.  by  employ6s.of  the  Railway  Mail-Service 

may  be  authorized  to  make  searches  for  mail  matter  transported  in  violation  of  law 

placed  in  charge  of  post-offices 

open  mails 

seize  letters  unlawfully  carried  out  of  the  mails 

must  be  obeyed  by  postmasteis,  contractors,  and  other  postal  employes 

persons  autliorized  to  be  ap])ointed 

presence  in  offices  not  to  be  noted  on  employes'  record  of  arrivals  and  departures.. 

regardeil  as  iitrsonal  reiii  escntatives  of  Postmaster-General 

report  to  l)e  made  to,  when  registered  packages  fail  to  reach  their  destination 

responsible  only  to  Postmast  .-r-General 

salaries  of 

transported  free  by  mail  contractors 

to  have  access  to  offices    

to  notify  .justices  of  the  peace  of  their  right  to  examine  persons  arrested  for  viola- 

ti(ms  of  postal  laws   

to  search  vessels  for  letters  unlawfully  carried  

Special  mail  carriers,  postmasters  to  reports  amount  paid  for,  to  Third  Assistant 

Postmaster-General  

Special  post-ofBccs,  nature  of 

postmasters  at,  to  report  to  Auditor  balance  over  amount  due  mail-caiTier  

notify  Second  Assistant  and  Division  Superintendent  when  point 

of  supply  is  changed 

must  pay  mail-carriers  promptly 

RU)>plying  mail  to 

Special  request  envelopes,  accounted  for  as  postage-stamps 

requisitions  for     

spoiled  in  ))rintiug,  proper  course  of  postmasters 

Special  service,  on  new  mail-routes  may  be  extended  one  year 

Specimen  papers.    {See  Sample  coi'if.s.) 

Spoiled  neivspaper  wrappers,  postage  only  on,  refunded,  how 

Spoiled  postal  card.>t,  how  redeemed 

Spoiled  stamped  envelopes    postage  only  on,  refunded,  how 

Stage-coach,  penalty  for  falsely  advertising,  as  carrying  the  mail 

Stage-rou  tes,  direct  packages  i  o  be  made  for  post-offices  on,  of  mail  to  be  forwarded 

by 

Stamp  Division.    {See  Posi  AiiK  SxAivir  Division.) 

Stamped  envelopes  {see  Voi^v  XkiKifix'sn'S  for  general  provisions  concerning)  kinds  of 

letters  inclo.sed  in,  may  be  conveyed  outside  of  the  mails,  except 

mode  of  making  reijuisition  liv  postmasters    

postage  on  spoiled,  refumbil.  how 

Postmaster-General  authorized  to  adopt  improvements  in 

postmasters  not  to  lose  fraction  o "  cent  on  sale  of 

to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-C  ;<neral 

sold  at  cost  and  postage    

when  redeemed  to  be  sent  to  Third  Assistant  Postmaster-General  

tracer  to  be  sent  when  receijit  of  registered  packages  of,  is  not  acknowledged 

Stamping,     {See  Dateu  sia.mi'.) 

Stamps,  newsi)a|)er  and  i>eriodical,  how  used 

newspaper  aiul  jx  i  iodical,  i>ost,masters  how  to  proceed  when  exhausted 

penalties  for  unlawful  sab-  of 

postage,  and  other  supj)lies,  record  of,  to  be  kept  by  postmasters 

credit  for,  when  dist  roved,  liow  oiitained. ." 

forging  or  couutei  feit  ing  of,  penalty  for 1227,  1228  307,  308 

how  to  be  disposed  of  when  post-oftice  is  discontinued 

kinds  of 

lost  or  stolen,  to  be  charged  to  postmasters 

manner  of  canceling 

monthly  report  to  be  made  by  nostmasters  at  Presidential  offices 

no  coniiieiisaticm  allowed  for  sale  of 

no  cre(lit  allowed  when  stohm 

not  to  be  exchanged 

l(enalty  for  removing,  from  mail-matter,  or  using,  washing,  or  selling  after 
cancellation 


Sec. 

Page. 

527 

126 

1113 

265 

221 

79 

221 

79 

179 

72 

7-14 

168 

27 

39 

6 

35 

8 

35 

13 

36 

11 

36 

644 

152 

6 

35 

7 

35 

14 

36 

040 

128 

540 

128 

10 

36 

786 

172 

12 

36 

769 

171 

570 

134 

110 

58 

13 

36 

564 

133 

13 

36 

12 

36 

787 

172 

18 

37 

849 

181 

18 

37 

6 

35 

615 

145 

758 

170 

15 

36 

563 

133 

81 

52 

76 

52 

87 

53 

4 

27 

88 

53 

548 

130 

156 

68 

149 

66 

1.53 

67 

354 

170 

69 

171 

70 

170 

69 

1251 

315 

391 

105 

139 

65 

568 

134 

147 

66 

170 

69 

144 

6G 

166 

69 

138 

64 

174 

70 

172 

70 

885 

186 

159 

68 

160 

68 

118 

61 

.514 

124 

167 

69 

1228  307,  308 

164 

69 

137 

64 

173 

70 

377 

103 

162 

68 

165 

69 

168 

69 

169 

69 

iNi»i:.\. 


421 


MinuipH — ( 'oiitiiiiicil. 

postage,  I'o.stiiiii.Htir(!iiicial  aiilhi>ii/.i'<l  to  adopt  iiiiprovciiii-ntii  in 

rcroi<l  of  iiTciptH  of,  to  l)c  ki'id  liv  poHtniaHtiT,  how 

ifqiiiHition  for,  liow  to  \iv  niailr  l).v  postiiiaHt<Ts 

sohl  at  (liscouiit  to  (lfsi;;natcil  af;<'iits 

to  1(0  caiicclcil  bv  post  mast  CIS  

issuiMl  by  I'ostiiiaster-tioiuinil 

soltl  for  cash  only   

lurniMl  over  by  reliriii{{  postniaxtrr  to  HiicccMHor 

treat  incut  of  matter  beariiin  eaneeleil  or  improper 

ilili'.  how  to  be  used 

im  fiirw  anbil  Utters,  how  refiincleil 

on  undelivered  matter,  how  treated  at  free- delivery  offleex 

penalty  for  failinjj;  to  at!ix .' 

time  of  atlixiufi  

to  be  used  on  \inpni<l  nuitter  roneliin;;  destination 

KtAiKlartl  weiK'lllN  furnished  for  testing;  letter-balanees  in  post-otHi'es 

Ktar  routes,  delivery  of  mails  to  way  iiost-olliecs  on 

<tire(t  jiaekajres  to  be  made  for  post-olliees  on,  of  mail  to  be  forwarded  by 

Ntar  service,  form  of  eontiaet  for 

State  eoiirtN,  jurisdietion  of.  over  oflenses  against  the  postal  laws 

State  Itepartiiieiit  will  refund  to  consuls  posta<!;e  advanced  by  them  on  letters  for 

the  Tnitiil  States 

State  laws  ri';;iilate  juri.Hdiction  of  State  coui'ts  over  trial  of  postal  utfenses 

States,  mail  to  be  made  uji  by.  in  OtKces 

))ost-ottices 

Stationery,  allowaiu:o  for,  only  made  to  ])ost-otiices  of  tirst  and  second  class 

Statioiiiii.    (See  Kii.vxcii  i-ost-okkice-s.) 

St<>aliiii$'  mail-matter,  i)enalty 

Steamboats,  mail  apartments  to  be  furnished  on 

mail,  letters  on,  how  disposed  of 

penalty  for  uidawfully  ]>aiiitiui;-  the  words  "U.  S.  Mail"  upon 

Steamboat  letters,  liiiount  oi',  to  be  kept 

on  mail  steamboats  to  ;;o  into  hands  of  route-agent 

to  be  received  by  nuisters  of  inland  steamboats 

Steamboat  service,  contracts  may  be  made  for.  without  advertising 

Steamers,  ocean,  mail  agents  on.  appointment  and  salaries 

Stolen  money  to  be  delivered  to  owners 

Stolen  postage-stamps  to  be  charged  to  postmasters.    ...    

Straw-bi<ls  for  carryings^  the  mail,  failure  or  refusal  to  contract  or  to  perform 

service  prima  facie  evidence  of 

penalty  for  

Street  niailing'-boxes,  ane.st  of  persons  found  tampeiiug  with 

earners  must  rejiort  injuries  to 

how  obtained 

may  be  placed  in  hotels  and  commercial  exchanges 

not  to  be  placed  inside  of  any  but  public  buildings  or  railroad  stations 

penalty  for  injuring 

injuring  mail-matter  deposited  in 

l'<istniasf ei  -( i'eneral  shall  establish,  etc 

to  be  kejit  in  re])air  :  list  of  to  be  kept  in  post-otKce 

l^ubcontracls  for  carrying  tiie  mail,  ap])lieation  for.  to  be  made  separatelv 
for  each  route :  eojdes  (d'.  to  be  tiled  with  Second  A. ssistaiit  Postmaster-tJenenif: 

subi-ontract  to  be  with  original  contractor  (mlj' 

form  of,  coj)ies  of.  to  be  tibMl  with  Auditor;  .subcontractor  to  be  jiaid  by  Auditor  be- 
fore contractor 

Miibletling  mail  contracts  without  con.sent  of  Postmaster-General  prohibited. .. 

Subscriber  to  newsjiaiiei-.  eti-..  detinition  of 

Subscription  list  of  second-class  matter,  evidence  of.  may  be  reijuired 

Subslilute  employes  of  Railway  Mail  Service  to  sign  name  of  employe  for  whom 
they  are  seivin^ 

Subslilute  letter-carrierx,  how  apjiointed 

Suggeslious,  miscellaneous,  in  regard  to  mailing  matter  to  foreign  countries 

to  the  public  ill  legal  d  to  using  the  mails 

Siiggetitions  to  th«'  public  in  regard  to  transaction  of  business  with  the  IJepavt- 

nient 

Suits  against  iiidi\  iiliials.  what  credits  allowed  in  . .   

claims  for  credit  not  allowed  in.  unless  presented  tirst  to  Auditoi- 

.judgliient  in.  at  r<tuin  tciiii  unless 

may  be  brought  in  ehanceiv.  when 

records  of  Di'partiiient  to  be  evidence  in 

under  the  jiostal  laws  to  be  biouglit  in  name  of  United  States  

Sunday,  deli\eiy  of  tlie  mails  only  (lermissible  on 

matter  not  be  received  for  registration  on   -•• 

no  money-order  business  to  be  transacted  on 

Superintendent  anil  Disbursing  Clerk,  office  of.  duties  of 

Superintendents  «»f  iiiaiN,  appoint menf  of  at  jiost-otttees 

at  post-olhces.  general  duties  of 

to  examine  facing  slijis  on  which  enors  have  been  noted 

funiish  iiostmasters  with  record  of  errors 

record  errors  in  distiiliiilion ; 

SHperintenilent  of  Railway  .Ylaii  Service,  appointuunt  and  duties  of 

Supplements,  deliiiition  of 

peiinitted  ill  second-class  iiialter 

Supplies  for  postal  service  carried  by  railway  companies  without  extra  charge 

Sureties,  in  ca.sc'  of  death,  removal  from  State,  or  inmdveney  of  new  bonds  are  ri'- 
ijiiired 


144 

(Hi 

1168 

2*i»* 

147 

m 

17.'. 

7u 

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103 

136 

<H 

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69 

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273 

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271 

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272 

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270 

■<>j 

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2^ 

(K12 

Wo 

391 

105 

601 

141 

."•2 

47 

U3(i 

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52 

47 

724 

167 

387 

11)5 

129 

•KJ 

123.'; 

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60tl 

144 

261 

s7 

12.^il 

:il.-. 

262 

261 

s7 

253 

HI) 

607 

143 

20 

;jf 

.62 

.'HI 

173 

7o 

600 

143 

t>06 

143 

36:< 

101 

33.-. 

9K 

:t6J 

101 

313 

96 

312 

95 

334 

98 

1229 

308 

333 

98 

357 

101 

625 
624 
193 
ISM 

751 
321 
1132 


1217 
12Ii> 
1222 
1223 
12tM! 

si'l 

974 

■r^ 

413 
414 
416 

417 
415 
•t.  706 
207 
20«! 
IM4 

10'.» 


141! 
141! 


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29 

29 

104 
:w.\ 
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125 
176 
201 

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107 
107 
108 
108 
108 
,  16:t 

7«! 

76 
l.VJ 


422 


rOSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATION'S, 


Siirrtics — Continued. 

may  render  accounts  of  deceased  postmasters 

(in  bidders'  bonds  to  l)e  ai)])roved  by  a  postmaster ; 

bonds  of  bidders  for  cairjing  must  qualify:  penalty  for  falsely  swearini;  to  value 

of  propeity,  etc         

more  tlian  one  bond,  qTialification  of 

piistiiiasters'  bonds,  how  released 

limit  of  liability 

not  liable -when  suit  for  indiTbtedness  is  not  instituted  within 

three  years  after  close  of  accounts ... 

res]iousibh-  foi  their  neglect  to  collect  Auditor's  drafts 

responsibility  after  jiosfniaster's  death  

to  apply  to  I'iist  Assistant  I'ostmaster-deneral  for  release.. 

to  be  notitied  by  .\uditor  of  deticieucy  in  accounts 

Surplu.s  revenue,  allowances  for  e.\]ienses  at  first  and  second  class  post-ottiees  to 

to  be  made  out  of . .  

fS^'itzerland,  money-orders  exchanged  with     

Telegrams  on  government  business,  rates  to  be  paid  for    .  

Telegraph  companies,  lines  of  may  be  juirchased  by  United  States 

may  take  buililing  materials  from  ])ublic  lands 

must  accept  obligations  before  exercising  rights  ccmferred     . .  

give  priority  to  govoi'un;ent  messages  at  lates  tixed  by  the  I'ostmastor-Gcn- 

eral '. '    . .     . .  

penalty  for  refusing  to  transmit  government  telegrams  at  rates  fixed  by  Postmas- 
ter-General   

lates  to  be  charged  by,  for  tran.smitting  government  telegrams  

rights  and  privileges  gTanted,  not  to  be  transferred  

of  way  over  public  domain  granted  to  

subject  to  government  rates,  li.st  of 

Temporary  contracts  for  carrying'  the  mail,  no  higher  payment  than  last 

contract-price  autliori/.ed  for 

not  to  lie  made  by  jiostuiasters  after  expiration  of  contract-term   

to  be  for  not  exceeding  one  year 

when  authorized  to  be  made  without  advertising 

when  to  be  made  by  po.stmasters :  when  made  to  be  reported  to  Second  Assistant 

Postmaster-General 

Temporary  permits  for  new  second-class  j)ublication.s,  blanks  for,  how  procured. 
Terminal  post-offlce.>»,  mails  to  and  from,  to  be  accompanied  by  employes  of  Rail- 
way Mail  Service ' 

Third  Assistant  I»ostmasterOeneral.   ab.scaice  of  registry-bill  and  return- 
registry-receipt   on  domestic  registered  matterto  be  reported  to.   by  receiving 

postmaster 

luisincss  of  office  of 

doubtful  iiuestions  under  registry  regulations  to  be  submitted  to 

iiKluiries  for  dead  matter  to  be  addressed  to    

may  sign  what  contracts 

uiisdireeted  registered  packages  of  po.stage-stamps,  etc..  from  Stamji  Division  to  be 

reported  to 

iiuarterly  reports  to,  of  matter  registered  at  all  ])ost-offices 

regi.Htered  packages  of  po.Htagc-stamps.  etc.,  found  danuiged  in   transit  to  be  re- 
pented to   '    

i-ep(Mt  to  be  made  to.  l)y  postmasters  of  registere<t  letters  arriviu'.:  unsealed 

of  registeied  matter  arriving  without  |)ostaj;e- 
stamps  atKxed  to  cover  ))ostage  and  fees.  . . 

of  Ihrough-registered-pouches  to  arrive   

Thirtlciass  matter,  definition  of  and  lates  of  ])o,stage  thereon 

dis])osition  of  dead.     (.Vfc  I)|-..\i)  I'lflXTKH  maiticu.) 

manner  of  preseuting.  for  nniiling 

may  be  carried  outside  of  tlu^  mail    

r(!gistered 

to  wliat  fori'iyii  countries 

packages  of,  may  coutain  wliat" 

penalty  fin-  prohibited  writing  ujion 

jierniissilile  writing  on    

postmasters  may  exan  inc.  on  receijit  for  pridiibited  writing,  etc 

lules  to  be  oliserved  by  jiersons  ott'ering.  for  registration   

size  of  sent  to  ( ireat  Ihitain  and  <  ieruiany.  liow  limited    

undelivered  valualde.  to  l)e  ad\ci  tised  441 

wfi^iit  «if.  limited  to  fill  IV  I  inn  nils,  exeejit  for  single  liooks 

Thrituurh  poiichCM  of  ordinary  mail  not  to  lie  f<irwarded  by  mail  trains  

Throiiuh  registerc*!  itonJ*hei",  bills  for.  must  be  signed  and  copied    

contents  of,  not  agriM  ing  with  j  much -bill,  report  to  be  nuide 

delays  in  transmission  of,  to  be  recoidi'd 

di.sks  used  to  indicate  dispatch  of  extra 

upon,  must  be  carefully  noted,  etc 

disjiositiou  of  damaged  locks  and  keys  of 

exchange  of,  must  be  ni variable ■. 

extra,  must  he  piomptlv  returned   

failure  of.  to  ariive  to  be  repoited  to  Third  Assistant  Postuiaster-tieneral 

found  damaged  in  transit,  disjiosifion  of 

iuspe<tiou  of  helbre  closing. 

in  transit,  when  to  be  ojiened 

locks  and  ke\  s  of.  how  protected 

must  be  labeled.  <iinteiits  compared,  etc     

opened  on  receipt  by  two  clerks  and  contents  checked,  etc 

preparation  of  for  dispatch .' 

1 1  ceii  cd  in  liad  order,  how  treated 


Sec.      Page. 


11()3 

28« 

.381 

138 

582 

138 

',Ki 

138 

IKi 

58 

110 

57 

11. ■. 

58 

HOT 

299 

111 

58 

iiy 

58 

lOti 

0( 

127 

62 

lO.'-.ti 

217 

1261 

318 

12.58 

318 

12.'-).1 

317 

1259 

318 

12t)(i 

318 

12ti1 

318 

125(i 

317 

1254 

317 

1262 

319 

605 

143 

(il7 

145 

605 

143,  354 

605 

143 

8.>« 

182 

27 

40 

.897 

188 

21 

31 

,50 

46 

851 

181 

888 

187 

855 

182 

860 

183 

862 

183 

!i:!(i 

194 

215 

78 

23; 

83 

572 

134 

810 

176 

000 

188 

238 

83 

23:! 

82 

232 

81 

2(i6 

Sfi 

815 

177 

1118 

266 

,  451 

115 

221 

79 

40:! 

106 

922 

192 

932 

19:i 

933 

193 

925 

192 

92() 

192 

934 

193 

917 

191 

!I27 

192 

936 

194 

9:!8 

194 

923 

192 

031 

m\ 

9:i0 

19:i 

924 

192 

929 

193 

921 

191 

928 

192 

iM>i;\. 


423 


I  ki-iMij^jli   r<'^iNl<-i-4-il   |iom<'Im-<> — ( 'mil  iniiiil. 

takiii  ill  1 11 1 II  111  iiMl  iiustiiHiccs,  when 

MiniHiiiisHiDii  (if.  Ill  list  lir  rc;;iilin-  iiiiil  invariiiltlu 

wluil  matt  IT  III  list  111'  iiii'liisi-il  in 

'rhr<»iiu'li  rt'K-iNtrml-iioiifii  o(IU-«>it,  t'lir  wliiit  piirpnitc  i-Htitliliftlifil  

»|Mcial  sii|i|ilitH  lor 

iinist  In-  kf|il  II 1 1 

iisr  anil  rair  of.  spi't'ial  sii|i)ilii's  for 

Tiitif  ol  allixiii!;  |iostaK>'<l"f  flaniiiH 

To|>(>K'ra|>li<>r.  ilisliniscincuts  I'ov  otlirc  of,  liow  iiiadr  

uoik  nlollir.    ol'  

Trallif  aii«l  triKliii;;  by  i-iiiplovi's  of  Kailwnv  Mail  Scivii-i-  on  dutv  fni'liiilikin 

TraiiiM.  ro>tiiias!(i  -Ccncral  tti  iliViilc  wliat.  shall  cairy  mails ' 

TriiiiMOriplM  iiui.st  acconiiiany  iioslniastirs'  i|iuirtt'rly  ivtuni 

al\va\s  111-  SI  11 1  w  illi  ai  rininl-cili'VOlit 

uot  upon  rii;iilar  Iilanks  will  imt  In-  a  ml  it  id 

t4)  iiiilmli'  only  )iusiiiiss  iif  mil'  iiiiaitcr     

TrniiMcripf  N  of  refortlM  of  Amlitor'.s  1 ks  prima  facie  i-vMciu-e  iii  trials  for  em- 

lif/,/.li'iiiiiit  of  nioniviinli'i'  fmi(ts 

"f  till'  D.'paitni.'ut,  liow  aiitlii'iitiiattMl 

TraiiMlVr  of  dciiuHits  liv  post  mast  its  to  be  niailf  iironiptly 

"f  mail  11  111  tracts  ]iiiiiiiliiti'il 

liostal  ili'piisits.  how  made 

liosf-ottiii's  from  oni'  tinaucial  ilass  to  auotlu^r 

|iioiiosals  for  canyi:!^  the  mail  proliibiti'd    

pulilir  funds  by  jiostinastii'  in  tVii'  ri'^jistind  Ictti-r 

TraiiMt'rr  «f  drbtw  due  tlir  Di'partniint  to  contiactors 

to  lontractors  only  in  aciordanrt'  w  itli  approjiriatioiis 

TrHnwftT  of  iiiailw  at  stations,  rerord  of.  to  In-  ktipt  by  local  agents 

'.lual  a;:i'iits  to  assist  in  and  siipi-iinti'ml      

TraiiNii-iit  ii4-u><pa]t(>rM.     [See  'riiiicDci.Ass  mattek.) 

TranNiiiillal  It-llfr,  iiiii|iiiit  of.  to  ari'onipany  dciiosits      

TrauMitorlaliou  «-iir4>lop«-H  for  sii'ds,  itc.  may  lie  scaled 

TraiiNporlalioii  of  iiiailN.     (See  Maii.  iciN  iijact.s.) 

Trea»iii'«'r  of  llic  I' ■■ileal  MtaleM,  riirn-ni-v  sent  to.  for  rc(li'iii]>tion  to  be  rejristcred 
tVei-  of  .liar^i- ' 

may  draw   upon  postal  dipositaries   

'1  rials  of  otfinsi's  a<;ainst  postal  laws  in  Federal  and  State  courts  

of  owiu'isliip  of  attaibed  pio|ii'rty  bow  to  be  conducted ^ 

Trip  peri^^it!!i,  in  ride  in  ( Ittiies. ..' 

Trip  reporl»>,  acridiiits  to  mail-trains  to  be  noted  in 

to  be  made  li\  em|iloyes  of  the  Uailway  Mail  Service  to  Division  Superintendents.. 

Turi^i,  inti'iiiatioiial  exebauiic  iiost-ortiee  for  money-orders 

T  v»-iii<>  in  ( tftices  to  be  examineil  by  empbiyes  of  Ka'ilway  Mail  Service  and  tunicd  iu  to 

terminal  iiostottiees 

T  j'pe-writiiig  not  printing:,  and  therefore  tirst-class matter 

I'nclaiiiieal  leltcrn  not  to  be  held  at lioteks loiifrer  than  ten  days,  to  be  then  redirected 

ami  ntiinied  to  ]iiist-otHee 

I.'i»«.-lai>^i<-<l  ■■■alter.     (Sec  Dkah  .mattek.) 

.idvertisemint  of.  at  fourf  li-class  jiost-ofKees 

ifter  return  to  sendei-.  treatment  of  

form  of  advertisement  of 

'nay  be  jiratuitoiisly  advertised  in  newspapers    

secouit-ilass.  of  foreij;!!  origin,  postmasti'rs  need  not  notify  publishers  of.  \\  24 

■itatiiiiiiit  ot.  to  aeeom]iaiiv.  when  sent  to  Dead  Letter  Office 

wbi'ii  to  lie  SI  lit  to  Dead  Letter  Otliie 

l'ni-lai^^^e<l  iito^^ey  in  dead  letters  turned  into  Treasury  

reeovered  I'roiii  mail  depnilatious  turned  into  Treasury 

I'nclaiiiioified  ■■■atier.     {Sec  Fuiim  ii-n.Ass  MArn-.u.) 

rated  as  fourtli  class,  not  subject  to  letter  liostajlC     _ 

I'ndrlivered  matter,  registered  doniestic.  to  be  "returned  to  mailing  luist-oflice  .... 

■egistered  foreign,  sent  to  Dead  Letter  Office 

returned  to  post-oftiee  by  letter-can  ieis  must  be  indorsed  with  rea.son  for  non-de- 
livery          ' 

To  be  stani|(ed  with  reason  of  non-delivery 

l' niforiti  for  em]iliiVL's  of  Itailway  Mail  Service 

of  letter-carriers ; "  c 


8«o.     Page. 


!I37 

IM 

;i3:> 

liKI 

•.r»} 

191 

UI.'. 

191 

UlU 

101 

UIO 

191 

ftlM 

101 

•-TJ 

80 

.'.3 

47 

'Si 

89 

763 

170 

ftt'J 

152 

iir.r. 

287 

1157 

287 

IIM 

287 

1150 

287 

1076 

222 

28 

41 

78 

52 

623 

146 

m 

51 

77 

52 

600 

141 

80 

52 

60 

49 

60 

49 

7tf8 

174 

795 

173 

7n 

.•SS 

•1-i'i 

79 

1 

SIT 

177 

71 

51 

52 

47 

1210 

302 

759-761 

170 

788 

172 

727 

168 

1055 

217 

739 

168 

220 

78 

•  if  littercarriir.s  to  be  siip|died  bv  themselves  .. 
I'niverMal  Po.>itai  t'nio^^.     (.SVc  (■(ixvENriox  of 


(See  (■(iXVEXriOX  OF  Pakis.) 

onditions  of  form  and  weight  for  matter  addressed  to  coiiut-.ies  in 

couiitrii  s  and  colonies  embraced  in.  names  of 

postage  and  registration  fee  to  countries  of 

registered  matter  to  be  forwarded  in 

i'niiiailable  luatter,  addressee  of.  to  be  notitied,  when 

■annot  be  registered 

•letinition  anil  ilassification  of 

deiiosited  in  Offices  to  be  jiostmarked,  etc 

tlestriictivc,  disiiositiou  ot   

-numeration  of 

forwarded  to  Division  Superintendent  to  .show  name  of  emi>loye  sending: 

found  in  ( Iffices,  disposition  of 

bow  sent  to  Dead  Letter  Office 

■uadvertently  forwaided,  how  treated  at  jiost-oltices 

reaching  destination,  how  treated 

must  be  .sent  pronii>tly  to  Dead  Letter  Othce 

(■recautious  to  lie  taken  by  ]iostniasters  against  receiving 

•each inn  destination,  bow  disjiosed  of 


449 

115 

406 

117 

451 

115 

452 

115 

1132 

280 

474 

118 

469 

117 

56 

49 

.56 

49 

13 

27 

876 

185 

908 

190 

:f49 

100 

470 

117 

711 

164 

r.  :i28 

97 

329 

98 

1113 

264 

1106 

262 

nm 

262 

912 

190 

439 

113 

810 

176 

432 

111 

743 

168 

440 

113 

•>•»•» 

79 

741 

168 

740 

168 

442 

114 

436 

112 

230 

81 

441 

113 

224 

79 

475 

118 

424 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Uniuailable  matter — Continued. 

received  from  railway  Offices  by  postmasters,  how  treated 

returns  of,  to  Dead  Letter  Office 

to  be  returned  to  senders  by  postmasters,  when 

sent  to  Dead  Letter  Office 

under  Postal  Union  regulations,  defined  for  foreign  mails  only 

when  returned  to  senders  at  distant  jiost -offices   

Unpaid  matter,  double  postage  on  wholly,  wlien  inadvertently  reaching  destination 

failure  to  affix  jiostage-due  stamps,  penalty  therefor 

how  to  be  treated  at  free-delivery  post-offices  if  unable  to  deliver 

not  to  be  delivered  till  postage  i.s  paid 

postage-due  stamps  to  be  affixed  before  delivery  of 

time  of  affixiua:  postajic-diic  stani jis  on 

Unworlied  mail  received  at  jMist-offices  to  be  reported 

Vacancy  of  office  of  jiostmastpr  to  be  tilled  without  delay 

Vacancies  in  jiost  ottitts.  bow  tilled,  duties  of  sureties  in  case  of 

in  the  Railway  ilail  Service,  eni]iloyes  not  to  give  intVmuation  concerning 

Valnable  matter  received  at  Dead  Letter  Office,  record  to  be  kei)t  of . . . ." 

registration  of,  should  be  encouraged  by  postmasters 

Value,  letters  of  declared,  not  admissible  to  Postal  I'liion  mails 

Vehicle,  jienalty  for  falsely  advertising,  as  carrying  the  mail 

Venezuela,  special  postal  arrangements  with , 

Vessels  carrying  letters  contrary  to  law  not  to  be  granted  clearances 

may  be  searched  bv  Siiecial  Agents  for  letters  unlawfully  carried 

penalty  for  unlawfully  painting,  etc.,  words  U.  S.  Mail  upon 

to  deliver  all  letters  at  post-offices  

Victoria,  special  postal  arrangements  with 

Vouchers  acconi]ianyinj.;  general  postal  account  to  be  retained  by  postmasters 

for  deductions  on  account  of  ex]ienses  to  be  sent  to  Auditor 

for  only  one  (juarter  to  be  sent  with  (piarterly  return 

nuist  acc(>m]iany  iiostniasters'  tjuarterly  return 

no  allowance  toi-  exjienditures  without   

not  upon  regular  blanks  will  not  be  audited 

Wales.       (.SVf  i  iKKAT  P>I{IT.\1X.) 

Warrant,  aii]ili<atii>n  to  Auditor  for  renewal  of  lost,  must  jirove  non-]iaynieut 

ap])lication  to  Audit(U-  for  dujdicate  of  lo.st,  how  made 

du])licatc.  tencu.  force,  and  effect  of 

Warrant  ot  attachment.     {See  Attachmext.) 

W^aste  paper  and  tTV'ine  in  Offices  to  be  examined  by  em])loyes  of  Railway  Mail 
Service  and  turned  into  terminal  post-offices 

in  post-offices  to  be  examined  for  letters,  etc 

sent  to  postmaster  at  Xew  York  to  be  sold 

Water-route.'ii,  contracts  for  mail-service  upon,  made  without  advertisement 

mail  may  be  cat  ried  on 

Way  post-otHces  on  star  routes,  driver  not  required  to  leave  his  team  to  deli^■er  mail 

to 

Way  pouches,  registered  packages  must  be  sent  in,  except    

Weight,  conditions  of,  for  matter  addressed  to  Postal  TTniou  coiuitries 

limit  of  four  pounds  for  third  and  fourth  class  matter  in  domestic  mails 

no  limit  of,  for  official  matter 

Weight  of  mails,  compensation  of  railroads  based  ujion 

on  railroads  to  be  ascertained,  liow  often  

W^eight  of  matter  to  be  determineil  at  post-office  of  mailing 

Withdra^val  of  matter,  ajiplication  for,  to  be  refused  when 

hejond  mailing  post-office  only  peimitted  Ijy  special  order  of  the  Postmastei'-den- 
eral 

proof  of  identity  to  be  re(iuired  befoi'e     

registered  first-class  by  writer  before  dispatch 

when  i)ermitted 

Witnesses  in  trial  of  otfenses  against  postal  laws,  when  to  give  bond 

'Wooden  labels.     (-See  Lauf.ls.) 

W^rappei-s,  postmasters  may  remove,  from  matter  not  charged  with  lettei-postage 
to  ascertain  whether  it  contains  an.vthing  liable  to  higher  rate 

stamped  newspajjer,  to  be  issued  by  Postmaster-(  ieneral , 

requisition  for,  how  to  be  made 

to  be  sold  at  cost  and  postage 

when  sjioiled  postage  only  refunded,  how 

Written  inscriptions,  third-class  matter  not  to  be  rated  up  for,  unless  they  are 

clearly  in  the  nature  of  ])ersonal  coiTes])ondence 

Written  matter.    (.S'ec  Fikst-class  mattkk.) 

Writing,  tliird-class  matter  cimtaining,  may  i)ass  tbrougli   the  mails  at  third-class 
rates,  wlien ' 1 


Sec. 

PasP. 

435 

■12 

443 

114 

437 

113 

431 

111 

1117 

265 

438 

113 

267 

88 

271 

89 

•273 

89 

268 

88 

270 

89 

272 

89 

401 

106 

110 

.57 

110 

.5T 

767 

171 

483 

119 

.«;09 

176 

1124 

267 

1251 

315 

1126 

276 

.-.61 

1.3& 

563 

133 

12.51 

31» 

.562 

13a 

1126 

277 

1185 

296 

133 

63 

1159 

287 

11.55 

287 

1173 

289 

1 1.58 

287 

1202 

300 

1201 

300 

1204 

300 

739 

168 

.522 

12.5 

■)9 

28 

607 

144 

•547 

130 

662 

155 

842 

180 

1113 

264 

221 

79 

221 

79' 

(129 

140 

(i33 

150 

269 

89- 

293 

92 

294 

!t2 

292 

92 

.«:83 

186 

291 

92 

17 

37 

266 

.18 

138 

lU 

147 

66 

174 

70 

170 

6!^ 

GLOSSARY 

WORDS  HAVING  A  TECHNICAL  MEANING  IN  THE  POSTAL  SERVICE. 


Ai-liiig  Posliiirtsler.  A  inison  in  iliMim-  i.f  n  piist-i>Hiic  l»y  aiilliority  rVmn  tin-  I'lrrtiilinl  in  .•««.• 
lit'  llic  iciiii)\;il.  oi-  liy  aiitliiiiity  nftlic  suii-ticti  nf  tlio  ixistniastcr  in  liim-  «if  tin-  iiiMroniliiiK.  ar- 
ifst,  insauilv.  or  ilcatli  ol' tile  latttT.  |)(  ndin-;  tin-  a|))iiiintin('nt   of  a  n«w  {mstniarttcr.     Sc»- ner 

tions  111,  i:{rj.  nt)2. 
Address.     iSyji.  Direclinn.)     Tlip  siipeisoTi)itiiiii  of  mail. 
Iddresst-e.     The  person  or  care  to  wlioni  matter  is  aililicsscil  tor  delivery. 
AdjiistiiK'iil.     A])iilie(l  to  railroa<l  serviee  means  tlie  tixinj^ol' tlie  rate  ot'coiii|ienriation  allon;tl>1e  for 

the  amount  and  <hara<-ter  of  tlie  serviee  rendered  under  seetion  62!). 
Advance  Migiiatiire.     Tsed  in  railway  mail  serviei-  to  desi;;nate  the  action  of  an  eniployu  in  aisn 

ing  the  re<'ord  of  arrivals  and  departures,  as  liavin^  departed  on  his  iiin  at  a  •■(.riain  day  and 

hour,  in  advance  of  tlu'  actnal  time  of  liis  departure-:  as.  lor  instance.  .>ignin;;  the  niiiht  liifoi. 

for  his  morniniT  nin.     This  jiraetice  is  strictly  prohihited. 
Advice  of   a  .llouey-Order.     A  letter  or  notice,  jiartly  printed  and  partly  wiitleii.  Iiearin;:  tin 

same  number  and  date  as  its  correspondinji  nuuu'V.order,  sent  bv  the  iHsnin<:  to  the  paying  iMistt- 

master  Ibr  the  |)ur]iose  of  informing  the  latter  as  to  the  name  and  re.sideuce  of  the  remitter  aud 

payee  of  the  order.     I'sed  to  assist  tlie  paving  postmaster  in  tUo  identitication  of  the  owner  of 

thJ' order.     (S.-ctions  981,  OSO.  00],  !l!l+.) 
Advioe-Foriit.     The  jirinted  form.  ))rescribed  by  the  rostmaster-tieneral,  uikhi  wiiieli  a  letter  i>f 

advirc  is  made  out.     (Si<tion  991.) 
Advertised.     l'ul)lisiieil  thiough  the  jiress  or  posted  eonspienou.slv  in  the  jiost-ortice. 
.\dverliscd  liClter.     .\  lettir  whicli.  remaining  in  a  ])ost-oltice  tuK-laimed  or  undelivered,  is  adver- 
tised in  accordaiK-e  with  regulations. 
Agency.   Koute.     A  railroail  oj- steamboat  r<uite  on  which  the  way  service,  or  ."(erviee  for  the  mail 

supply  of   ))ost-ottices  located  tlu'ieoii,  lu-  interchange  between  tlie  sanu*.  is  perfornii-<l  liy  m\ 

eni]doye  of  tin-  railway  mail  service  known  as  a  route  agent. 
Agent,    Local    ITIail.     An  I'luidoye  of  the  railwa\   mail  serviee  to  wlioni  is  agsigm-d  the  duty  ot 

supervising  transfers  of  nuiils  at  union  depots,  .juuetions.  &c. 
Agent,   Konte.     (Syn.  Mail  Agent.)     An  emido.v6  of  the  railwa.v  nniil  s.'rvi<-e  in  inuni-diati-  eliarjje 

of  a  route  agency. 
.4ntedate.     To  date  errom'Onsly  before  the  correct  day.  usually  ftu-  fraudulent  pnrpo.ses :  as  to  ant«-- 

date  a  mcmey-iu-der  or  a  remittance  letter.     (Section  10>>.").) 
Application.     Apajx-r.  jiartly  printed  aud  )>aitly  written,  upon  whieii  tli.-  remitter  has  stated  the 

anuiuiit  for  which  lu-  desires  a  nioneyor<ler  to  be  made  luit.  and  the  particulars  neces.sary  to  be 

known  at  tlie  jiaving  otlice  in  order  to  secure  pa\iui-nt  to  the  right  person.     (Sections  ItT.s.  979.  > 
Application.  Form  of.     Form  60(11, upon  wliicli  tin-  remitter  of  a  money  ordi-r  is  retpiired  to  nnikf 

out  his  ai)plieatiou.     (Seetion  97S.) 
Badge.     A  mark  or  insignia  designed  to  distinguisli  otticials  or  i-mploy^-s  id'  any  branch  "f  tin-  pi«st 

ottiee  serviee. 
Bag.     (.sVc  M.ui.  H.\(;.) 
Bag.  Di!«patcli.     A  leather  pouch  witli  spi(  ial  1."  U.  in  which  is  forwarded  the  foreign  lorresjionil 

ince  ot'  the  Department  of  Stat  ■. 
Beneficiary.     The  jiavee,  <>v  i»erson  for  win  m  the  anuiuut  of  a  moneyonlui  is  intended.     Cenei-ally 

used  to  designati'  the  iiavee  of  an  inteinatioual  uu>ncy-order.     (Solicn  1(146.) 
Blind   Keadcr.     Tin-  clerk  in'tlu'  lan^.r  post-otiices  to  whom  is  referretl  leu  tinal  interpretation. beforr 

forwarding  to  tlie  I)eail-L>tter  Oliice.  su<h  mail  as  may  be  received  illegibly  addre.s.sed.  "r  the 

)Mi)per  de.stinatiiui  of  w  liicli  is  ihuibtful. 
Bond  of  Indemnity.     .V  bond  or  L'uarantv  reipiired  hv  the  I'osl-Ortiee  lV|«artnient  from  tli.-  r.-mif 

ter  w  ho  applies  lor  a  duplicate  of  a  lo.st  money-onler.  of  wliieli  nidllier  the  pavie  nor  his  legal 

re|iresentativ.-  i  an  bi-  found.     The  condition  of  this  bond  is  sit  fnrtb  in  seetion  1(MI6. 
Box,  Street-mailing.     A  box  placeil  at  street  corners  or  other  favorable  lo.ation  for  the  recption 

of  mail  to  be  taken  thiiefroni  at  certain  intervals  to  the  general  or  branch  postothce:  n.seil  only 

in  ]io.st-o|}iees  where  the  free  deliverv  service  is  established,  ami  gemially  at  tachi  d  to  lamp-post.- 
Brass  Lock.     A  mail  lock  id'  more  intricate  construclioii  than  the  ordinary  iron  lock,  u.-ed  only  ou 

long  star  muti  s  for  direct  pouches,  between  separating  post-othees.  whieli  are  not  to  be  i.pi-ned 

'■/(  7n„(f.  ,   . 

Bnllelin  of  Veritiealion.  A  blank  for  the  correction  and  the  statement  ol  the  i-rrors  and  ij regu- 
larities of  all  kinds  di.seovered  in  the  mails  ixchanged  between  eomitries  of  the  I  niveisal  rost.-ii 
1  "ion.  ,.         .    ,  1.1 

Bnllctin,  PoNl.Ofliee.  A  printed  schedule  for  the  information  of  the  imbhe,  ol  cIoms  and  arrivals 
of  mails  at  iiostoltices.  .  ....<• 

Canceled  .Yloney-Ordcr.  A  niouev-order.  supposed  to  have  been  lost,  lor  which  an  applicatiou  lor 
a  duplicate  has  been  made  aud  forwarded  to  the  Post-Ottiee  Deiiartment.     (Section  lOOlM 

Cnneeler.  (Svn.  Killei:  Oblitci-afoi:)  A  liandstanip  for  the  eancellation  of  iiostagestanips.  It  .some- 
tinns  forms  a  tixed  attachment  to  the  iiostinarkiiig  stamp.  lu  all  cases  it  should  be  u.seil  m  eon- 
uictiou  therewith.  .  ,.       .,       .         ..        ., 

I'ase.     .\  frame  contaiuiui;  a  number  of  boxes  for  the  a.s.sortiiig,  separatuui.  or  distribution  ot  mail. 

I'ase.  Assorting.  A  piece  of  ].ost  otlice  fiii-uiture  designed  for  a  general  sepanitmn  ol  letter  mail 
preliininarv  to  a  tinal  disposition  of  the  same  for  forwanlinfj. 


426  POSTAL    LIWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Case,  Oeuci-al  Di^iitriburioii.  The  piece  of  fimiiture  used  at  small  post-offices  for  the  ^eueial 
assoitiiij;'  of  mails  received  and  dispatched. 

Case,  lietter  Carrier's.  A  case  consistiiii;  of  ]iinc(iii-li(>les  placed  over  a  letter  can'ier's  table  to 
assist  liim  in  anaiiuiuir  his  mail  lor  ronsciutive  delivery. 

Case.  Letter- ]>i<«tribntion.  A  piece  of  fiunit  lire  arr;uij;ed  and  intended  to  facilitate  the  distribu- 
tion of  letters.  Four  cases,  eacli  comiirisin"  from  100  to  200  separate  boxes,  are  usually  com- 
bined in  one  i)ieie  of  furniture. 

Case,  Paper-Distribution  Platform,  (^yu.  Platform  Oven.)  The  same  as  the  last  named  with 
the  exception  that  a  workino;  platform  i.s  raised  to  the  level  of  the  lower  tier  of  boxes,  thus 
aflbrdini;  ^i.rcatcr  facilities  where  many  divisious  on  one  case  is  necessary — consistinii  of  from 
300  to  .j.50  divisions,  oi'  boxes. 

Case,  Paper  Distribution,  Cprighl.  iSyn.  Oi-cn.)  An  iiprislit  caseof  horizontal  tiers  of  boxes, 
oiilinarily  VI'  x  10",  fidiit  openiii'.;  aiiaimed  to  facilitate  llie  distribution  of  2d,  3d,  ami  4th  class 
matter.     Consisting  of  froui  .jl)  to  17')  divisions  or  boxes. 

Case.  Registered.     {See  KKinsi'EUEii.) 

Case  Kxainination,  Offices  by  Counties.  An  examination  conducted  in  the  railway  mail 
service  anil  distribution  divisions  of  ]>ost-offices.  consistiuji  of  the  separation  of  cards  repieseut- 
ini;  tlie  ]iost-otli(es  of  a  State  or  section,  into  lioxes  labeled  for  the  counties  in  which  such  post- 
otHcesaiv  locatiMJ. 

Case  Kxaniiualion,  Offices  by  Sicbenie.  An  examination  peculiar  to  the  railway  mail  service 
and  distriliution  divisions  of  post-oltices.  consistinj:  of  the  separation  of  cards  representing 
tile  ])ost-ottiees  in  a  State  or  section  into  boxes  labeled  for  the  mails  directed  by  .scheme  or  order 
to  l)e  made  II))  for  such  .section. 

Case  Examination.  Ti-anscript  of  Sehome.  An  examination  somewhat  similar  to  the  alwve, 
l)ut  in  wlii(  h  the  cards  lepreseut  only  the  offices  ap])earing  on  the  face  of  a  scheme  in  which 
only  a  ))ortion  of  the  offices  in  such  county  are  specitically  given. 

Cash-Book.  The  book  in  whiih  the  daily  cash  receipts  and  disbuisements  of  a  money-order  ix)st- 
offiei' aic  entered.     (Section  1077.) 

Cateh.     To  seize  a  mail  wliile  a  train  is  in  motion. 

Catcb-Crane.  A  crane  erected  by  the  side  of  a  railroiid  track  on  which  to  suspend  ])onclies  contain- 
ing niail  to  be  taken  by  a  train  in  motion  at  any  rate  of  speed. 

Catch-Pouch.     (>SV(' Maii,-('.\T(HEk  PorcH.) 

Catch-!<(talion.  A  mail-station  at  which  a  mail-train  iloes  not  stop,  and  mails  are  necessarily 
taken  on  trains  w  itli  the  catclier. 

Catcher.  An  iron  instrument  used  on  trains  in  connection  with  the  fixed  catch-crane,  to  take  on  mail 
at  mail-staticms  wliire  no  stoji  is  made. 

Catcher-Arm.  The  part  of  tlie  catcher  resting  in  sockets  at  either  end  and  parallel  with  the  side 
of  the  ciii  at  all  times.     Tlie  short  arm  of  tlie  catcher  as  distingni.shed  from  the  trip  or  long  arm. 

I'atcher-IiCver.  The  wooden  handle  or  lever  by  which  the  trip  is  worked  or  raised  to  a  position  on 
a  horizontal  liiii;  with  the  arm,  for  taking  the  ponch  from  the  crane. 

Catcher-Sockets,  Tlie  sockets  on  either  side  of  the  car  door  in  which  the  catcher  works  and  is 
supDorted. 

Catcher-Trip.  Tlie  long  or  rather  the  outer  ann  of  the  catcher,  which,  when  riiised  by  the  lever, 
trijis  the  l)ag  froio  the  crane  and  secures  it  near  the  intersection  with  the  ann. 

Certificate.   Interuaiioual.     (See  Inteknationai..) 

Certificate  of  Deposit.  A  receipt  made  out  by  the  postmaster  of  a  money-order  post-office  of  the 
■'tirst  1  lass"  ill  aekiiowledgment  of  the  deposit  of  a  remittance  of  monev-oider  funds.  (Sees. 
1(IS2,  10S3.) 

Certificate  of  Inspection.  A  certiflcjite  of  tlie  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-General  to  the  Au- 
ditor of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Office  Dejiartment.  certifying  that  mail-service  has  been  per- 
formed for  a  s]>e(itied  peiiod  liy  the  ])er,soii  or  by  the  mail-contiactor  named  therein.  This  cer- 
tificate also  shows  the  amount  of  tiius  and  deductions,  if  any.  which  should  be  charged  to  con- 
tractor, or  jiersiui  pirforiiiing  the  service,  beiause  of  failures  or  delinipiencies  during  the  period 
of  time  covered  liv  such  certificate,  and  is  called  a  ■certiticate  of  inspection"  because  it  is  pre- 
Ijared  after  careful  iiispeeti<in  of  the  piiiofs  of  ])eiformance  of  m.iil-service. 

Certificate  of  Service.  A  certihcateof  a  postmaster,  or  other  officer  of  the  department,  certifying 
to  the  iiirformaiiie  or  non-perfo  •mance^of  iii  lil-service  by  a  mail-ciuitractor  or  other  ])er.son 
authorized  to  cany  the  T'nited  States  mails,  to  be  filed  in  the  offire  of  tlie  Second  Assistant 
Postiiiasrer-(ieiieral.  Division  of  Inspection.  This  certiticate  is  occasionally  accepted  in  lieu 
of  the  register  of  arrivals  and  deiiaitui'es 

Certified  I/ist.     (See  LsrEHXA  iicinat.'PLm  ii ANi.r,  List.) 

Certified  .TIoney-Ord'*r.  A  moiiey-ojibr.  or  the  listed  parficulars  of  a  money -order,  which  has 
been  eertitied  1)\  nil  iuternatioiia!  exchange  office  as  correct  and  entitled  to  be  paid  in  a  foreign 
couiiri>.      lSecl:oiis  ]049,  KKi.').  ( 

Chargex.  Aiiiouiits  due  and  collectible  at  the  post-office  of  delivery  on  mail  insufticiently  prepaid, 
but  foiwaiileil  in  aceordaiice  with  regulation  or  treaty  stiiiulation. 

Cleat.  An  Mttaclimeiit  of  metal  device  to  a  sack  to  which  the  drawing-card  is  fastened  in  closing  the 
.sack. 

Clerk.  Ciiief  Head — (R.  M.  S  )  A  head  railway  i)ost office  clei-k  detailed  to  take  immediate  charge 
of  the  general  ditails  of  serviie  of  a  route  or  number  of  routes,  to  arrange  for  changes  wlien 
necessary.  >.V.c. 

Clerk.  Dispatch.  .\  clerk  at  a  post-olbce  to  whom  is  assigned  the  special  duty  of  dispatching  and 
receiving  mails. 

Clerk.  Tally.  .\  clei  U  lo  wb>)iii  is  assigned  the  duty  of  tallying  and  checking  made-up  mails  and 
niakiiiu  for  tile  a  jieriiianeiif  rccoid  of  the  same.. 

Clerk's  I\ limber.  .\  number  stamped  or  written  on  the  face  of  a  facing-slip  to  indicate  the  clerk 
making  ii]i  the  mail  such  faciiig-slii)  accompanies. 

Close.  The  time  spcciticMl  and  publicly  aiinouiieed  as  the  latest  that  mail  can  be  ri'ceived  at  a  post- 
office  tor  dispatch  1).\  any  given  mail. 

Closed   .TIail.     Corii'spondeiice   si'iit   in   sealed   hags   in   transit   through  one  or  more   intermediary 

colllUries. 

CoIU'Clor.     A  lett<r-earrier  detailed  to  the  sjiecial  iluty  of  collecting  mail  from  street  mailing-boxes, 

hotels,  and  other  designated  public'  mailing-places  and  conveying  the  same  to  the  post-office  or 

luaiich  post-office. 
Combined  Register.     (.SW- lJEfasii':u.)     (Section  1002.) 
Coiiiiecti<>:i.     .\  term  used  to  indicate  a  liausfer  or  coiitiiiuatiiui  in  transit  without  delay  from  one 

route  lo  another. 
Coiiiicctioii.  Clos4-.     .\  term  used  win  n  tin  ditVerem c  in  time  between  the  arrival  at  a  ]>oint  of  mail 

on  one  route  ami  its  ilejiaiture  on  another  is  only  what  is  rcciuisitc  to  make  all  transfers. 


(JI.OSSAKY.  127 

I'oniicctioii  fVoiii.  iTlH<l«-.     A  Imii  iist'il  tii  iiiiliciili'  tlnil   n  i  (•iiiii-iliiiii  iiiwiiiil  im    rmm  ii  iDiiiimi 

IMilillmili'  llIlN  lircli   l<Tii\  r(l  llV  tllC  otlllT  Vlillll',    lllllllTKtiHill  III'  lll-Ki)(lllllfll. 

<  oniirclioii  I'l-oiii.   .VIi<«>i<Ml.     A  tcnii  iisi-il  in  tin- miiiih-  rfliitimi.  In  iliMriHif  ii  fiiiliiii-   to  riM-<-lvn 

>lll'll    t'lllllll'i    lion 

<'oiiii<-<-lioii  M  illi.   Tliiilo.      \  ti'i'iM  iisfil  to  iiiilii':iti>  tliiil  rniiiiiTtinii  ■nitwiiril  m  witli  ii  iiuiiii-ii  tiinll 

icilllr  li:i>  Ii   111  iIiIImiimI  liy  till"  rouli'  llliili-l'Htiioil  or  ilf-iiv:ii'lt<'>l. 
t'onnorlioii  willi.  .TIisN«><l.     A  tciin  iiscil  in  tin-  Hiiiin'  relation  to  ili-Kriilir  ii  railiiir  to  ili>lfri-r  Htirh 

roinii'ctiiili. 

Coiilrnflor.  Om-  who  imliv  idiiMllv  or  iis  m  linn  ■  onlrarlM  to  pcrloriii  rrrtain  si'rvii'i.  of  tin- iiuturi' of 
tr:iiis|)orl:il  ion.  in  ;iri  onl;inri-  willi  nilniii  s|ic<'iH('iitioin4  anil   lor  a  ili-tliiiti-  Hinonnt  nnincil  !■ 

(■OIlllM.I, 

C'oiilriK-lor.    Tlnil-Koiilc.     A   rontrartor  witli   tin-   I'osi  (Mlio    Ii<'|inrlniinl   tor  liani)ii>rlatiiiii  i>( 

111.'  ni:iil  on  :i  .-.t;i;:c  (star)  of  ini-ssi'n;:rr  rinilr. 
l'oi-il«-<l   ^iiick.     i.V(.  .h  iiCaw  AS  MailSaiK.) 
<'orr«'>  |ioii<l4>ii<'«'.     A-  used  in  loiiinii  mail  Hir\  ici'  ami  in  postal  c  on  \inl  ions.  s\  non_\  moiis  with  niHil 

malti'i':  anv  niatirr  ailmittril  to  tlii'  mails. 
I  over.      Ki|iii\  ali'iit  or(ii\i|o|ii-  or  wiaiiprr. 
(  oiiiili-y  »('  l^rMliiinlioii.     Saini' as  ]iayin'.:  roniiliN  . 
Coiiiili')  of  nrifiitt.     Saiiii'  as  issnini;  roiintry. 
Coupon.     A  iiMiiioiamliini  of  jiaiiiiiilars  111' an   iiili'nialiunal  moiii\  orilir.  |iiirfl,\   prinliil  ami   paitly 

written  in  tlir  iiiaii;in   tliereof  in  smli  a  manner  that    it    ma\   lie  iletailieil   leailih .  anil  tlleil   by 

itself  for  t'litiire  ret'erenee.      Seet  ions  1047.   Ill4i».   lOPo. 
<'r«'«lit.     A  speeitied  aniiiiinl  of  nionev-orihr  fiimls  in  the  eiistoil>  ol   the  poslniHster  at  New  York.  N. 

v..  ajiainsi  wliieh  llie  postmastei-  at  some  other  otliee  has  lieen  anthotizeil  liy  tin-  superintend 

ent  of  the  moiie.x  oilier  system  to  ilraw  ilralts.      IfSeetion  l(l!t.'i.» 
I'rcw.     (Smi..  ,S'«'/.)      The  men  lompo.sini:  a  jiartN  of  employes  worUinii  in  a  ear. 
Dra«l.     Sneh    nail  matter  as  has  lieen  aiivertiseil  and  remained  iinelaimed  oin-  month  after  the  date  ol 

adverti.seineiit.  or  has   lieen   relii.sed,   or   for  any  reason  has  not   reached  the  party  addresse<l 

(See  Seetion  4:!:!.l 
Ortiiirlioii.      The  sum  forfeited  In  a  mail  eontiaetoi    for  the  failure  to  peifonn  a  trip  or  any  part  of 

a  trip. 
Dflivfi-y.      riie  act  of  plaeiii;;  mail  in  the  |)ossessioii  of  t  he  parties  add  nssi-d  or  snlijeel  to  their  order 

The  district  contiunoiis  to  a  jiost  ofKce  over  which  the  postmaster  at  sneh  otiice  has  iininiMliat'- 

siipeiv  ision  and  eliart;e  in  all  malteis  of  a  local  natnie  connected  with  the  m-ueral  mail  service. 

The  mail  made  up  in  an  oHice  for  the  ileli\erv  of  another:  a  direct  package. 
Orlivf'i-y   WiiidoM'.     The  idaie  in  a  luist -otiice  while  delivery  of  letteis  is  made,  nimn  a]>plicatioii, 

to  persons,  not  liox-holders.  or  not  receivin'_' their  mail  liv  aiilhori/ed  Ictlcrcarrier.s. 
1>f-po«it.     .\  remittance  of  nionev-ordi-r  fluids  after  its  receipt  at    the  ilesiL;ii  iteil   money  order  post 

otiice  of  the  '•  first  class  '   to  which  it  was  addressed.     Such  receipt  i  ntitles  the  n-mittiii!:  pi^t 

maslei   to  a  ceititicate  of  deposit  therefor  from  the  reieiviiiL;  ]mstniastei . 
Oopos'l,  C'frlificute  of.     (,Vc  Ci-.uiii-u  ai  i-;  nv  Dki-osi  i.)     (Section  Kix:;  i 
DepoNii.  Omc«-ol'.     (Ncc  MoM.v-OiMii'.it  Oi'i-iiK  ni-'  IHK  Kik.st  Class.) 
DppoMiliiig  Ollicc.     .V  post-ottice  from  which  a  remittance  of  nioney-onln   funds  is  received  for  fie 

jiosit.      (Section  KIS.) 
Of'poMiliiijS   PoslmasiHT.     (,»(•  KK.MlTTlSii  rosf.MAsri-.ii.) 
D<>po«iloi-y.     .\  iiostoflice  designated  liy  the  deiiartinenf  for  tin-  repair  ol  mail  iioiiches  and  sack.*. 

for  the  rri  eijit  and  storage  of  new  pouches  and  .sacks,  and   for  the   issue  of  same  on  onler.— l'. 

.\  jiosi -office  ilesi;:nated  for  the  depiisil  of  postal  funds  liy  other  iiostmasters, 
l>f*lriifliv«'.     Matler  which  hy  reason  of  its  hiiitfiil  nature  is  lialile  to  injure  the  ]iersiins  of  jiostal 

i-mploMs  111  daiiMLie  other  mail  matter. 
l>ir«Tlorv  Nfnrt'lior.     .\  (lerk  to  whom  is  assigned  the  duty  of  searcliinj;  eitv  directories  for  tbo 

full  ]iriiiiii  address  on  mail  matter,  the  address  of  which' when  rceeivi  d  is  inconiidete  or  iucor- 

rect. 
1>ire(*l   Pouch.     A  poinli  labeled  to  a  post-oliice  or  route  understood  or  named. 
I>i!!>rrf*paii4'y.     A  difference :  generally  iisci!   to  siyiiify  a  ditl'erence   in  number,  date,  or  aiuount  a.<« 

statid  ill  a  mone\ -Older  and  in  its  eoi  responding  advice.      (Section   1(IS4.) 
Di«pat«-h.     .\  term  ii.scd  to  indicate  all  tin-  mail   forwarded  bv  a  routi-  at  aii.\  one  time.     It  nicluae.-« 

the  close,  the  actual  leaving  from  llie  poslolhce,  the  train,  boat.  stai;e,  or  coiiveyaine  forwaijled 

by,  the  depot  or  station-hmdinu  such   train  or  boat   leaves  from,  and  the  time  tixed  ior  each  ol 

these  nioNelllelllS. 

1>i«pnl<-li.  .-IdTniifC.  A  dispatcli  made  to  a  train  or  l«iat  in  aihaiice  of  the  last  and  regular  di.s- 
patch  lor  the  same  train  or  boat.  The  advame  dispatches  are  nninbi  reil  in  reverse  oitler.  or  in 
iet;iil:ir  iiiinierical  order  from  the  regular  (or  standardi  dis|iatch. 

I>i«pnlfh,  K«>siilar.  Tin  last  ordiiiarv  wa'ion  from  a  post-oltice  to  a  train  or  boat,  and  whu-li  in 
eludes  all  mail  deiiositcd  in  the  post-olti.-e  to  time  of  closiiiLi  for  sneh  dispatch. 

Dixpalrh.  N<-li«-tlulc.  .\  sch.-dule  showinj:  the  dispatches  of  mails  from  a  piist-otlice.  witli  »l"j''."ji 
time.  lea\  ill"  time  of  the  \aiioiis  waeons,  route,  train,  and  leaving;  lime  of  the  same,  by  which 
ilis|iatelie(l.~  ,         ,-  . 

T>ii»palrli.  !i*iippleiiirillai-y.     .\  sjiecial  dispatcli  oceasionally  made  alter  the  rei;nlar  di.siiatcli. 

Diwpatcli  .>iinibri-.     A  number  indicatin,^  a  certain  dispatch. 

niMlribulioii.  (Svii  I>ix..  I>i.-^f..  1>.  I'.  <>.)  -Ml  ordinarv  mail  received  at  :;iiy  po.stothce  addri-sseil 
lo  other  post-'otlices.  not  delivery  malli-r.  -J.  Matter  sent  to  a  iiost-offiee  to  be  forwarrted  thero 
from  to  other  iiost-ollices  to  which  addre.s.sed.  .         ,  ..      ,    . 

Diilvibiilioii  Uivi.iioii.  That  iioition  of  the  service  of  a  iiost-ottice  to  which  is  a.ssmneil  theUuty 
of  aiiaii'in  ■  for  and  inakin"  the  separation  and  dispatili  of  all  mails  other  than  those  for  IiM-al 
deliverv." 

Ui«lribuliiii;  PoHl-Omcr.>«  are  abolished.     (.sVc  S|.;i-ai;atim.   I'usr-On k  i->.» 

DraJ'l.  An  order  fill  the  iiavimiit  of  a  sum  of  inonev.  In  nioney-order  business.  ;;enerjilly  na.;<t  I" 
si..nifv  an  ordei  from  a  postmaster  drawn  auain.st  his  ■  credit  ■  with  tlie  vostniaster  at  >ew 
York  or  an  order  on  the  iiostniaster  at  New  York  for  an  amount  of  money  older  funds  drawn 
in  favor  of  another  postmaster  by  the  I'ostina.stpr-t  J.iieial.     (,V<c  flil-.l>l  r. )     (Setious  \W\  Iif.Mi. 

I>i-op.     i'lie  opi-nin'.;  in  a  posl-olhee  or  mail  apartment  of  a  ear  for   the  inailin;i  of  lett.-rs  and  other 

niailalile  matter  liv  tin-  imblii-.  .       ,   ,.  ...  ^    a^  i    _  i. 

Dfop-lirt((-i-.     A  letter  intended  for  a  i>erson  residing  within  the  delivery  ot  the  post-ottne  where  St 

Our  Freqiu'iicy.  Applieil  to  railioail  service  iiu-ans  that  the  rostinaster-Cenenil  is  to  detennine 
what  number  of  nips  per  week  will  constitute  due  freiiiieiicy  on  any  lonte. 


428 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Due  Speed.  Means  that  the  Postmaster-General  .shall  determine  what  rate  of  .sijceil  of  railio.iil 
trains  will  be  accepted,  as  a  comijliance  with  the  law  in  e%'erv  case. 

Duplicate.  An  exact  copy.  The  use  of  a  duplicate  is  .sometimi's  to  supply  the  place  of  a  document- 
lost  or  destroyed,  and  .sometimes  to  furnish  or  prisirvc  iutnrmution  in  rt  place  from  which  ac- 
ces.s  ti)  the  ori>iiual  is  inconvenient  or  impossible.     (Sections  Ui:!l»,  10.')4.) 

Duplicate  Advice.    (.sv«  Second  Advice.) 

Duplicate  ilertitlcate  of  Deposit.  The  coi)y  of  a  certificate  of  deposit  which  the  receiving 
postmaster  is  recjuired  to  transmit  to  the  superintendent  of  the  monev-order  svstem.  (Sectioii 
1082.) 

Duplicate  Itloney-Order.  A  second  order  furnished  to  the  owner  of  the  original  by  the  Po.st- 
Oliice  Department  of  the  payinji  country'  in  cases  where  sudi  original  has  been  invalidated  by 
reason  of  loss,  destruction,  mutilation,  or  more  than  one  indor.sement.     (Sections  ]0.39, 1054.1 

Euibezzlciiient.  Criminal  use  of  money  order  or  ])ostal  funds  bv  a  per.s<m  to  whom  thev  are  in- 
trusted by  the  iio.st-omce  authority.'     (Section  1(126.) 

Eiuployrs.  A'  general  term  for  all  cimnected  with  the  railway  mail  .servh-e,  except  superintendents 
and  local  mail  agents. 

£qllipiueut.  All  material,  except  that  foi'  clerical  use,  such  as  stationery,  blank.s,  &<•..  necessary  lor 
the  proper  dispatch,  security,  and  transportation  of  the  mails. 

Error.  (Syn.  J.)  Indorsement  made  on  the  face  of " facing-slips  to  call  attention  to  misseiit  mattei 
noted  on  reverse  side. 

JExchange.  The  value  of  the  currency  or  money  of  one  conntrv  ex](res.sed  in  the  terms  or  denomi- 
luitiims  of  anotlier.  In  tlie  transactions  of  the  mon(?y-order  system  the  term  is  used  to  denote 
the  value,  in  the  money  of  the  United  States,  of  a  specified  unit  of  a  foreign  currency  as  fixed 
by  convention  between  the  postal  administrations  of  the  two  countrie.s.  Whenever  the  com- 
mercial value  of  this  unit  is  e((ual  to  its  lonveution  vahie,  exchange  is  said  to  Vie  at  par :  when 
greater,  at  a  premium  ;  when  less,  at  a  discount.     (.Sections  970.  104."),  1055.) 

Kxchange  liii^t.    (/SVe  Inteijxatioxal  Exchasuk  List.)    (Section  976.) 

Exchange  Office.  {See  Ixterxatioxal  Exchaxoe  Post-Offke.)  A  po.st-otHce  through  which 
the  interchange  of  i-oiTespondence  or  money-orders  with  a  foreign  country  is  conducted. 

Exchange  PoMtniasiter.     The  iiostmaster  of  an  international  exihaiige  jiost-ottice.     (Section  1u45.> 

Exchange,  Sysleiu  of.  A  mutual  agreement  between  the  postal  administrations  of  two  countries 
for  the  issue  of  money-oiders  in  either  anil  their  payment  in  the  other  country,  together  with 
detailed  arrangements  for  the  transaction  of  the  bu.siness  and  for  the  settlement  of  the  accounts 
arising  therefrom.     (Section  976.) 

Extra  National.  Correspondence  exchanged  in  the  mails  between  two  countries,  which  is  either 
received  from  or  addresseil  to  a  third  country. 

K<°acing-.mip.  A  ])ieceof  ordinary  wrapijing-iiaper  accompanying  all  packages  of  first-class  matter  anil 
circulars.  The  sli])  shouhl  be  in  size  about4by  2.\  inches,  and  bear  cm  its  face,  either  printed  ov 
written,  the  deseri)itive  title  of  tlie  mail  forwarded  under  it.  the  postmark  of  the  ottice  or  post- 
office  in  which  it  is  made  up.  and  the  name  or  number  of  theelerk  orem))liiye  of  the  railwaymail 
service  making  up  the  mail.  In  addition  to  the  above,  faciugslijjs  usiil  in  postotfices  will  in- 
dicate the  liour  of  elosing  the  mail  forwarded  under  them;  those  used  in  the  railway  mail 
service  will  indicate  the  direction  ,in  which  tla^  office  is  moving  at  the  time  the  package  is- 
made  uj).  Emi)loyes  of  the  railway  mail  service  place  facing-slips  for  direct  packages  inside 
such  ]iackages.  and  omit  the  descri])tive  title. 

Fictitious.  Matter  addres.sed  to  a.ssumed  names  or  initials  without  any  ilesignated  place  of  de- 
livery. 

Fine.     The  sum  deducted  fioni  the  pay  of  a  mail-c«nitractor  for  a  \  iolation  of  the  terms  of  his  contract. 

Fixed  Reserve.     (.Vcc  Eeserve.) 

Foreign  ^lail  Sack.  Fsed  without  lock  and  oidy  for  dispatching  mails  to  fmeign  countrie.s.  They 
are  made  of  blue  and  H-hite  striped  cotton  canvas;  are  of  four  sizes.  Xo.  0  Vicing  the  largest  and 
No.  3  the  .smallest.  No.  0  is  .50  inches  in  length  and  tW  inclics  in  circumferem  e.  Xo.  1  is  43 
inches  in  length  aiul  62  inches  in  circumferen<-e.  Xo.  2  is  4]  inches  in  length  :iud  4f<  inches  in 
circumference.     X'o.  3  is  32  inches  in  length  and  3H  inches  in  cinumferi'uce. 

Farm.  A  piece  of  fumiture  arranged  foi  the  general  office  separation  of  mails  received  from  otlier 
offices. 

Frank.  To  exem])t  fiom  postage.  A  signature  apjiearing  on  mail-uiatter  which  exempts  it  fiom 
postage. 

Fraudulent.  Registered  letters  the  delivery  of  which  luis  been  tiubidden  by  ;i  sp.-i  ial  order  of  the 
Postmaster-Cieiiernl. 

Free-Delivery  Divii^ion.  That  portion  of  tlie  service  of  a  ]iosto1iice  relating  to  tlie  five  delivery 
of  mail  by  letter-carriers  at  residences  or  jdaces  of  business. 

General  Delivery.  The  delivery  of  mail  from  the  delivery-window  of  a  post-otVice  upon  application 
of  the  jiartv  to  whom  addressed. 

Hards.  (Syu.  Queers,  Xires,  X<i,i<h'!iCi-!pty.  l.iiiik-iijis.  and  .Ik!(Ii'».)  Mattel-  so  addressed  th;it  the  proper 
ilis]iositioii  to  be  made  of  it  is  not  readily  discernible. 

Held  for  Postage.     Matter  wliicli  is  not  siilticieutly  iirejiiiid  to  entitle  it  to  tran.smi.ssion  in  the  mails. 

Horse  .Ylail-Bags.  T'.sed,  with  lock,  for  liorsebac'k  service  only,  iind  made  of  leather  in  s:iddle- 
bag  form.  There  are  three  sizes,  the  largest  being  Xo.  1  and  the  smallest  X^ii.  3.  Xo.  1  is  4* 
inches  long  in  the  longest  part  and  21  inches  wide  in  the  widest  part.  Xo.  2  is  45  inches  long 
in  tlie  longest  ]);irt  and  18  inches  wide  in  the  widest  jiart.  X"o.  3  is  42  in<hes  long  in  the  lon.£e«f 
part  and  1(>  incbes  wide  in  the  widest  )(art. 

Hotel.  Matter  refuiiieil  to  the  post-ntVice  from  a  hotel.  h(ispit;il.  i-.illege.  ;ind  other  similar  institutions 
or  by  a  public  tunctionai\  or  consignee  ;icci\stoiiied  to  nceive  mail  for  third  jiarties. 

Incidental  Expense.  An  ex])eiise  of  occ;isional  and  irregular  (xeiirrence.  not  otherwise  s))eciried 
in  instructions,  which  lias  been  incurred  iieccss;irily  in  the  tiiinsaction  of  post;il  or  money-order 
business.     (Sections  966.  971.) 

■  flentitication  t'lieck.  A  slip  of  iiajier  given  by  an  examining  clerk  in  the  paying-ollicc  to  the 
owner  of  a  money-order  presented  for  payment.  ;is  evidence  thiit  the  latter  has  been  identified 
as  the  jierson  he  represents  himself  to  be. 

Indorsee.  The  iierson  named  in  the  indorsement,  by  the  payee,  as  the  one  to  whom  payment  is  to 
be  made.  The  person  to  whom  the  jiavee  of  a  money-order  transfers  his  right  to  receive  i>ay- 
ment  thereof.     (Section  1028.) 

Indorsement.  Something  written  across  a  document,  previously  comidete,  exidaining,  extending, 
or  changing  its  sco))e.  or  as  a  refeience.  In  numey-order  business,  an  in,struction  upon  the 
back  of  the  order,  tilled  ii|i  and  signeil  by  the  payee  thereof  authorizing  its  payment  toanorbm- 
persoji.      (Sectioii  1(114.) 


fu.ossAin.  429 

tiilaiKl    Moiiry-Oi'ilcr      An  iiitiniutioiiiil  in \  nnl.r  ImhihiI  a)  <.i  ilinuii  ii|miii  uii  IiiUikI  iin.in>r 

..1.1,  1  ..tin.-.  IIS  .lisliii^msliod  IVoiiiii  ■  ci-Hitlril  oicl.i.  '  III  ..ii)- whirli  lian  1 ii .  <-rtitli-il  nnil  mini 

li.'ic.l  l.y  nil  cx.Ikiii.:'' "Ili.c  with  ii  ••  intitiiil  iiitii  initinniil  iiiiiiiImt.  " 

Inlnntl  :»loiiey-«i«l«T  <»lii<'r'.  A  p..st  olli.-,-  iiiith..!  i/iil  t<>  iMHin-  iinil  |.av  inl<-nniti»nnl  iin.mv 
..nil  IS  as  ilistiiii;iiisli.  <1  lr..iii  iiii  i-xrlmiiKi-otlirc.  «lii<li  .  .ilili.H  llii-ii  vh1iii-»  anil  alltxi-.  t.-tliii* 
111.'  •■ .  iitilic.l  iuti  Tiiat  ii.iiiil  iimiil>i-i-."      (Scctioii  KMill.i 

InlniKl   l*o«tliiiiiMl<-i-.     'I'lic  pLsiiiiMstrr  ot'aii  inhiiul  inoiicN  onlii  ..Hi.. 

Irr«"»|»«'«'liv«'  Kc««'rv«'.     (Sir  Kksikvk.) 

tnK'rnnlioiinl  <'<-rlili«-nl«>.  A  nrci|il.  i>aitl\  inintiil  ami  wriii.n.  mi  flu-  niuiuin  nl' ami  iMMiinc 
till'  saiiii'  111  nil  III  r  as  an  iiit.iiiatiinial  iiiinicx  ..iiIit.  .if  wlij.li  ii  r.nniMa  |iai  I  'riii-.  n-n-liit  wlilrh 
is  lill.-.l  Ml.,  il.'ta.  lu.l.  ami  yiv.n  to  the  n-niitt<  r  ..C  tlii>  nr.li-i  l.v  tin-  inlanil  iHMiiIni:  iiOMtniii»l.T 
slii.ws  (hr  aimiunl  <it  tlir  .inlcr  'in  Ciiitfil  Statis  ciini-nr.v.  tin-  valin-  .if  wliii  li  tin-  iMmtnintt.r 
at  till'  iiilcniatiiinal  cxrlianiii'-ottici- "  will  transmit  in  its  riincm-v  fn  tin-  imviiii:  roimtn'  (S««-- 
tioii  1047.)  ■  <    ■       " 

InU'i-iinlionnl  ('oi'r<-M|toii<l<-ii<-<v  ()i  i'_'inatin<:  in  ami  aildrcsHi-il  tn  the  (-uniitiioH  Im-Iwi-i-ii  wliii-h 
mails  an-  i-\<liaiit;i.l. 

Inrri-iinlioiinl  Kxt-hnii^r  I>omI-OIH<-c.  A  post-otlin-  ilc.Mij;nati-(l  in  an  inti-niatiiinal  rnnvi-ntiun 
lii-tW(-«-ii  tin-  piislal  ailmiiiistraliiiiis  of  two  lomitiii-.s  ti.  ptrfunii  tin- uniit- of  i-i-i-tlfviiij:  thi< 
valm-.s  ami  tin-  ..iricctm-ss  ofimnit-y-oiili-rs  issm-il  in  i-itln-r  i>t°  tin-  i-intnlrii-.s  lor  |iayni<-Mt  in  tin- 
otiior.     Sm-li  (inlcis  arc  mit  valiil  iir  jiavalili-  until  s.i  rt-ititii-d.     (Si-i-tiuiis  '.»\'>,  UMlt.) 

Inlrrnntioiinl   lOxrhanec   liJMt.  t      A  list  nt'tlii-  nnnilii-rs.  annnintH.  dati-s.  and  otin-r  pni-tii  iihirri 

Intrrnnlional    lAnt.  ^  of  moin-y-i.nli-rs  issm-d  and  rci-titicil  as  roir.rt,  in  any  <■ itrT 

for  iiayniciit  t.i  licmtii-iarii-s  in  a  forei).ni  <-oiintry.  Th(-nr  list.-*  an-  madi-  out,  ci-rtiflcd  as  roni-ct. 
and  tian.smitti-d  liy  .■\i-Jian<:(--otli(-(-s  only,  'riu-v  arc  Hi-nt  to,  and  for  tin-  infonnntion  of.  thi'< 
i-\(-lianj;i--otti(-i- in  iln- ]iayiii!r  nnmtry  in  oi-di-r  to  soc-iin-  iiaynu'iit  to  Ilit- pci-Hon  dl•^il;nat<■ll  in 
till'  oiiuinal  iiilami  i.rili-r.     (Si-ction  KK'id.) 

lnl<'rni<-<linry  Offlce.  .\ii  ..tlicc  which  receives  and  reforwaids  for(-i>rn  correspondence  to  iti* 
nltiiiiat.-  ilcstinati.ni. 

I  nfrrnntioiinl  ITIoiiry-Ordrr.  A  iiionev-order  issued  in  one  coiintr\ for  pavnieiit  in  a  loreii^a 
.■..iintry.     (Section  l(l4ti.) 

invalid  Adrif*-.     'i"li.-  advice  of  an  invalid  money-order. 

Inralid  .Hoiify-Ordrr.  A  money-order,  the  payment  of  wliii-h,  by  reason  of  its  a;;c.  mutilation, 
suriilusane  of  imlorsemcnts,  or  other  (-au.<ie,  i.s  prohiliited,  except  liv  dnplicate.  (S«'ctioii«  10.12 
io:!3,  i();!4.i 

lr*u  liock.  The  ordinaiy  mail-lock  iiseil  on  poncliesexeliaiiKed  or  intei-chanj;ed  between  office.-*  and 
lontes. 

f  «.»ued  Ord«'r.  A  money-order  which  has  been  tilled  up  ami  delivered  to  the  i-emitter.  and  whoa* 
advii-e  (or  advi<-e.  coupon,  ami  cei-titicate)  has  been  tilled  up  and  forwarded  to  destination  by 
the  issiiinji  jiostmaster.     (Sei-tion  98G.) 

.luir  Canvas  ITInil-Sark.  (.\lso  called  ••Tie-Sack.")  Used -without  lock  for  printed  and  other 
mailable  matter  not  of  the  first  class.  They  are  made  iii' hliii'  striped  .jute  canvas,  fasti-ned 
with  cord.  There  are  three  sizes,  the  largest  beini;  No.  1  and  the  .smallest  Xo.  :t.  No.  1  is  43 
inches  iu  lenjith  and  &2  imiies  in  circumfereme.  No.  '2  is  41  inches  in  length  and  48  inches  ia 
circumference-.     No. :!  is  :i2  imiies  in  length  and  IIH  in<-lies  in  circumference. 

I'.abel.  i'ard  Mlide.  A  small  jiiei-e  of  card-board  of  a  size  to  tit  an  attachment  on  the  pouches  of 
the  uiimbered  classes.  When  in  use  as  a  label  on  a  jionch  it  bears  in  writin};  or  printing  the 
a.ldress  of  tlie  oflice  for  which  the  pouch  is  intended. 

lyabel.  M'ootirn  Printed.  A  small  piece  of  hardwood  bearing  a  printed  address,  for  use  exclu- 
sively on  xcirl,:--  .oiitaiiiing  mail. 

lyRbrl,  Registered  ••i<iit.  Around  brans  label  attached  to  each  registered  pouch  or  gold-lwix  in 
transit,  to  indicate-  bv  the  number  and  letters  stamped  thereon  how  many  .separate  pouches  or 
boxes  are  forwardi-d  at  any  single  dispatch  to  any  one  ottice. 

Lap.  "Where  two  or  moie  trains  of  «-ars  starting  from  a  common  terminus  and  destined  for  different 
points  are  iiiii  foi-  any  distance  over  one  railroad  track. 

Lap-Service.     Where  two  or  more  post-rvmtes  are  maintained  over  one  railroad  track. 

Legal  Representative.  The  iierson  anthoriz.Hl  by  law  to  act  fin- or  in  the  |ila<-e  of  another.  !■ 
money-order  business,  used  to  designate  the  person  .so  authorized  to  act  for  the  remitter,  payee. 
or  imiorser  of  a  mom-y-order.     (Section  lO'JH.) 

Letter  of  Adviee.     (See  Ahvick.) 

Letter  of  Inquiry.  A  ciri-iilar  letter  (Form  tiOOO)  addressed  by  the  iiaying  to  the  is.suing  postmas 
ter  asking  f.ir  a  second  advice,  or  for  an  exiilanation  of  an  alleged  discrepancy  between  an 
advice  and  its  i-oriespouding  order  or  the  statement  of  the  jiayee.     (Section  !)i).'>. ) 

Limit  of  Dimension!!!.  The  maximum  length,  breadth,  and  deiitli  allowed  for  certain  postal 
packets. 

Limit  of  Weight.     The  iiiaximnm  weight  allowed  for  certain  postal  pai-kcts. 

Line.  Ni  arlv  a  svnonvm  of  "Koiite."  I'suallv  a]i]ilied  to  distinguish  route-service  perfonned  dur- 
ing the  dav' from  that  perlornied  during' the  night:  as  Wash.  &  Peters.  K.  I".  O.  •  IHiv-I.ine,' 
Wash,  .y  Peters.  Ii.  P.  (t.    •  Night-Lim-.' 

Liwl.  Weekly  Canadian.  A  list  of  Canadian  international  money -orders  cerlitied  during  a  given 
week  by  a  Canadiaii  international  exchange  post-oftii-i-.     (Section  IOG.1.) 

I.>«ral.      I'.-rtaining  or  contined  to  the  delivery  distri<-t  of  a  post-olliee. 

Loral  .TIail.  Useil  in  railway  mail  .service  to  indicate  mail  for  post-othces  between  the  initial  and 
terminal  ))<ist-orti<-es  of  a  railway  route. 

Local  Pomt-Ollire.  I'sed  in  railway  mail  service  to  denote  iiost-oftices  supplied  b\  a  railway  routo 
between  the  initial  and  terminal  post  iiltices  of  the  route. 

Local  Service.  A  term  used  in  tin-  railway  mail  service  to  indicate  the  service  of  a  roiite-aceney 
or  railway  postolhre  in  tin-  making  np.  delivering,  and  exchanging  mails  between  the  terminal 
oftiees  of  its  route,  and  all  the  duties  relating  to  handling  of  such  mail. 

Lock.     (Sec  luMN  LiM-K.    IJh.xss  I.nrK.l 

Flail.  (Syni.  roxliuntter.  For  syn.  Cnrri'xjiDiiileiiri:  nfe  (.'(ikkksI'OMiEMV.)  Divided  into  ordinary. 
deliveix ,  disiiibiition.  foreign,  and  registered. 

Rfail,  Advance.  A  mail  f.irwarded.  sent,  dispatched,  or  received  in  advance  of  and  in  addition  to 
its  tiiial  i.-unlar  semliiig  or  leceiviiig. 

W  ail. Bag.  A  ;;iiii-ial  term  compiehending  all  the  sorts  and  styles  authorized  to  be  used  in  convey- 
iii"  th.-  mails.  F.ir  the  speciti.  stvles  and  sizes  adaptid  to  particular  uses  and  modes  of  con- 
veyam-,-,  -ser  M.Mi.-'.'i.irii,  M .vn.-C.vnriKi;  I'lUi  11.  Tiiltnn.li  KK.iisTKltKH  M.vil.-Pniili.  HoitsK 
M'mi.IVvi;.  .IiriM'ANVAs  M.vii.  Sack.  Fokkh.x  Mail  Sack,  mi./  Rki.isikhki'  Kouki.:n  Maii.  Sack. 
All  mail-iiouchcs  are  locked  and  have  a  ci »•(•)»/(»(- /»)//</i/i  .-  all  hor.se  nniil-bags  are  locked,  nrr 
ni  Kftddle-haijform.  atiil  liarr  I'tlijitlral hultoiiix  ,-  and  all  sacks  are  fastened  with  i-ord  and  have  a 
)itr((ifiht  or,foltling  bottom. 


430  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Mail-catcher  Pouch.  Used  exclusively  for  exclianjiitiu:  mails  on  railways  where  niail-eatcliers  and 
cranes  an-  eini)l(iye«l  therefor.  Tliey  are  made  of  eottou  canvas,  with  leatlier  Imttimis.  locked 
at  tile  mouth  and  strai>]n-d  in  the  middle.  Tliey  are  oidy  of  cine  size — :^(i  inelies  in  lentrth  and 
3tj  inciies  in  eiic  iiniferenee. 

Mail,  dosed,     (.svc  Closkii  Mail.) 

Mnil,  Delivery.     Mail  for  tlie  local  delivery  of  a  iM.stollice. 

jTIail,  Direct.  .\.s  ap])lied  to  foreijiii  (^xchanjies.  is  a  mail  transpdrted  diicctly  to  its  destinarii>u 
without  usin^'  the  iutejDiediary  service  of  a  third  countiy. 

Mail.  Direct.  ^lail  made  up  direct  for  an  ottice.  It  may  be  either  '"deliverv"'  or  ■•distriluition" 
matter. 

Mail,  DiiiitribiilioM.  ^lail  addressed  to  other ofiices  than  that  at  whicli  it  is  I'eceived:  not  delivery 
mail. 

Mail.  Exprciis.     Mail  sent  hy  train  on  whicli  there  are  no  emph)yes  of  the  railway  mail  service. 

Mail,  E.xtra  Dislribiilioii.  Sometimes  ai)i)lied  in  the  .same  sense  for  ordinary  mail,  as  extra-in- 
ternational for  freight. 

Mail,  foreign.  Mail  received  from  foreisu  countries  or  colonies :  or,  asdistini;nished  from  'mail 
domestic,"  mail  for  or  from  foT-eign  countries  or  c(donies. 

Mail,  liOcal.  .\  term  used  in  the  railway  mail  service  to  indicate  mail  deliven-d  hetweeii  tie-  rt-r- 
mini  of  the  i-oad  as  distinguished  from  throujiii  mail. 

Mail-Me««Pllgcr  W«M-vice.  'fhe  service  to  \\  liic-li  is  assiyiied  tlit-  duty  of  transiiortation  of  the 
mails  from  a  ni-neral  post -ottice  to  adjacent  dejiots,  landings.  \<-,.  oi-  lii-twi-en  lirancli  post-oflices. 
(u-  trains,  or  intenhanseahly.  under  the  direction  of  the  jiostmaster  at  such  general  post-otlice. 

Hail  IVuiiiber.     A  numlier  jiiven  to  a  mail  for  convenience  in  scheduliuf;  or  i-efereuce. 

Mail,  Ordinary.  All  mailable  matter  suliject  to  domestic  rates  of  postage  and  intended  for  the  de- 
liverv of  post-oflices  in  the  T7nited  States  and  Dominion  of  Canada :  luit  rciii.stered  mail. 

9Eail  Pockets.     {.Ser  IluusE  Mail- Bag.) 

Mail-Pouch.  Adai)teil  to  any  mode  of  conveyance  exceptini;  horseback.  Has  locked  mouth  and 
circular  bottonr  1'here  an-  five  sizes,  the  largest  beini;  S'o.  1.  and  the  smallest  Xo.  .'>.  Xo.  1  is 
48  inches  iu  leuiith  and  60  inches  in  circumfcrciu-t^  Xo.  -  is  41  inches  in  leniitli  aiul  48  inches 
in  circumference.  Xo.  3  is  .36  inches  in  len^ith  and  42  inches  iu  circumference.  Xo.  4  is  r;0 
inches  in  length  and  36  inches  in  circumference.  X'o.  5  is  26  inches  in  length  and  28  inches  in 
circumference. 

Mail,  Registered.  Mail  for  which  a  receii)t  is  jiiven  to  tli(>  sender  and  by  each  jiostmaster  I'V  eui- 
)doye  into  whosi-  hands  it  passes  until  it  itailies  its  destinatiiui. 

Mail,  Regular,  'flu-  mail  seiit  out  at  a  regular  disjiatch,  and  in<ludinLi  all  deposited  in  a  post-ortice 
l)r<^vious  to  the  ri  ijiilar  close  thercfoi-.      (,SVc  IMsl'ATCH.) 

Mail,  Mupplenientary.     'I'he  mail  .sent  at  a  suiiidementary  dispatch.     (See  Dispatc  ll.) 

Mail,  Through.  .\  t.  rm  u.sed  in  the  railway  mail  service  to  indicate  mail  intemled  for  the  terminus 
of  the  loute  or  points  be\(ind;  not  local  mail. 

Mail.  Tie.  A  term  used  in  the  distribution  division  to  indicate  such  mails  as,  after  beini;  onci-  sepa- 
rated or  boxed,  are  aijain  assorted  and  tied  out  se]iarately  for  each  post-ottice.  » 

Maps,  Post-Route.  .Maps  prepared  for  the  use  of  the  I'ost-Otlice  Dejiartment,  sliowin;:  tin-  loca- 
tion of  postotticcs,  jiosf-rontes,  frequency  of  service,  intermediate  distances,  Ac. 

Mass.     To  coml)ine  one  or  more  mails  with  another. 

MasKed  States.  Stales,  the  mail  for  which  is  forwai'ded  from  a  p<pst -ottice  or  route  without  any  .sep- 
aration or  distribution. 

Massing.  The  act  nl'  i  cmibininji  a  mail  or  mails  with  another  distinct  mail,  sending  mail  to  an  oltice 
or  lonte  from  which  it  is  not  directl.v  .supplied. 

Massing  ^chenif.     (,SVe  SfilKMl^..) 

Messenger,  Mail.  .\n  emjiloy^  of  the  de]>artmeiit  ai)pointed  at  a  fixed  salaiy.  to  perform  service 
somewhat  similar  to  that  )ierformed  by  a  contractor,  the  latter  not  l)ein<;'  appointed  and  his 
coni])en.sation  difirniined  by  contract. 

Messenger,  Mail-Route.  An  otticial  desinnation  for  an  employe  of  the  railway  mail  service  iu  im- 
mediate cliai;:!'  of  the  way  service  or  short  routes  :  an  inferior  urade  of  roiitc-anent. 

Messenger  .^Service.  'I'he  duties  devolvinji  upon  a  nnul-messensier  or  contractm- for  local  messen- 
ger ser\  ice. 

Messenger  Service,  I,<ocal.  The  wagon  or  transfer  service  bt^tween  a  post-oftice.  its  bianch  po.st- 
oftice.  and  adjacent  dejiots.  landings.  &c.     Usually  cmitracted  for. 

Misdirected.  Mattel-  so  insutliciently,  iUegibly,  or  incorrectly  addressed  that  it  cannot  be  forwarded; 
to  destination. 

Money-Order.  An  oiiler  for  a  specified  sum  of  money,  not  less  than  one  cent  nor  greater  than  lift.y 
dollars,  made  out  at  a  unmey-<uder  iiost-oflice  upon  a  blank  form  prescribed  by  law  and  post- 
otiice  regulations,  and  payabh-  at  s(une  other  nmney-iu-der  jiost-ofiice.  The  purchaser  of  a 
money-<n-der  is  known  as  the  remitter,  and  the  ))ers(in  to  whom  it  is  made  jpaxable  as  the  inkvee 
or  beneticiary.     The  tax  exacted  from  the  remitter  is  called  the  lee.     (Seitioiis  it.'iO.  '.•.'"i7.) 

Moucy-Or«Ier  Accoiint.  An  ai-count  of  the  cash  transaifious  of  a  monev-orcler  jKist-otficr.  (Si-.-. 
ti(m  107.').) 

Money-Order  Advice.     (,s'i'c  Auvici-:.) 

Money-Order  Blank.  .\  blank  form  useil  in  tin-  transaction  of  nione\-order  business.  (Section 
ftlif,. ) 

Money-Order  Book.  .V  blank  bo(dv  used  in  the  transactiiui  of  moncv-order  busim-ss.  (Sei-tions 
mr^.  !I77. ) 

Money-Ortler  BHsiiie.<ss.  Tlu- transactions,  orauortioii  of  tin-  trausai-tions,  of  the  money  .order 
sysli-ni. 

Moncy-Or«ler  Circulars.  Letters,  usually  iirinfed.  cmitaining  spi-(-itic  instrm-tiims  of  general  Ap- 
lilicafion  to  nuineycirder  post-oflices.     (Seclicm  iKi.'i.) 

Money-Ortler  Clerk.'     \u  em|)loye  of  a  mouey-oidi-r  post-ollicc,     (Sections  1018,  losll,) 

ttloney-Orilcr  Convent  ion.  A  written  a;;ree,mi-nt  bet  ween  tin-  posl,-il  administrations  oC  two  coun- 
trii-s.  aiijuox  i-d  by  llii-ir  res])ecti\e  govc-rnnn-nts,  for  the  issue  of  mom-y-orders  in  cil  licr  country, 
and  tlic-ir  payment  hi  the-  other,  with  the  gcnt-ral  rules  liy  which  sucli  issue  and  payment  are  to 
be  govern(-d'.      (Sect  ion  !t7(i.) 

Money-Order  Credit,     (.s'cc  CuKiii'i'.) 

Money. Order  Division.  The  division  of  a  postollice  to  whicli  is  assign(-<l  r\i-lusivi-ly  tin-  diii  i- 
tion.  manau.uii-nt,  and  working  cd'  tin-  Mn)in-\  -order  system. 

Money-Order  FuikIn.  Moneys  re(^eivcd  and  dishuised  in  the  ti-ansactions  of  the  Mnim-\  -ordi-i  'i:;-ii- 
m-ss.     (Sc-ction  l((7-l.) 

Money-Order  Forms.     (AVc  MiiNKV-OmiKii  Hl.wks,) 

Money-Order  Inslructions.  instructions  from  tin-  l'os)-(  jllici-  l>i-partm.-iil  rdativi-  to  tin-  i-  !-.- 
acti(m  111' iin>Me\didi-r  liiisim-ss.      (Sc<'liou  !l."i(i.  Xv.} 


GLOSSARY.  431 

MoMOy-OnU-r  I.iiwm.     .Vtta«l'C'im)rr«sH  icliitiv.- 1..  the  iii..ii.\  onl.  i  nVKtoiii  »i  iln  lr'.iii*>urti<>ti.     (.V« 

Kfvi.s.il  Sl;iliii(s.  siTtioiiH  !t'i«-l»7:i.) 
Ifloiicy.Ordcr  OtlUt-.      I'lu!  «.tlice  ol  tin-  Mii|Mi'iiiti'ii<li'iit  t,(  llir  tii v-iiiiUt  KVHhiii  in  U'H»liliii't..ii 

D.C. 
!nuii<>>-Or<l<-i-  PoKl-Omre.     A  post  ollirr  .l<Hi;;iintc.l  l.\  tli.    I'.mtiiiiiHlcM  mimthI   to  Nhik- iitiil   iiu> 

liiiPIHN  (iiilii  s.      (Sci  tiiiiis  ll.'.il,  ".KiCi,  !Mi7.) 
I»Ioin-j-Oril«T  PoMl.OtHrt' of  the  "llr«l  rlnMM.'>     A  iinuicv  i>ril«  r  ii.ml  offln- i|.„ii.'n«r«il  liv  Ihi 

l'<istiM:isti  I  (m  11.  Till  to  I'.Tiivc  on  <l<'|i<>si(   ami  nccmiiil    li>i-  ninittiiiKi-H  of  nioiKv-oiiU-r  riiiiil* 

iVimi  iillii  T  |Misl  iilliiis.     (Siiiii.n  !ni:!. ) 
ITIoney-Ordrr  PoHf.Ollit-c  oI'iIk'  ••Hcroiid  cIiihm.**     A  inoii.  y  oiilir  pimt  <>|»in-  wliiili  i»  not  uii 

thoii/.cil  to  i.Tiixi- (.11  ilciH.sil  rtiiiillaiu  I-.  (.1    inoiii-v-oiilcr  !'iih<1h   IVoni  ntlii-r  rHmt-iimrfK      iStn'. 

ti<.iisi>(;:{  1(101.) 
ITIoiif>y>Ordrr   I»ro«-»'«'«l»t.     K.v.iiius  jiiisiii;;   lr..iii   tin-  lr:insii.ti..Tis  i.f  tin-  nii.n.v -<>itli-r  iiriit4«in 

(S.-<ti<iii  !>7(l.) 
JTIoil<'y-4>ril<<r  NywH'iii.      Tin-    phtii  ami  an  aiimni.-iil,  imlmliii'^  tli.'   n'-ni'ial  |.i«\  i.|i.|i,t  miil  oim-.  itlr 

ililails.  u.iv.iiiiiii;  tlic  issiii-  and  payimiit  of  mom  y<.ril.  is.  tli.'  <'..rri-M|.i.n>li-iii'(' iii<  iil.-iit  tli.'ii-f.. 

ami  till'  .s.'lll.im  lit  ol  all  i|ii(  si  ioii.s  and  ai.-oiinls  arisinu  tlicictVoiii.     ( Si. t  ions  lt.'i<>.  H.'iT.) 
ITIonrv-Wrdi-r 'I'riiiiMHclioii.     An   itrnii/.id  unit  ol'  iii -y-.n-diM  Inisiniss   imludiiii:  alt  IiiIhh' and 

liiatilial  iiiiid.nt  to  or  rii|iiir.il  lor  its  roiii|il(t  ion  :   as,  the  is.nm-  ot'ii  im vordil  ,    til*-  piiyniflit 

ol  a  inomy  oidiT;   tin'  i.-ci-iiit  of  a  riiiiittam f  nion.'y-oi.l.-i-  funds.  A.  .     (Si'ttion  I09:i.i 

ITIutilntrd.     Matt,  r  .so  daiua;:('d  in  llii'  mails  liv  .'a.siinltii'S  tliiit  it  cann.it   )><•   furwaiilt-d  to  di-tthiR' 

tion. 
IVrvvMpnpcr  Train.     A  very  faily  train,  sfaitinv;  fr.ini  a  lar.i;<'  ••ity.  tin- w  liiih  st'coM.I  riass  niatt.-r  ir> 

inadf  iij.  dii-.'.-t   at   ixil.liiation  otli.-.'s   for  tlic  fiiiploy^s  on  tlic  ti-ain.  wliirli  niatti-r  is  not  HIh 

triliiitcii  in  a  |i.isl  oltic-  lul'or.-  start  ini;. 
IXIxe*!.     I's.'d  in  railway  mail  s.-ivicc  to  .(.•not.-  iiiattcr.  i-liictly  of  the  first  and  Hi-rond  rIasH.  ndiln-it.'<).-<i 

to  i)la<is  wlii.li  aif  not   post-ottii.s,  or  t.i  States,  it...  in  wliii-li  tlu-n- is  no  sn.'li  poHt-otfiN- ai> 

that  indiiat.-d  in  tli.'  aildi.ss. 
OIHcr.     U.sfil  in  railway  mail  scrvirc  to  d.-notf  a   postal  car  or  mail  apartni.-nl  in  n  <-ar  .ir  on  lumnl  a 

steamboat,  wliicli  have  all  Vieen  di'sijiuaf.-.l  liy  the  I'ostniastcr-tJcncral  as  po<)t-<tflic<-s  for  the  .lis 

tribntion  of  mail  in  transit. 
Open  Mail,     ('nrr.'siiondi'ncf  sent  to  an  intormcliary  .■.(iiiitry  for  .list ribiitinn  and  r.'forwarded  t<.> 

the  .■ouiitry  of  .Icstinati.ni. 
Paid  Order.     A  iiiiinL'y-or.ler.  projierly  riTcii>t.»'d.  which  has  lii'cn  pai.l   t.i  the  own.-r  thcn'of  ut  the 

ottii.-  named  tli.'r.-ou  as  the  ]iayin<r  oftice.     (Section  KUti,  etc.) 
Particulars,     'rii.-  it.'ms  of  information  entered  in  the  ajiplicati.in,  advic.-.  or  r«iupon  of  a  nii>n<-y- 

order,  by  ni.-ans  of  which  the  payinfr  posttna.ster  is  assisted  in  seciirin;:  payment   to  the  [MTsi'in 

t.)  whom  th.'  oilier  bel.mss.     (Seiti.ins  fl7H.  it7!l,  !t!t4. ) 
Payee.     The   person    named  in  the  advic  .m-  ciiii)i.in  of  a  mom-y-order  as  th.- one  entitl.'.l  t.i  r.-ct>i\-e 

anil  receipt  lor  tli.'  amount  of  such  order.     (Se.tioii  !t.'')7.) 
Paying  Country.     The  country  in  which  a  iiioiiev  -ordei-  is  due  and  payald.-. 

Paying  OtHre.     The  po.st-oflice  at  which  a  inoney-oiiler  is  made  payable,  or  upon  which  it  is  dniwn. 
Paying  PoxtinaMter.     The  postmasterof  a  payiiii;  oliice. 
Penal  Sum.     The  ;:ros.s  amount  forfeitable  by  tlie  luincijial  and  sureties  th.-ri'.if.  as  s.'t  forth  in  thi- 

terms  of  a  bon.l  of  indemnity,  in  case  of  failure  oii   the  part  .if  the   fomier  t«i  comply  with  m 

execute  the  atipulatious  therein  written.     (Section  louti.  I 
PoHt-Offiee  drawn  upon.     (.Vf  P.wixi;  Oki-kk.i     (Section  lo:iU.) 

PoNtal  .Arrangement.     Syn.    •  J'/ixtnl  ('(inventlnti."  but  .sonu-timesappli.d  to  an  informal  au:reenipnt.. 
Ponttal  Code.     Tin-  code  of  laws  rtdatinu  to  (lostal  matters. 
Postal  Card.     A  card  with  po.sta^c-atiiiii])  eiuliosscd  thereon,  issued   by  the  i;overniiient.  n.sed  for 

semliuj;  shoit  written  .■onimunications. 
Postal  Conrentiou.     .\  formal  atiT'eeimnt  or  arranjicuieut  with  a  fore.inn  coiinti-y  .ir  .-onntries  for 

the  recii>r.iial  ex.hanuf  <>!  c(>ne.s[)iindenc.'  at  tixed  rates  of  postage  and  other  eondiriniiA.  nogo- 

tiated  and  ((included  by  the  Postmastet -(Jcneral.  in  virtue  of  the  powers  veste.l  in  him  liy  law. 

by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  I'resi.leiit. 
Postal  Order,  or  f  o.>ttal  ITIouey-Ordcr.    {Si-c  Monky-Okhkh.i 
Postal  Regulations.     Decisions,  rulings,  and  j^eneral  orders  of  the  I'ostmaster-t Jeiienil  lins.il  on 

the  postal  laws  (code). 
Postal  Service.     Diit.v  jierfonned  in  or  pertaining  to  the  reception,  distriluiti.tn.  and  dispatch,  trans- 

portation  and  dtdiv.-iv  .if  mail-matter,   in.ludin;;  ever\  tiling  that  is  neee.ssary  to  seciin-   the 

.safety  of  the  mails  and  the  celerity  and  certainty  of  tlieir  dispatch. 
Postal  I'nion,  Universal.     The  title  liiveii  to  the  single  postal  t.'rrit.iry  formed  by  the  countries 

and  .(iloiiies  which  Jire  now,  or  may  hereafter  liecdiiic.  jiaitics  to  the  postal  conv.-nl ion  of  Paris. 

sisueil  .lime  1.  li^78. 
Post.     To  imt  in  tlie  mail.     (Syn.  Mail.) 

Postage.     Established  fee  for  tlie  convevance  ami  )>ro|ier  delivery  of  mail. 
Poslage-Fuufls.     .Mon.'ys  .lerived  fr.)ni  box-rents,  )iosta'.:es.  sales  .if  stamjis.  \c..  in  .listin.tion  fmiii 

moneys  ilenoniinat.'d  nioucy-ojder  funds.     (Section  ]()7H.) 
Postage-Rates.     Iietincl  amounts  for  whi.h  mail  is  c.mveyed  and  ilidiver.-d. 
Postage-Mlamp.     A  )irinted  fonn  for  the  iire])ayment  of  posta.i:e  issued  an. I  sold  by  the  Post-tJltii-t 

I'epartnieiit  to  be  athxe.l  to  mail  matter. 
Postage,  Ciipaid.     .Vdilitional  postajie  due  and  payable  at  delivery. 
Postage  Out'  Stamp.     A  printed  foini  to  b.-athxi'd  and  .ancide.l  u|i.in  tlu'.lelivery  .'f  iusiitH.'ientlv 

pr.'paid  matter,  showinj;-  the  anmunt  of  posta^f  .liie  and  <-.)llect.-.l  thereon. 
Post-Bills  are  ab.ilished. 
Poster.     (1)  Til.' si  nder  of  mail:  the  one  wli.i  posts  mail. 

(li)   -\  larj;.'  jirinted  shi.t  intende.l  t.i  Im-  displaye.l  in  a  iMihlie  jila.  .'  as  an  adv.i  li-  .,..  ,.i 
Poste  Restnutc  (Fr).     A  .lii.ction  to  the  i>ostniaster  at  the  ileliv.'ry  .>tti.-e.  jilaced  on  mail  b\  tin 

seii.ler  or  iiostcr.  to  indicate  that  such  mail  is  to  be  held  until  call.-d  tor. 
Postmark.     Mark  .ir  stamp  of  a  p.ist-otti. n  mail-matter  jiostetl  thereat,  sometimes  written.     T.> 

mark  with  a  postmarkin-;  standi  or  in.licat.'  the  .iltice  an.l  .late  of  mailinu  in  writing. 
Postmarli,  Backing.     A  u.neral  term  lor  all   p.istmarks  on  the  back  or  reverse  side  of  tn«il.  in- 
cluding tiaiisit.  rec.'ivinir.  branch,  carri.'rs  p.istmark.  Arc. 
Postmark,  Brnncli.     Tti.'  (lostmark  of  a  brancli  ]iost-.>tti.'e. 
Postmark,  Carri«'r's.     The  imstniark  in.li.'atin^  the  carrier  tiip  on  which  fli.' mail  on  whiih  it 

apjiears  was  sent  out. 
Postmark.  Day  (of  month).     The  ]iortion  of  tin-  general  p.istmark  indi.atinir  the  .lay  .>f  the  month. 
Postmark,  Directory  Searcher.     A  p.istnnuk  indi.atin^  that  the  ni8il  on  which  it  npi>«'ar,«  hft.'» 

bieii  haiidl.'il  an.l  treated  by  a  certain  directory  searcher. 
Postmark,  Hour.     That  portion  of  a  general  pos(n\ark  intUoatiug  the  hour  of  the  day. 


432 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Postmark.  .Tloutli.     That  portion  of  a  general  postniarlc  indicatino'  the  month  of  the  year. 

Postmark.  Office.  That  imrtiou  of  the  general  postmark  indicating  tlie  office  or  post-ottice  at 
wliieli  such  postmark  is  made. 

Postmark,  Bating.  The  postmarking  stamp  used  to  indicate  the  amount  of  postage  due  on  mail 
before  dilivery  is  made. 

Postmark,  Receiving.  Tlie  postmarli  made  on  the  back  of  mail  received  from  other  offices,  to  in- 
dicate the  time  of  such  receipt. 

Postmark,  Steamer.  The  postmark,  nsually  consisting  of  the  post-office  name  or  abbreviation, 
date,  anil  a  number,  used  in  the  New  York  post-office  to  indicate  by  what  steamer  foreign  mail  is 
reci'ived. 

Postmark,  Transit.  A  backing  postmark  u.sed  to  indicate  the  time  letter  mail  in  transit  through 
an  office  is  received  at  such  office. 

Postmark,  If  ear.     That  portion  of  tlie  general  postmark  indicating  tlie  year. 

Postmaster.  The  officer  of  tlie  Post-Offiie  Department  having  immediate  charge  and  supervision 
of  a  post-office  and  of  all  postal  matters  connected  witli  its  delivery  district. 

Postmaster,  Assistant.  (Syn.  Depiitii.)  An  otticer  of  flu-  Post-Office  Department  assisting  the 
postmaster  in  the  supervision  of  flie  business  of  a  iiosf-office,  and  in  his  absence  acting  as  post- 
master. 

Post-OHice.  A  local  governmental  office  where  mail  is  received,  handled,  and  delivered,  dispatclied 
or  forwarded. 

Post-Office,  Brancii.  (Syn.  Stati<in.  Suh-I'dxt-Ojlice.)  An  outlying  station  in  the  delivery  of  a 
central  or  main  office,  hicafed  thus  for  eonvenii  nee  of  the  public  and  the  service  in  facilitating 
and  expediting  the  collection  and  delivery  of  mail. 

Post-Office,  First-l'Iass.  A  post-otiice  at  which  the  .salary  allowed  to  the  postmaster,  baaed  on 
the  business  tiansacted,  ajnounts  to  $3,000  or  more. 

Post-Office,  Fourth-Class.    A  j)ost-office  wheie  the  i)ostmaster's  salary  is  less  than  $1,000. 

.Post-Office,  Free-I>elivery.     An  office  at  which  the  free-delivery  service  is  in  oi)eration. 

Post-Office,  Oeneral.  A  central  or  main  post-office  in  cities  where  branch  post-offices  are  estab- 
lishiHl. 

Post-Office,  Head.  A  post-office  located  at  a  terminus  or  intersection  of  a  star  route,  through 
which  mail  is  forwaided  to  other  jiost-offices  on  the  same  or  connecting  routes.  The  first  post- 
ofli<e  named  in  the  contract  for  carrying  the  mail  over  a  route. 

Post-Offlec,  Initial.  The  first  office  named  in  the  teiininal-route  titles  of  the  railway  mail  service. 
The  office  first  named  in  contracts  or  proposals  for  service  on  star  routes,  usually  designated  on 
post-i'onte  inajis  by  a  short  double  turn  {|  crossing  the  route  terminus  at  right  angles. 

Post-Office,  Local.     iPost-office  on  a  railroad  route  between  the  initial  and  tenninal  ])ost-officej». 

Post-Office,  Money-Order.  A  po.st-office  at  which  money-orders  are  issued  or  paid  upon  applica- 
tion or  ])re.sentati(ui. 

Post-Office  of  Destination.  The  post-office  to  which  made-up  mails  are  labeled  and  where  they 
are  to  be  first  assorted,  .sepaiated,  delivered,  or  distributed. 

Post-Office  of  Dispatch.     The  office  from  which  mails  made  up  as  received  are  dispatched. 

Post-Office  of  Origin.     The  post-office  in  which  mail  originatea  or  at  which  it  is  mailed. 

Post-Office,  Railway,  {Abb.  and  syn.,  R.  P.  O.)  A  railway  car,  or  portion  of  car,  fitted  and  fur- 
nished for  the  distriluition  of  mail,  and  in  which  such  distribution  is  made.  A  i-oute  on  which 
such  cars  are  run  and  distribution  made. 

Post-Office,  Second-C'lass.  A  i)08t-office  where  the  postmasters  salary  is  $2,000  or  more,  but  less 
than  $3,000. 

Post-Office,  Special.  A  post-office  not  located  on  a  i-egular  mail  I'oute.  but  which  receives  its  mail 
from  a  post-office  selected  by  the  postmaster  and  under  a  schedule  arranged  by  him  as  to  time, 
fre(iuency,  and  mode,  the  compensation  of  the  special  canier  conveying  the  mail  to  be  fixed  at 
two-thirds  of  the  salary  of  the  postmaster,  both  being  paid  out  of  the  gioss  receipts  of  the  post- 
office. 

Post-Office,  Terminal.  The  last  named  in  the  terminal-route  titles  of  the  railway  mail  service, 
and  the  contracts  of  the  Post-Office  Department  for  star  service,  indicated  on  postal  railway 
maps  by  a  single  chai't  line  crossing  an  end  of  a  route  at  right  angles. 

Post-Office,  'Thir«I-C'Iass.  A  post-office  where  the  postmaster's  .salary  is  $1,000  or  more,  but  less 
than  $2,000. 

Post-Office,  Traveling.  The  designation  given  in  Europe  to  railway  post-offices.  (Styled  Offices 
in  regulations  of  United  States  railway  mail  service.) 

Post-Roads.  All  railroads  that  are  now  or  may  hereafter  be  ])ut  in  operation,  and  all  letter-carrier 
routes  establishe<l  in  any  city  or  town:  all  the  waters  of  the  United  States,  all  lanals,  and  all 
plank  or  public  loads  during  the  time  the  mail  is  carried  theieou. 

Pouch.     (5fc  JMA)l--P(jr(M.) 

Premium.  Excess,  in  commercial  value,  over  legal  or  conventional  value.  In  money-iu'der  transa*'- 
tions  usually  ai)|)lied  to  denote  the  (>xce.ss  in  the  c(nnmercial  value  of  gidd  coin  or  exchange  over 
their  legal  or  conventional  value.     (Sections  1004,  1077.) 

Prepaid.     Mail  on  which  all  ]>()stage-<lues  thereon  have  been  paid  at  the  office  of  posting. 

Prepaid,  Insufficiently.  Mail  on  which  only  a  i>ortion  of  the  po.stage-diies  thereon  has  been  paid 
at  the  office  of  ])osf  ing. 

Prepayment.     The  payiuent  of  all  iwstage-dues  at  the  ]»o.st-office  where  mail  is  posted. 

Prepayment,  4j4»nipulsory.  Full  prepayment  of  postage  fees,  absidutely  necessary,  and  without 
whi<h  mail  cannot  be  forwarded. 

Prepayment  Optional.     Paynu-nt  of  ])ostage  may  or  may  not  Xm  made. 

Prima  Vacie.  On  tlu^  tirst  view.  Evidence, "generally  documentary,  which  is  to  l)e  taken  aa  con- 
vincing unless  rebutted.     (Section  1070.) 

Railway  ITIail  Service.  The  service  to  which  is  assigned  exclusively  the  immediate  supervision 
of  the  traiis|H)rtation  of  domestic  mails,  of  their  distribution  in  transit,  and  of  all  matter's  per- 
taining to  file  ilisfribution  ami  disjjatch  of  domestic  mails  beyoml  the  delivery  of  a  post-office,  and 
also  the  Weighing  of  mails  on  railroad  routes. 

Rate,  Foreign.     Kale  of  iiostage  due  to  the  foreign  reforwarding  office. 

Rate  Liimit.     The  uiaximum  weight  tor  a  single  rate  of  |^o.stag(^ 

Readjustment.     Api)lied  to  railroad  serxiee  means  a  revision  id'  the  lates  of  pav. 

Receipt  Return.  A  fonu  tif  acknowledgnunf  to  b(>  signed  by  the  addressee  ot  a  registered  article 
on  its  <lelivery.  and  retuini-d  by  mail  to  the  sender. 

Recognized  Service.  Tin-  transportation  of  the  mail  by  a  railroad  company  for  which  no  contract 
has  been  c-ntered  into,  but  the  servi<-(-  is  accc)ited  by  the  dei)arf  uient  and  pajnneut  authorized 
th(-refbr  under  the  laws  and  the  regulations  of  the  deparfuu-nf.' 

Register  of  Arrival  an«l  Departure.  A  ri-cord  kejit  by  a  iK)stnuister  or  other  officer  of  the 
Post-Office  Department,  showing  the  exact  time  of  each  arrival  and  each  departure  ()f  a  mail  - 
carrier  at  a  tej-minal  iiost-oflice,  or  at  a  way  post-office  on  a  mail-route. 


GLOSSARY.  433 

RoKiKlrrod   Fort-iK"  .'Inil  Hinh.     V»<t\  ixcIiikIv.Iv  C.r  traiminlltiiiK  rrtfUUred  mnllx  t«  for.i'ii 

romiti  lis,  nia.l.'  ..I  />■./  im.l  irhil,-  «tii|MMl  (-..ft. .11  .iinviis.  Tli.-r.-  iin-  tlir.-i-  Hi;!rit.tlM-  InrKi.t  I»  liiK 
No  1.  aii.l  f  li.-  smaU.  si  N,..  :t.  Xo.  ]  !«  :t6  inchi-H  in  l.iiirth.  iiikI  4H  iniliiN  in  rirminf.T.-nrf  No 
•2  IS  24  iiiili.s  III  Irnntli,  iinil  SO  im-lu!>*  in  cin  iniifir.nii- .  Xo.  .1  in  IH  inrlii-N  |ji  li-ni:th  ami  24 
inclics  m  ciri-iiiiili'ii-nic.  ' 

RrgiciU'r  of  AdviteH  IC<>r<>irr<l      A  book  kijtt  h.v  11  j.avin^'  ii<mtninht«T,  in  whirli  ]„■  \h  r«'«iiiii.  <I  to 
mak.-  .laily  .iitius  nl  tin-  i.ai  ti.iilniM  of  tli<-  advir.-M,  iim  n-roivcd,  of  nil  monevonl.TH  dniwn  «.n 
lilsiillirc       (>i-(tliiiis  llTil.  1017,  lOlMl.) 
RcKinK-r  of  ITIoney-OrdrrN  IitMiird.     A  Ixidk  kept  l>v  nn  isHiiinK  i...»tninMt.r   in  wlilrh  ht-  in 
r.iiuinil  to  make  daily  cnliiis  of  tin-  imrtiiiilais  of  the  ndviicM.  iim  JMMii.d,  of  all  nion<'v-<>rd<r» 
ihawii  liy  him.      (Sections  i)77,  1000.) 
Rf^iNK-r,  Coiiibiiird.     A  fonn  of  n-^ist<r  ol'  inoin-y-oidfrs  i.Hsii.-d  or  of  ridvi.cs  rcciiv.d.  in  whirh 
isioiiiliiiiid  tile  iiaitiiulaisof  liotli  donicslir  and' iiilcrniitional  ndvii  i.s  oionlirs.     {S4Ttion  lo«i2  ) 
Rri.xMiK-.      i'lif  issiif  of  a  now  nioncy-oidfi-  in  lini  of  om-  in  wliicli  Monir  .nor  hau  li.cn  diHiovi-n  d  7ir 

ill  ■irliicli  Thr  remitter  desires  some  moditiention.     (Seetioii  1003.) 
Rp${i!tti-y  pi  viHioii.     The  division  of  a  jiostothre  to  wliiih  Is  asniirned  the  rerpivinc,  mnkine  np.nnd 
ilisjiateli  ot  all  rejiistered  mail,  anil  the  lilin;;  of  records  coneemin;;  the  .same. 

ltt'iiii!i«Nioii.  The  al.atement  of  11  tine  <n  deduction,  or  of  that  part  of  11  fine  or  dediution  shouii  to 
have  been  erroiiiously  imposed  or  made. 

Roiiiillt-r.     Tlie  jieisoii  who  takes  out  or  purelia.ses  a  money-order.     (Soetion  0.19.) 

Reiiiittiiis  PoslmiiMKr.     A  iiostniaster  who  send.s  moiiev-order  funds  for  deposit  at  a  moneT- 
_  Older  post-olhee  of  tlie  "tirst  ela.ss."     (Seetioii  1081.) 

Rciiiitlaiirr.  A  sum  of  iiioiicy-order  funds  forwarded  for  deposit,  bv  mail  or  otherwise,  bv  a  post- 
master to  a  iiioiiex  -nrder  postotliee  of  the  first  ela.ss.     (Section  1(1X1.) 

Repayuirnt.  The  i>ayiin:  of  the  amount  of  a  money-order  at  the  oftiee  where  it  was  issued.  An 
order  may  be  repaid  to  the  remitter,  the  payee,  or  the  indorsee.  Fees  are  not  reiiaid.  (Seetiona 
1035,  1039.) 

Reserre.  A  limited  amonnt  of  tnoney-order  funds  allowed  by  the  superintendent  of  the  noney-onler 
system  to  be  retained  at  certain  dcsif^natcd  money-order  otHces  to  insure  the  prompt  pa>-inent 
of  money-orders.  Reserves  are  of  two  kinds,  ■'Fixed'"  and  "In-espeetive.  A  "fixed  re- 
serve' is  one  which  may  be  exceeded  when  the  amount  of  unpaid  advices  on  hand  is  tjreater 
than  the  amount  of  the  reserve.  (Sections  1080  and  lOSl.)  An  "irrespective  nsen-e"  is  one 
which  is  iiTespective  of  the  amount  of  unpaid  advices,  and  may  not  be  exceeded  under  any  cir- 
cumstances. 

Return.  The  acctimulation  of  dead  or  unmailable  matter  transmitted  at  regular  inter\-iils  to  the 
Dead-Letter  Otlice. 

Return  Card.  A  business  card  (except  that  of  a  hotel,  college,  or  other  public  institution  wliieh 
furnishes  envelopes  for  indiscriminate  use  of  patrons),  a  post-ottice  box,  street  and  number,  or 
other  designation,  printed  (ui  an  envelope,  by  which  the  latter  may  be  restored  to  the  writer 
unojiened. 

Return  Request.  A  request  printed  or  written  on  the  envelope  of  a  letter  that  it  be  returned  to 
the  writer  if  not  delivered. 

Renevv'al  of  Credit.  Where  a  credit  has  been  exhausted  it  may  be  renewed  by  application  to  the 
Superiuteudeut  of  the  money-order  system.     (See  Cueoit.)     (Sectitm  1095.>  " 

Route.  A  post-road  between  au.v  two  jiost-oftices  (intermediate  post-otticcs  may  or  may  not  bi-  in- 
cluded) on  which  transportation  of  the  mails  has  been  ordered  and  contracted  for. 

Route-Agents.    {See  Agent.) 

Route,  Carrier's.  The  district  within  the  delivervof  a  free-delivery  office  in  which  delivery  of  maila 
i.s  made  at  residences  or  places  of  business  by  any  one  letter-camer. 

Route,  Railroad.  A  railroad  on  which  transportation  of  the  mails  and  sei^ice  has  been  ordered  by 
the  department. 

Route,  i^tar.  A  jiublic  highway  or  other  road  on  which  transportation  of  the  mails  has  been  ortlered 
and  cimtracted  for  by  the  Post-Ottice  Dejiartment. 

Route,  Steamboat.  A  water-route  on  which  transportation  of  the  mails  and  service  by  steamboat 
has  been  ordered  bv  the  I'ost-Ottice  Department. 

R.  P.  O.     (Abb.  for  Railwan  FostOMce.) 

Run.  Xearly  a  synonym  of  "Triii,"  but  applied  generaUy  to  the  starting  out  of  an  employ^  on  duty, 
a.s.  "Mr.  Jones  takes  the  "run' west  to-uight.'' 

Saek.     (See  Mail-Bag.) 

Satchel.  A  unifonn  leather  bag  used  by  letter-carriers,  and  in  which  the.v  place  mail  for  delivery  or 
di'posit  at  the  post-oftice. 

Scale  IVumber.  The  number  assigned  to  any  issue  of  authorized  scales,  letter-balances.  (Stc.  used 
in  weighing  or  rating  mail.  It  should  be  used  in  connection  with  the  date  of  order  authoiizing 
such  ihanged  issue. 

Schedule  Point.  A  po.st-office  on  a  mail-route  where  a  .specified  time  for  the  airival  and  departure 
of  the  mail  has  been  fixed  by  the  Second  Assistant  Postmaster-Genenil.  Each  terminus  of  a 
mail-route  is  always  a  "schedule  point.'" 

Scheme.     An  nftieial  and  formal  jdan  or  di-sign  of  di.stribution  or  assorting. 

Scheme  of  Distribution.  A  scheme  for  the  distribution  division  of  post-offices  or  for  employ68 
of  the  railway  mail  service. 

Scheme  of  Distribntion,  General.  A  distribution  scheme  issued  by  the  railway  mail  service 
ffir  general  adajitation  to  any  standpoint,  and  in  which  all  routes  and  inethmls  of  supply  are 
indicated. 

Scheme  of  Distribution,  Oeneral  .4i:i;{li>  Supply.  A  distribution  .scheme  issued  by  the 
railway  mail  service  for  general  adaptation,  in  which  only  the  best  single  supply  for  an  office 
is  given. 

Scheme  of  Distribution,  ^Tlassing.  A  sni)]denientary  .scheme  directing  the  disposition  to  be 
made  of  The  ilivisiinis  of  the  u  ni  king  iiliice  scheme. 

Scheme  of  Distribution,  Post-Ollice.  A  distribution  scheme  jinblished  by  a  post-otfii'e  for 
its  ilisnilmtiiin  ilivisioii  and  ariaiigcil  to  secure  a  uniform  casing  or  assiu'tingof  mad  at  all  times. 

Scheme  of  Distribution,  MInndpoinl.  .V  distribution  scheme  issued  by  the  railway  miiil 
service  for  the  iliicctinn  and  from  the  staniljmint  of  a  route  or  other  standpoint. 

Second  Advice.  A  letter  of  advice,  ujion  a  distinct  form,  sent  by  the  issuing  postmastiT  in  lieu  of 
an  original  advice  which  has  been  mutilated  or  which  is  otherwise  ille-xible.  or  which  has  failed 
to  reach  the  paying  otiiie.  or  which  is  alleged  to  be  defective  or  manifestly  incorrect  in  any  of 
its  particulars.  A  second  advice  is  not  neces.sarily  an  exact  copy  of  the  original.  It  may  be  a 
conectiou  thereof.     (Section  995.) 

28  P  L 


434 


POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 


Separating.  A  term  used  in  the  district  divisions  of  post-oifices  and  in  the  railway  mail  service  to 
indicate  the  act  of  dividing  mail  for  the  convenience  of  a  post-office  or  route  making  the  fina. 
distribution  of  the  same. 

Separatiog  Post-Offices.  Post-offices  where  mail  is  received  for  distribution  and  dispatched  to  other 
post-offices.  Before  the  introduction  of  the  railway  mail  service  all  mail  was  either  sent  direct 
or  to  a  distributing  post-office,  but  now  the  largci'  part  of  tlic  distiibutiou  is  done  en  route  by 
the  employ68  of  the  railway  mail  service,  and  mily  mail  for  post-offices  on  star-routes  is  sent  to 
separating  post-offices.     Distributiug  po.st-officis  are  abolished. 

Service.  A  biancli,  division,  or  subdivision  of  the  business  of  the  Post-Office  Department.  The  spe- 
cial duties  of  any  such  branch  or  division.     The  general  duties  of  the  department. 

Set.    {See  Crew.) 

Special  Agent.  A  confidential  agent  of  the  department,  the  personal  rr])resentative  of  the  Post- 
master-General, acting  undir  siiicial  or  scaled  in.structions  in  the  adjustment  of  business  which 
it  is  impossible  or  impracticable  to  adjust  by  means  of  correspoiuU-nce.  Special  agents  assigned 
to  the  money-order  system  receive  their  instructions  from  and  report  to  the  su)>eriutendent  of 
the  money-order  system;  those  to  the  free-delivery  system  from  the  superintendent  of  free  de- 
livery, &c. 

Special  Draft.  A  draft  on  the  postmaster  at  New  York  for  a  designated  sum,  furnished  by  the 
superintendent  of  the  money-order  system  to  meet  a  special  emergency,  to  a  postmaster  who 
does  not  require  a  standing  credit.     (See  Creutt  and  Draft.)     (Section  1097.) 

Special  IVotice  of  Overdraft.  A  notice  (Fonu  tiiiHT)  sent  by  an  issuing  to  a  paying  postmaster 
at  a  second-class  office  to  inform  him  tluit  the  amount  of  money-orders  drawn  upon  his  office  in 
a  given  day  eqnals  or  exceeds  $200.     (Section  1001.) 

Special  Notice  of  Repayment.  A  notice  sent  by  the  issuing  to  the  paying  postmaster  to  in- 
form him  that  a  money-order,  the  advice  of  which  has  gone  forward,  has  been  repaid.  (Sections 
1004,  1040.) 

Stamp.  To  impiess  with  some  mark  or  postmark.  An  instrument  with  which  such  marking  is  made. 
To  affix  postage-stamps  to  mail. 

Star  Service.  Contracts  for  carrying  the  mail,  other  than  by  railway  or  steamboat,  "  without  other 
lefereuce  to  the  mode  of  transportation  than  may  be  necessary  to  provide  for  the  due  celerity, 
certainty,  and  security  thereof."    So  called  from  the  fact  that  the  printed  contract  forms  are 

headed  with  stars  in  the  following  manner :      *     *  *     *  *     *.       The  three  groups  of 

stars  represent  the  words  "celerity,  certainty,  security." 

Sterling.  The  designation  given  to  the  lawful  money  of  Great  Britain.  Money  computed  in  pounds, 
shillings,  and  ]ieuce.     (Sections  1049, 1050.) 

Stra'w  Kids.  Bid.*  for  carrying  the  mail  made  with  the  intention  of  failing  to  perform  service  after 
the  awarding  of  the  C(mtract,  so  that  a  new  contract  will  liave  to  be  made  with  a  higher  bidder 
with  whom  a  combination  has  been  made  by  the  lowest  bidder. 

Safficieut  and  Suitable  Rooms,  Fixtiircisi,  and  Furniture.  Applied  to  railroad  service 
means  That  the  Postiiiastei-(  ieiieial  is  to  determine  what  sj)ace  is  required  formailsand  agents, 
what  tixturos  art^  rei|iiiied  to  facilitate  distiibutiou,  and  what  furniture  is  necessary  to  render 
the  department  convenient  and  comfortable. 

Superintendent  of  t lie  Money-Order  Syistem.  The  officer  at  the  seat  of  government  charged 
by  the  Postmaster-General  with  the  general  supervision  and  management  of  the  business  of  the 
money-order  system. 

Sureties.  Persons  who  sign  or  indorse  the  bond  of  a  postmaster  as  guarantors  for  the  faithful  per- 
formance, by  the  latter,  of  the  duties  of  his  office,  and  who  biiid  themselves  {see  Penal  Sum) 
to  make  good  the  whole  or  a  designated  portion  of  any  lo.ss  that  may  accrue  to  the  postal  or 
mouev-order  funds  by  reason  of  the  negligence  or  malfeasance  of  the  postmaster,  or  of  any  of 
the  eini.loyes  of  liis  office.     (Sections  960.  964.) 

Surname.  The  family  name  or  designatiim,  usually  inherited  from  the  father,  as  distinguished  from 
the  given  or  Christian  name.     (Seetion  1063.) ' 

Terminus.    One  of  Tlie  emls  of  a  post -route.    {See  Txitiat,  Office,  Terminal  Offipe.) 

Through  Registered  ITIsiil  Pout-hes.  Fsed  exclusively  for  domestic  exihauges  of  through 
registrieil  mails  lietwceii  siieli  post  oliiees  as  are  autlioHzed  to  make  such  exehan^es;  nulde  of 
red-stii]H(l  idttou  eaii\as  of  tliree  si/.es.  tlie  huLLCst  lieing  No.  1  and  the  smallest  No.  3.  No. 
1  is  4.S  inches  in  h-uu'tb  and  Oil  inelies  in  circuiiifereuce  :  No.  2  is  41  inches  in  length  and  48 
inches  in  circumferen<'e  ;  No.  3  is  36  inciies  in  leugtli  and  42  inches  in  circumference. 

Tracer.  (Syu.  Searclw)-.  Imjuirii.)  A  ]>rinted  form  foi'  ascertaining  the  disposition  made  en  route 
at  each  succeeding  stage  or  transfer  of  missing  ordinary  or  registered  mail. 

Transfer.  The  loan  of  funds  from  one  account  to  another  by  authority  of  the  Postmaster-General. 
(Section  1072.) 

Tic-Sack.     (,S'('e  Jute-canvas  Mail-sack.) 

Treaty.    {See  Postal  Convention.) 

Trip.     The  performance  of  service  one  way  over  a  route. 

Trip,  Round.     The  ])erfoiniauce  of  service  both  ways  over  a  route. 

Uniuailablc.  Matter  whicli  by  law,  regulation,  or  treaty  stipulation  is  excluded  from  the  mails,  or 
wlLich  by  reason  of  illegible,  incorrect,  or  insufficient  address  cannot  be  forwarded  to  destina- 
tion. 

Toucher.  The  evidence  of  the  payment  of  money  upon  which  credit  is  taken  in  an  account.  Paid 
and  repaid  money-oidei-s,  receipts  for  stationery  and  incidental  expenses,  receipts  for  the  salai'- 
ies  of  clerks,  and  certificates  of  deposit  are  anumg  the  vouchers  to  a  money-order  account. 
(Sections  971,  1086,  1094.) 

Way.  (See  Likal.)  The  term  "  way  "  sliould  be  apjdied  only  to  po.st-offices  on  star  routes  and  mail 
sent  to  them.  The  term  ■'loi  nl"  should  be  anplieil  only'to  po.st-offices  on  railroad  or  steamboat 
routes,  and  to  mail  intended  for  them. 

■H'ayjTIail.     IMail  for  a  way  post-office. 

■W^ay  Po.st-Ofliee.     On  a  star  route,  a  post-office  between  the  termini  of  the  route. 

Weekly  I^i.st.     (-sv-f  List,  Canadian'.) 

■Weekly  Statement.  A  dctaili'd  ri'Cord  of  the  money-order  transactions  of  a  nost-ofiice  reiiuired  to 
be  sent  to  tlie  su]ierintendi'nt  of  the  money-order  system  on  Saturday  at  the  close  of  each 
week's  business.  Tlu' first  weekly  statement  in  each  fiscal  (|uarter  includes  tlie  business  of 
all  the  days  of  the  (|uarter  prior  to  till' second  Sunday,  anil  the  last  weekly  statement  in  eacli 
fiscal  (juarter  includes  the  business  of  all  the  days  subsequent  to  the  .Sunday  next  before  the 
last  in  the  quarter. 


APPENDIX. 


AN   ABSTRACT 


OF   THE 


FORMER  POSTAL  LAWS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

SHOWING 

THE   VARIOUS   CHANGES    IN    THE    CLASSIFICATION   OF   MAIL 

MATTER,    DOMESTIC    RATES   OF  POSTAGE,  AND   IN   THE 

FRANKING  PRIVILEGE,  FROM  1789  TO  MARCH  3,  1879. 


435 


AN  AHSTKACT  OF  THi;  I'OK.MKi;  POSTAL  LAWS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 
SHOWING  THE  VAKIOls  CILVNCiKS  IN  THE  CLASSIFICATION  OF  MAIL 
MATTER.  DOMESTIC  HAIES  OF  FOSTACIE,  AND  IN  THE  FRANKING  PRIVI- 
LEGE, FROM  1789  TO  MARCH  3,   I.-^71). 


Act  September  '2-2,  17r*l».— For  the  tviiiiimary  (.■st:il>li>liinciit  of  tli.'  itost-office,  to  con- 
tinue in  force  until  the  end  of  llic  next  session  of  Conj;r<-ss,  and  ni>  lon;^cr. 

Jet  August  4,  17t)(1. — Continues  in  force  tiie  act  of  8ei>teiul>er  2J,  17-'J,  until  the  end 
of  the  next  Congress,  ami  no  longer. 

Act  March  ^^,  1791.— Continn«»s  in  force  the  act  of  September  2i,  17^9,  until  the  end 
of  the  next  Congress,  and  no  longer. 

This  act  (March  3,  1791)  provides  that  all  letters  to  and  from  the  Treasurer,  Comp- 
troller, and  Auditor  of  the  Treasury,  and  th(^  Assistant  to  the  Secretary  of  tlie  Tre.i.sury, 
on  public  service,  shall  be  received  and  conveyed  by  the  i)ost  free  of  postage. 

Act  Filn-uanj  'JO,  1792. — Continues  in  force  the  act  of  Marcli  :{,  1791,  until  the  1st  of 
June,  1792,  and  no  longer,  and  provides  that  this  act  (Februarj"  20,  1792;  shall  con- 
tinue in  force  for  the  term  of  two  years  from  June  1.  1792,  and  no  longer. 

This  act  (February  2(1,  1792)  was  the  first  act  fixing  rates  of  postage  on  domestic 
letters,  and  established  the  following  rat<'s,  to  take  effect  .June  1.  1792: 

Act  Februurii  20,  1792,  Hection  9. — By  land. — For  every  single  letter  not  exceeding  30 
miles,  6  cents. 

For  every  single  letter  over  30  miles,  and  not  exceeding  60  miles,  8  cents. 

For  every  single  letter  over  60  miles,  and  not  exceeding  100  miles,  10  cents. 

For  every  single  letter  over  100  miles,  and  not  exceeding  150  miles.  12A  cents. 

For  every  single  letter  over  1.50  miles,  and  not  exceeding  20i)  miles,  15  cents. 

For  every  single  letter  over  200  miles,  and  not  exceeding  250  miles,  17  cetits. 

For  every  single  letter  over  2.50  miles,  and  not  exceeding  3.50  miles,  20  cents. 

For  every  single  letter  over  350  miles,  and  not  exceeding  450  miles,  22  cents. 

F^or  every  single  letter  over  450  miles,  25  cents. 

For  every  double  letter,  double  the  said  rates. 

For  every  triple  letter,  triple  the  said  rates. 

For  every  packet  weigliing  1  ounce  avoirdujiois,  to  pay  at  the  rate  of  four  single 
letters  for  each  ounce,  and  in  that  proportion  for  any  grt;ater  weight. 

Act  Feb r liar !i  2i),  1792,  -section  10. — Letters  ami  packets  i>assing  by  sea  to  and  from 
the  LTnited  States,  or  from  cme  p(nt  to  another  therein,  in  ])acket-boats  or  vessels,  the 
property  of  or  provided  by  the  United  States,  shall  be  rated  and  charged  as  follows: 

For  every  single  letter,  8  cents. 

For  eveiy  double  letter,  16  cents. 

For  every  triple  letter  or  packet,  24  cents. 

For  every  letter  or  packet  brought  into  the  United  States,  or  carried  from  one  port 
thereinto  another  by  sea.  in  any  i)rivate  ship  or  vessel,  4  cents,  if  delivered  at  the 
place  where  the  same  shall  arrive  ;  and  if  directed  to  be  delivered  at  any  other  place, 
with  the  addition  of  the  like  postage  as  on  domestic  letters. 

Act  Fcbrnarn  20,  1792,  .section  13.— The  i)ostmasters  to  whom  snch  lettei-s  may  be 
delivered  shall  ]iay  to  the  master,  commander,  or  other  person  delivering  the  same. 
except  the  commanders  of  foreign  packets,  2  cents  for  every  such  letter  or  packet. 

Act  Fchritarii  20,  1792,  section  19. — Letters  and  packets  to  be  received  and  conveyed 
by  post,  free  of  i»ostage,5under  certain  restrictions: 

President  of  the  United  States  I  ^^„  ,,,^^,.^.^  „j.  ,,.,ekots  to  or  Iron.. 

V  lee-President  ot  the  I  nited  btates,  ^  ' 

Senators,  )      All   letters  or  packets  to  or  from,  not  ex- 

Representatives,  (  cceding  2  ounces  in  weight,  duriujj  their  act- 

Secretarv  of  the  Senate,  ual   attendance   in  any  session  ol   Congress, 

Clerk  of'the  House  of  Representatives,  J  and  20  days  after  such  session. 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

Assistant  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 

Comptroller, 

Register, 

Auditor, 

Treasurer, 

^Secretary  of  State, 


All  letters  to  or  from. 


437 


438  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

Secretary  of  War,  ^ 

Commissioners  for  settling  accounts  between  the  United  States  ] 

and  individual  States,  }  All  letters  to  or  from. 

Postm  aster- General, 
Assistant  Postmaster-General, 

Provided,  No  person  shall  frank  or  inclose  any  letter  or  packet  not  Ms  own  ;  but  pub- 
lic letters  or  packets,  from  the  Treasury  Department,  may  be  franked  by  the  Secre- 
tary, Assistant  Secretary,  Comptroller,  Register,  Auditor,  or  Treasurer. 

Each  person  shall  deliver  to  post-office  every  letter  or  packet  inclosed  to  him  for 
other  persons,  that  postage  may  be  charged. 

Act  February  20,  1792,  section  21. — Printers  of  newspapers,  authorized  to  send  one 
paper  to  every  other  printer  of  newspaper,  in  the  United  States,  free  of  postage,  imder 
regulations  of  the  Postmaster-General. 

All  newspjipers  conveyed  by  mail  for  any  distance  not  more  than  100  miles,  1  cent; 
and  over  100  miles,  1^  cents  ;  if  any  other  matter  or  thing  be  inclosed,  it  is  subject  to 
letter  rates  of  postage. 

Act  February  20,  1792,  section  26. — Postmaster-General  to  make  provision  for  receipt 
of  letters  and  packets,  to  be  conveyed  beyond  the  sea,  or  from  one  port  to  another  in 
the  United  States ;  and  for  every  letter  so  received,  a  postage  of  1  cent  shall  be  jtaid. 

Act  May  8,  1794. — To  take  effect  June  1,  1794,  without  limit  as  to  time.  Establishes  a 
General  Post-Office.  Section  9,  10,  and  13  of  this  act  re-enacts  sections  9,  10,  and  13  of 
act  of  February  20,  1792. 

Section  19  of  tMs  act  re-enacts  section  19  of  act  of  February  20,  1792,  except  that  it 
omits  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  and  commissioners  for  settling  accounts 
between  the  United  States  and  individual  States,  and  adds  the  Commissioner  of  the 
Reveniie  and  postmasters ;  the  letters  and  packets  of  postmasters  not  to  exceed  one-half 
ounce  in  weight. 

Section  26  of  this  act  re-enacts  section  26  of  act  of  Fel unary  20,  1792. 

Act  December  3,  1794. — Confers  franking  privilege  on  James  White,  Delegate  to  Con- 
gress from  the  Territory  of  the  United  States  south  of  thei"iver  Ohio. 

Act  February  25,  1795. — Confers  franking  privilege  on  purveyor  of  public  supplies, 
as  to  letters  to  or  from. 

Act  March  3,  1797. — That  all  letters  or  packets  to  George  Washington,  now  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  after  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office,  and  during  his  life, 
shall  be  received  and  conveyed  by  post,  free  of  postage. 

Act  June  22, 1798. — Extends  the  privilege  of  franking  letters  and  packets  to  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Navv,  uuder  like  restrictions  and  hmitations  as  are  provided  in  act  May 
8,  1794,  section  19. 

Act  March  2,  1799,  section  7. — Establishes  a  General  Post-Office  at  the  seat  of  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States. 

For  every  letter  composed  of  single  sheet  of  paper  conveyed  not  exceeding  40  miles, 
8  cents  ;  over  40  miles  and  not  exceeding  90  miles,  10  cents ;  over  90  miles  and  not  ex- 
ceeding 150  miles,  12|  cents ;  over  150  miles  and  not  exceeding  300  miles,  17  cents ; 
over  300  miles  and  not  exceeding  500  miles,  20  cents  ;  over  500  miles,  25  cents. 

Double  letter  or  2  pieces  of  paper,  double  rates. 

Triple  letter  or  3  jiieces  of  paper,  triple  rates ;  and  for  every  packet  composed  of  four 
or  more  pieces  of  paper,  or  other  thing,  and  weighing  1  (mnce  avoirdupois,  quadruple 
rate,  and  in  same  proportion  for  greater  weights :  Provided,  No  packet  of  letters  con- 
veyed by  the  water-mails  shall  be  charged  inore  than  (jTiadrnple  postage,  unless  con- 
taining more  than  four  distinct  letters ;  no  package  to  be  received  weighing  more 
than  three  pounds. 

Act  March.  2,  1799,  section  8. — Every  packet  or  letter  brought  in  the  United  States, 
or  carried  from  one  jtort  to  another  in  private  ship  or  vessel,  6  cents,  if  delivered  in 
office  where  received;  if  to  be  conveyed  by  post,  2  cents  added  to  ordinary  postage. 

Act  March  2,  1799,  section  11. — Authorizes  postmasters,  to  whom  letters  may  Tie  deliv- 
ered by  masters  or  commanders  of  any  shij)  or  vessel  arriving  at  any  port  within  the 
United  States,  where  a  post-office  is  established,  except  foreign  packets,  to  pay  two 
cents  for  each  letter  or  jtacket. 

Act  March  2,  1799,  section  13. — Postmasters  aiithorized  to  pay  mail-carriers  one  cent 
for  each  way-letter  delivered  to  them,  also  mail-carriers  authorized  to  demand  and 
receive  2  cents  in  addition  to  the  ordinary  postage,  for  every  letter  delivered  by  them 
to  persons  living  between  post-offices  on  their  route. 

Act  March  2,  1799,  section  17. — Letters  and  iiackets  to  be  conveyed  free  to  and  from 
the  following : 

Postmasters. — Not  exceeding  J  ounce  in  weight. 

Senators,  "j 

Representatives,  (      Not  exceeding  2  ounces  in  weiglit.  during  actual  attend- 

Secretary  of  the  Senate,  ranceinanysessionof  Congress,  and  20  days  after  such  session. 

Clerk  of  the  House,  J 


APPENDIX l(>K'Mi:i.'    I'osiAL    LAWS. 


439 


)  All  Ifttois  iiiid  pai-kt'ts. 


Pn'si«l«^iit  of  till-  Uiiifml  8fat«s,  ) 

Vicc-Picsidfiit  lit'  tin-  I'liittMl  StutoH, 

Si'c  Tftiiry  of  tlif  Tifasmy. 

Coiiiiitrollfi"  of  I  lie  'rrrasiiry, 

Auditor  of  the  Trcasiiiy. 

KcfjisttT  of  tin-  'rrt'asiiiy. 

Tivasmcr  of  tin-  I'liittMl  States, 

Ct>iiiiiiis.sioiM'r  of  till'  Kevi'iiiic, 

SiijKTvisors  of  tho  Kinfuue, 

Iiisi>citois  t>f  the  Reveime, 

t'oiiiuiissioiK'is, 

Pnrvi-yur, 

SecTctaiy  of  War, 

Accountant  of  War  Office, 

Secretary  of  State, 

Secretary  of  Navy, 

Acoouiitanf  of  Navy, 

Postmaster-General, 

Assistant  Postmaster-General, 

All  may  receive  their  newspaiiers  free  of  jiosta*:;!' :  I'mridtd,  Senators.  Kcpresenta- 
tives.  Secretary  of  Senate,  and  Clerk  of  the  House  siiall  n-ceive  newspapers  free  dur- 
ing session  of  Congress,  and  20  days  after. 

Letters  or  jiackets  from  any  pnlilic  otHicer  to  In-  franked  l»y  person  sending. 

All  letters  and  packets  to  and  from  George  Washington,  late  President,  to  be  re- 
ceived and  conveyed  free. 

Act  March  "i,  \''M,  neciion  19. — Re-enacts  section  21  of  act  Feltruarv  '20.  17i»2. 

Jet  Mttrcli  "i,  1799.  xiction  W. — Fixes  postage  on  newspapers  at  1  cent  each  for  not 
more  than  one  hundred  miles,  and  1^  cents  for  any  greater  distance,  Single  news- 
papers from  one  ])lace  to  another  in  the  same  State  shall  not  exceed  1  cent. 

Concealing  a  letter,  or  other  thing,  or  any  memorandum  in  writing  in  a  newspaper, 
subjects  each  article  in  packet  to  a  single  letter  postage. 

Magazines  and  pamphlets,  1  cent  a  sheet,  for  not  exceeding  fifty  miles;  1^  cent« 
for  over  fifty  miles,  and  not  exceeding  one  hundred  miles ;  and  2  cents  for  any  greater 
distance. 

Act  March  2.  1799,  fcection  25. — Postmaster-General  authorized  to  provide  for  receipt 
of  letters  or  packets,  to  be  conveyed  by^  sea  to  any  foreign  i)ort  or  home  port.  Every 
letter  or  packet  so  received,  suVtject  to  a  postage  of  1  cent. 

Act  Januari)  2,  IHOO,  ncction  1.  — Confers  franking  i)rivilege  on  William  Henry  Harrison, 
Delegate  to  Congress  from  Territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River,  to  send  and  receive 
letters  free  of  ]iostage. 

Act  April  3.  1800. — Confers  franking  privilege  to  Martha  Washington,  to  send  and 
receive  letters  and  packages  free  of  postage  during  her  life. 

Act  December  1.5.  1800,  fiection  1. — Confers  franking  i)rivilege  on  Delegate  from  Terri- 
tory northwest  of  the  Ohio  River,  to  send  and  receive  letters  free  of  postage. 

Act  February  25,  1801. — Confers  franking  iirivilege  on  John  Adams.  President  of  the 
United  States,  after  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  othce,  and  during  his  life,  on  ail  let- 
ters and  packets  to  him. 

Act  February  18,  1802. — Confers  privilege  of  franking  and  receiving  letters  free  of 
postage  to  any  person  admitted,  or  to  be  admitted,  to  take  a  seat  in  Congress  as  a 
Delegate. 

Act  May  3,  1802,  section  o. — Franking  privilege  extemled  to  tho  Attorney-General,  to 
send  and  receive  all  letters,  packets,  and  newspapers,  free  of  postage. 

Act  March  26,  1804.  section  3.— Letters,  returns,  and  other  papers  on  pnblic  service, 
sent  by  mail  to  or  from  Offices  of  Inspector  and  Paymaster  of  tho  Army,  to  be  received 
and  conveved  free  of  postage. 

Act  JHne'^29,  1809. — Letters  and  packets  from  Thomas  .Tetferson,  late  I'resident  of  the 
United  States,  to  be  received  and  conveyed  l>y  post,  free  of  postage,  during  his  life. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  1.— Establishes  a  General  Post-Otfice  at  the  seat  of  Gov- 
ernment. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  11.— Rates  of  postage  on  letters  and  packets: 

Single  sheet  of  paper  less  than  40  miles 8  cents. 

40  to  90  miles 10  cents. 

90  to  150  miles 12^  cents. 

150  to  300  miles 1"  cents. 

300  to  500  miles 20  cents. 

over  500  miles 25  cents. 

Double  letters  or  two  pieces  of  paper,  double  rates:  triple  letters  or  three  pieces  of 
paper,  triple  rates ;  every  packet  composed  of  foiu-  or  more  pieces  of  paper  or  other 


440  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

tiling,  auci  weigliiug  one  ounce  avoirdupois,  quadrnple  rate ;  and  in  same  proportion 
for  greater  weight :  Provided,  No  packet  of  letters,  conveyed  by  the  water-mails  shall 
be  charged  more  than  ([uadruple  postage,  nnless  containing  more  than  four  distinct 
letters.     Weight  of  packet  limited  to  three  pounds. 

Jet  A})ril  30,  1810,  section  12. — Letters  or  packets  brought  into  the  United  States,  or 
carried  from  one  port  therein  to  another,  shall  be  charged  6  cents,  if  delivered  at  the 
post-office  where  the  same  shall  arrive ;  and  if  to  be  conveyed  by  post  to  any  other 
place,  with  two  cents  added  to  the  ordinary  rates  of  postage. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  1.5. — Postmasters  authorized,  on  the  receipt  of  letters  fi'om 
any  ship  or  vessel  arriving  at  any  port  within  the  L^nitcd  States,  where  a  i)ost-office  is 
estaljlished,  to  pay  to  the  master,  commander,  or  other  person  delivering  the  same, 
except  the  commanders  of  foreign  packets,  two  cents  for  everj-  letter  or  packet. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  17. — Postmasters  authorized  to  pay  mail-carrier  one  cent 
for  every  letter  brought  into  their  office  ;  also  mail-carrier  authorized  to  demand  and 
receive  two  cents,  in  addition  to  the  ordinary  postage,  for  every  letter  delivered  by 
them  to  persons  living  between  post-offices  on  his  route. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  24. — Letters  and  packets  to  and  from  the  following  officers 
of  the  United  States  to  be  received  and  conveyed  through  the  mails  free  of  postage : 
Postmasters,  not  exceeding  I  oz.  in  weight  : 

Senators,  ^ 

Members,  1      Limited  to  two  otmces  in  weight,  and  during  their  actual 

Delegates,  /  attendance  in  any  session  of  Congress  and  twenty  days  there- 

Secretary  of  the  Senate,     after ;  excess  of  weight  to  be  paid  for. 
Clerk  of  the  House,  J 

President  of  the  United  States, 

Vice-President  of  the  United  States, 

Secretary  of  State, 

Secretary  of  Treasury, 

•Secretary  of  War, 

Secretary  of  the  Navy, 

Attorney-General, 

Comptroller, 

Treasurer, 

Re^ist"er  '  ^^^  letters  and  packets. 

Supervisor  of  direct  tax  of  district  of  S.  C, 

Superintendent  of  Indian  trade. 

Purveyor, 

Inspector  and  Paymaster  of  the  Army, 

Accountants  of  War  and  Navj^  Departments, 

Postmaster-General, 

Assistant  Postmastere-Geueral, 

John  Adams, 

Thomas  Jefferson, 

All  may  receive  their  newspapers  free  of  postage. 

Senators,  Representatives,  Scrretary  of  the  Senate,  and  Clerk  of  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives shall  receive  their  newspapers  free  of  postage  only  diu'ing  any  session  of 
Congress  and  twentj'  days  thereafter. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  2.5. — Secretaries  of  the  Treasury,  State,  War,  Navy,  and 
Postmaster-General  authorized  to  frank  letters  or  packets  on  official  business,  pre- 
pared in  any  other  public  office,  in  the  absence  of  the  principal  thereof. 

Act  April  ZO,  1810,  section  2G. — Printers  of  newspapers  authorized  to  exchange  one 
copy  free,  of  newspai>ers,  under  regulations  of  the  Postmaster-General. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  27. — Newspapers  by  mail,  one  cent  each  for  not  more  than 
one  hundred  miles;  one  and  one-half  cents  for  any  greater  distance.  Single  news- 
papers, from  one  place  to  another  in  the  same  State,  not  to  exceed  one  cent. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  32. — Postmaster-General  authorized  to  ])rovide  for  the 
receipt  and  transmission  of  letters  and  packets  beyond  sea,  or  from  any  port  in  the 
United  States  to  any  port  therein ;  every  letter  or  packet  so  received  subject  to  a 
postage  of  one  cent. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  34. — Drop  or  local  letters,  one  cent  each. 

Act  April  30,  1810,  section  39. — Adjutant-General  of  the  militia  of  each  State  and 
Territory  has  the  right  to  receive  by  mail,  free  of  postage,  from  any  major  or  briga- 
dier general  thereof,  and  to  transmit  to  said  generals,  any  letter  or  i)a('kot,  relating 
solely  to  the  militia  of  such  State  or  Territory,  under  certain  restrictions. 

Act  Ajml  18,  1814,  section  4. — Secretary  of  State  authorized  to  transmit  by  mail,  free 
of  i>ostage,  one  copy  of  documents  ordered  to  be  printed  by  either  House  of  Congress; 
namely,  of  communications,  with  accompanying  documents,  made  by  the  President  to 


APPENDIX FORMER    POSTAL    LAWS.  441 

Coiifjrt'ss  orcitluT  Iloiisc  tlurcof;  of  rei»i>it.s  iiuuh-  1»\  the  Siinlary  of  Slalo,  Tn-iiMiiry, 
War,  Navy,  Postiiiastci-CifinTal,  or  coiiiiiii.ssiuni  r.s  nt  tin-  .siiikiiiii-fiiiiil.  to  ('oiijxri'M.«»,  or 
eitlicr  llou.sc  tlicnof,  in  pursuaiur  of  any  law  or  rcMoliition  or<itliir  IIoii«c  ;  atlirinativc 
reports  on  snlijccts  of  a  fiencral  naturi'  niadi-  to  ('on;;rf.s.s,  or  citlirr  Ilon-w  tlicD'of,  liy 
;iiiy  coniniit  ti'i-  ri'si»i'ctivcly  ;  for  catli  of  tlic.jnil^r.sof  tli<-  SuprcnH-  Con  it,  of  tin- dint  rid 
i-onrts,  and  of  tlir  Tt  1 1  itoriis  of  llic  I'nilrd  Statrs,  to  any  iio.>t-ollicc  within  the  CnitiMl 
.States  tlu'V  may  rcsiifctivcly  desijinatc. 

Act  Dcccinlxr  2'.i,  1-11,  -srction  2.  —  I'roni  and  after  I'elirnary  1,  1:^1.'>,  tln-re  hliall  Im* 
add«Ml  to  tile  rates  of  postage  estaMislied  l»y  law  'tit  per  eentnin  on  tlie  anionnt  of  hiicIi 
rates  res))e(tively. 

Act  Fihnitiiji  I,  1H1(). — Rei)caLs  so  nineh  of  aet  of  Di-eeniliei  'S'>,  \^14,  as  inipose.H  50 
per  eentnin  additional  postage. 

Acl  Jpril  It,  181(i,  nn'tioii  1.— Rates  of  i)ostag»'  after  Mav  1,  I-IC: 

(•.•II  tn. 

Every  letter  e(nnposed  of  a  single  sheet  of  jiaper,  les.>  tiian  '.'^>  miles I> 

Over  '.iO  miles  and  not  exceeding  CO  miles ID 

Over  60  miles  uiid  not  exceeding  ir)0  miles 12^ 

Over  loO  miles  and  not  exceeding  400  miles 1^4 

Over  400  miles 2.') 

Every  donhle  letter  or  two  pieces  of  jiajier.  doiihle  rates. 

Every  triple  letter  or  three  pieces  of  pajn-r,  tri]d<'  rates. 

Every  jiaeket  containing  four  or  more  pieces  of  paper  or  one  or  more  other  articles, 
and  weighing  one  onnce  a\oir(lu]iois,  ([uadniide  these  rati's,  and  in  that  i)ro]>ortioii 
foi-  all  greater  rates.  No  packet  of  letters  conveyed  by  water-mails  to  he  charged  with 
more  than  (|uadrni>le  postage,  nnless  the  same  shall  i-ontaiii  nnire  than  four  di>tinct 
letters. 

Any  memoraiidnm  written  on  a  newspaper  or  other  jninted  i»a\ier,  ami  transmitted 
l>y  mail,  to  he  charged  with  letter-postage. 

Jet  April  9,  ISlfi,  xvctio)!  'i. — Letters  and  jiackets  to  and  from  Seuators,  Memhers,  and 
Delegates  of  the  House,  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  and  Clerk  of  the  Ihmse,  to  lie  con- 
veyed free  of  ])ostage  for  thirty  days  jncvions  to  each  .session  of  Congress  and  for 
thirty  days  after  the  termination  thereof;  limited  to  two  ounces  in  weight ;  excess  to 
be  paid  for. 

Act  March  1,  1817. — Letters  and  packets  to  and  from  .lames  Madison,  President  of 
the  Ignited  States,  after  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  oftice  and  during  his  life,  to  lie 
cari'ied  l>y  mail  free  of  jiostage. 

Act  March  V.\,  1"^-J(l. — Letters  and  packets  to  and  from  the  President  of  the  Senate 
2)ro  tempore,  and  Sjieaker  of  the  Honse  for  the  time  being,  to  be  received  and  conveyed 
by  mail,  free  of  ])ostage,  during  the  session  of  Congress,  nnder  certain  restrictions. 

Act  March  3,  1825. — Au  act  to  reduce  into  one  the'several  acts  establishing  and  regu- 
lating the  Po.st-Otlice  Department. 

.Section  1  establishes  at  the  seat  of  government  a  general  post-ofiice,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Postmaster-General. 

Act  March  o,  1^2."),  .section  5. — Authorizes  the  Postmaster-General  to  have  mail  carried 
by  any  steamboat  or  other  vessel  which  shall  be  used  as  a  packet  in  any  waters  of  the 
United  States,  on  .such  terms  and  conditions  as  shall  be  con-si<lered  expedient:  Pro- 
vided, That  he  does  not  pay  more  than  three  cents  for  each  letter,  nor  more  than  one- 
half  a  cent  for  each  newspaper. 

Act  March  3,  182;'),  >^ectioii  ti.— :Master  or  manager  of  any  steamboat  pa.ssiug  froin  one 
port  or  place  to  another  port  or  ]daee  in  the  I'nited  States,  where  a  post-othce  is  es- 
tablished, to  deliver  all  letters  or  packets  addressed  to  such  port  or  place,  to  the  i>ost- 
master  there,  for  which  he  shall  receive  of  such  postmaster  two  cents  for  every  letter 
or  packet  .so  delivered,  unless  the  same  shall  be  conveyed  under  contract  with  the 
Postmaster-General. 

Act  March  3,  1825,  section  13.— Rates  of  po.stage  <>ii  letters  and  packets  couv<-yed  in 
the  mail  of  the  United  States : 
For  every  letter  of  a  single  sheet  of  paper,  conveyed  not  exceeding  30  miles .     »1    cents. 

Over  30  miles  and  not  exceeding  80  miles 1"    cents. 

Over  K>  miles  and  not  exceeding  150  miles 1-i  ceiit.s. 

Over  1.50  miles  and  not  exceeding  400  miles 1""^  cents. 

Over  400  miles -•'    *"^""ts- 

Every  double  letter  or  two  pieces  of  paper,  double  th.'si-  rates  :  every  triide  letter  or 
three  lueces  of  paper,  triple  these  rates:  every  i)acket  cdt'our  or  more  i.ieces  ot  i>aper, 
or  one  or  more  other  articles,  and  weighing  one  ounce  av<.irdupois,  <|ua«lriiple  these 
rates ;  and  in  that  proportion  for  all  greater  w  eights :  I'rovided,  That  no  packet  of 
letters,  conveyed  bv  the  water-mails,  shall  be  charged  more  than  4ua<lru].le  iiostage. 
nnless  the  same  shall  ccnitain  more  than  four  distinct  letters  ;  weight  of  packet  limited 
to  three  pounds. 


442  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Unbound  journals  of  legislatures  of  the  several  States  liable  to  same  postage  as 
pamphlets. 

Memorandum  written  on  a  newspaper  or  other  printed  paper,  pamphlet,  or  magazine, 
and  transmitted  by  mail,  to  be  charged  with  letter-postage. 

Act  March  3,  18'25,  section  15. — Every  letter  or  package  brought  into  the  Ignited 
States,  or  carried  from  one  j)oint  therein  to  another,  in  any  private  ship  or  vessel,  to 
be  charged  six  cents,  if  delivered  at  the  post-office  where  the  same  shall  arrive  ;  and 
if  destined  to  be  conveyed  by  post  to  any  other  jjlace,  Avith  two  cents  added  to  the 
ordinary  rates  of  postage. 

Act  March  3,  1825,  section  18. — Postmasters  authorized  to  pay  to  the  master  or  com- 
mander of  any  vessel,  exce^it  the  commanders  of  foreign  packets,  arriving  at  any  port 
in  the  United  States  where  a  post-oftice  is  established,  two  cents  for  every  letter  or 
packet  delivered  l)y  them  to  the  jiostmaster. 

Act  March  3,  182.5,  section  27. — Letters  and  packets  to  be  conveyed  by  post,  free  of 
postage,  to. and  from  the  following: 

Postmasters  limited  to  ^  ounce  in  weight. 

Members,  |  Ljjjjj^^p^i  ^„  2  ounces  in  weight  (exceiit  documents  printed 

~^^^^^*^^'^'  I      by  order  of  either  House  of  Congress),  and  during  their 

L>eiegates,  o       +      f     actual  attendance  in  anv  session  of  Congress  and  sixty 

secretary  01  tne  ^enate,         ^         heioxe  and  after ;  excess  of  weight  to  be  paid  for. 
Clerk  of  the  House,         J  •  '  «  1 

President  of  the  United  States,  "i 

Vice-President  of  the  United  States, 

Secretary  of  State, 

Secretary  of  War, 

Secretary  of  Treasury, 

Secretary  of  Navy, 

At  torney-General, 

Postmaster-General,  \  All  letters  and  packets. 

Assistant  Postmasters-General, 

Comptrollers  of  Treasury, 

Auditors  of  Treasury, 

Register, 

Treasurer, 

Commissioner  General  Land-Office, 

Ex- Presidents  and  Presidents  of  United  States,  J 

All  of  the  above  to  receive  newspapers  free  of  postage  :  Provided,  That  postmasters 
shall  not  receive,  free  of  postage,  more  than  one  daily  newspaper  each,  or  what  is 
equivalent  thereto ;  nor  shall  members  of  the  Senate  or  House,  Clerk  of  the  House, 
or  Secretary  of  the  Senate  receive  newspapers  free  of  postage  after  their  franking 
privilege  shall  cease. 

Act  March  3,  1825,  section  28. — Secretaries  of  Treasury,  State,  War,  Navy,  and  the 
Postmaster-General  may  frank  letters  or  packets  on  official  business,  prepared  in  any 
other  public  office,  in  the  absence  of  the  principal  thereof. 

Act  March  3,  1825,  section  29. — Printers  of  newspapers  authorized  to  exchange  one 
paper,  free  of  postage,  under  regulations  by  Postmaster-General. 

Act  March  3,  1825,  section  30. — Newspapers,  conveyed  by  mail,  one  cent  for  any  dis- 
tance not  more  than  100  miles;  1^  cents  for  any  greater  distance.  Single  newsjjapers 
from  one  place  to  another,  in  the  same  State,  one  cent. 

Inclosing  or  concealing  a  letter  or  other  thing,  or  any  memorandum  in  writing  in  a 
newspaper,  pamphlet,  or  magazine,  subjects  it  to  single  letter  postage  for  each  article 
of  wliicli  the  package  is  composed. 

When  mode  of  conveyance  and  size  of  mail  will  admit,  magazines  and  pamphlets 
published  periodically  may  be  transported  in  the  mail  to  subscribers,  at  1^  cents  a 
sheet  for  any  distance  not  exceeding  100  miles,  and  2|  cents  for  any  greater  distance. 
And  such  magazines  and  pamphlets  as  are  not  published  periodically,  if  sent  in  the 
mail,  shall  be  charged  four  cents  on  each  sheet  for  any  distance  not  exceeding  100 
miles,  and  six  cents  for  any  greater  distance.  (Section  13  of  this  act  dehnes  a  sheet 
to  be  four  folio  yyages,  8  qviarto  pages,  Iti  octavo  pages,  or  24  duodecimo  ]iages,  or 
pages  less  than  that  of  a  pamphlet  size  or  magazine,  whatever  be  the  size  of  tlie  ]tai>er 
of  which  it  is  fiumed.  The  surjiliis  pages  of  any  pamphlet  or  magazine  shall  also  he 
considered  a  sheet. ) 

Act  March  3,  1825,  section  34. — Postmaster-GeneraT  authorized  to  make  provisions 
for  the  receii)t  of  letters  and  packets,  to  be  conveyed  by  any  vessel  beyond  sea,  or 
from  one  port  tf>  another  in  the  United  States,  and  the  postmaster  receiving  tlu'  same 
at  the  port  to  which  such  vessel  shall  be  bound  shall  be  entitled  to  a  postage  of  one 
cent  on  each  letter  or  packet  received. 

Act  March  3,  1825,  section  36. — Droj)  or  local  letters  delivered  at  the  post-office,  one 
cent  each. 


APPENDIX FOh'Mi;i.'    l-oSTAL    LAWS.  44S 

Act  Murrli  3,  182.'),  .■iertiiiu  4(i. — The  a(lintiiiil-KOiiiial  of  tin-  iiiilitiii  of  cucli  Stfit*-  and 
Tt'iritoiv  aiithoiizi'd  to  rccfivf  liy  iiiiiil,  fitt-  of  postajif,  Ironi  any  niajor-nornTal  or 
l)rif>a(lit'r-v;<'in  ral  then-of,  ami  to  tiansiiiit  to  said  <;cinTalH  any  h-f  t<T  or  packet  n-lat- 
iiif:;  solely  to  tin-  militia  of  snch  State  or  Tcrritoiy,  inMlcr  ccitain  lomlitions. 

Act  Murrh  :?,  If^'J.'i,  sicliiiii  M>.  —  KNjK'als  all  aits  and  jiarts  of  arts  wliirli  have  l»efli 
passed  for  the  esta'dislimeiit  and  ic<iiilatioii  (d'  tiie  (Jeiiera!  Post-Ollli-e. 

Jet  March  'J.  l^'iT,  kccHoii  "J. — (>n<'  cent  to  lie  allowed  eaeli  postnnister  for  every  let- 
ter recei\('il  from  any  ship  or  vessel  and  mailed  i>\   him. 

.((7  March  '2,  1""27,  ncdioii  4. — Anthorit.\  to  frank  and  receive  letters  and  |iaeket.M  free 
of  postajje  extended  to  the  eomnussioners  of  the  navy  hoard,  .Ad.intant-(ietieral,  C'»»iii- 
nnssary -General.  Insi»eetor-(;enerai.  C/nartermaster-tJeneral,  raymaster-tJeneral,  .Sec- 
retary of  the  Senate.  Clerk  (dthe  Ilonse.  Snjierintendent  of  the  I'atent  Otliei-. 

No  other  ]>ei'son  or  otlieer,  except  those  ennnieratcd  herein  and  in  tin-  act  of  March 
3,  IS'ia,  sliall  he  anthorized  to  frank  or  ri'ceive  letters  liy  mail  free  of  posta^^e. 

Act  March  *J,  1S27,  .vec^/o;/  .">.  —  One  or  more  ]iieces  id'  |iaper  mailed  as  a  h-tter  and 
wcifihinf;-  one  onnce  avoirilni»ois,  shall  he  charged  with  i|nailrii)(lc  posta^^e,  and  at 
the.  same  rate  slionld  the  wci^^iit  Vte  j^reater.  I'aeka^ics  containinii  four  pieces  of 
paper,  nuadrnide.  rates. 

Every  printed  ]iamphlet  or  niatiazine,  containing  more  tlian  t  w  enty-fmir  pa^es  on 
a  royal  sheet,  or  any  sheet  of  less  dimensions,  shall  he  charj^cd  hy  tiic  sheet  :  and 
small  pamjihlcts,  ])rinted  on  a  half  or  ipiarter  sheet  of  royal,  or  less  size,  shall  l>e 
charged  with  one- half  tlie  amonnt  of  postage  on  a  fnll  slu'et.  Donhle  postage  siiall  lie 
charged,  nnless  there  shall  hi-  printed  or  written  on  one  id"  the  outer  ]iagesofaIl 
l>aniplilets  and  magazines  the  uumher  <d"  sheets  they  contain. 

Act  Jinic  ;UI,  lr<:U. — (Jovernori*  of  the  several  .States  anthoiized  to  transmit  hy  mail, 
free  of  postage,  all  laws  and  re))orts  hound  or  unhound.  and  all  records  and  documents 
of  their  respective  States,  which  may  he  directcil  hy  the  several  legislatures  of  the 
States  to  he  transnutted  to  the  executives  of  other  .'^tates. 

Act  July  2,  lS3t;.  NcctioH  "^.—Auditor  of  the  Treasury  for  the  Post-Ottice  Dejiartment 
authorized  to  frank  and  receive,  free  of  postage,  letters  and  jiackets,  under  regulations 
provided  hy  law  for  other  otiticers  of  the  (ioverument.  All  letters  or  packets  to  or 
from  the  Chief  Engineer,  which  may  relate  to  the  Im.siness  of  his  Office,  free  of  post- 
age. 

Act  Juhi  2,  18:^(i,  section  20. — Postmaster  General  anthorized  to  employ  a  Third  Ajs- 
sistaut  Postmaster-General,  who  may  receive  and  send  letters  free  of  postage. 

Act  Julji  2,  1836,  section  :U;,— No  postmaster  shall  receive,  free  of  postage,  or  frank 
any  letter  or  packet  composed  of  or  containing  anything  other  than  money  or  paper. 

All  letters  and  packets  to  and  from  Dolly  P.  Madison,  relict  of  the  late  James  Ma«l- 
ison,  shall  he  received  and  conveyed  hy  post,  fiee  of  postage,  for  and  during  her  life. 

Act  Jul !i  4, 18:\6,  section  1. — Patent-Ottlce  estahlished  and  the  Connnissioner  entitled 
to  receive  and  send  letters  and  packages  hy  mail,  relatitig  to  the  husiness  of  his  Office, 
free  of  ])ostage. 

Act  September  9, 1841. — All  letters  and  packets  carried  hy  post  to  Mrs.  Harrison, 
relict  of  the  late  William  Heurv  Harrison,  to  he  conveved  free  of  postage  during  her 
life. 

Act  January  20,  1843,  section  3. — Commissioner  of  Pensions  anthorized  to  send  and 
receive  letters  and  packets  hv  mail,  free  of  postage. 

Act  February  1.5, 1843,  xectioii  1.— Authorizes  the  chief  clerk  of  the  office  of  Secretary 
of  State  to  frank  all  puhlic  and  official  documents  sent  from  that  Ottice. 

Act  March  3, 184.5,  section  1.— After  July  1,  1845,  Memhers  of  Congress  and  Delegates 
from  Territories  may  receive  letters  not  exceeding  two  ounces  in  weight,  free  of  post- 
age, during  the  recess  of  Congress,  anything  to  the  contrary  in  this  act  notwithstand- 
ing; and  the  same  franking  privilegeVhich  is  granted  hy  this  act  to  the  nieml»rs  id 
the  two  Houses  of  Congress  is  herehy  extendeil  to  the  Vice-President  of  the  United 
States.  . 

Postaqe  on  letters.— For  every  single  letter  in  mann.script,  or  marks  and  signs,  by- 
mail,  under  three  hundred  miles,  five  cents:  over  three  hniulred  nules.  ten  cents; 
donhle  letter,  donhle  rates;  trehle  letter,  trehle  rates;  iiuadruple  letter,  iinadruple 
rates;  and  every  letter  or  parcel  not  exceeding  one-half  ounce  in  weight  shall  he 
deemed  a  single "^letter,  and  every  additional  weight  of  one-half  ounce  or  less  shall  he 
charged  with  an  additional  single  postage.  Drop  or  local  letters  shall  he  charged  a 
postage  rate  of  two  cents  each. 

Act  March  3,  1845,  section  -i.—rostaqe  on  Hcirsjw^jcrs,— Newspapers  of  not  more  than 
1,9(10  siinare  inches  in  size  may  be  transmitted  through  the  mails  hy  the  editors  or 
puhlishers  thereof  to  subscribers  or  other  persons,  within  thirty  nules  of  the  city,  town, 
or  place  in  which  the  paper  is  i)iinted,  free  of  i.ostagc  Newspapers  of  less  size,  con- 
veved hv  mail  hevoiid  thirtv  miles  from  the  i-lacc  at  which  they  are  printed,  shal  lie 
subject  to  the  rates  of  postage  chargeable  under  the  thirtieth  section,  act  March  .^._ 
1825.  Newspapers  of  greater  size  than  1,900  stpiare  inches  sul>.iect  to  same  rates  ot 
postage  as  are  prescribed  hv  this  act  on  magazines  and  pamphlets. 

Act  March  Z,  1845,  scc^iou '3.— Printed  or  lithograph  circulars,  hand-bills,  or  adver- 


444  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    EEGULATIONS. 

tisemeiits,  printed  or  lithograplietl  on  qnarto-post  or  single-cap  paper,  or  paper  not 
larger  than  single-cap  paper,  nusealed,  shall  he  charged  with  postage  at  the  rate  of 
two  cents  for  each  sheet,  without  regard  to  distance.  Pamphlets,  magazines,  peri- 
odicals, and  all  other  printed  or  other  matter  (except  newspapers)  unconnected  with 
any  writing,  sliall  be  charged  with  postage  at  the  rate  of  two  and  a  half  cents  for  each 
copy  sent,  not  exceeding  one  ounce  in  weight,  and  one  cent  additional  for  each  addi- 
tional ounce,  without  regard  to  distance ;  and  any  fractional  excess  of  not  less  than 
one-half  ounce  above  one  or  more  ounces  shall  be  charged  for  as  if  said  excess  amounted 
to  a  full  ounce. 

Act  March  3,  184.5,  section  o. — Repeals  all  acts  and  parts  of  acts  conferring  upon  any 
person  the  right  or  privilege  to  receive  and  transmit  through  the  mail,  free  of  postage, 
letters,  packets,  newspapers,  periodicals,  or  other  matter. 

Act  March  3,  1845,  section  6. — All  officers  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States, 
heretofore  having  the  franking  privilege,  shall  be  allowed  and  paid  quarterly  all  post- 
age on  official  letters,  packages,  or  other  matter  received  by  mail. 

Postage  upon  official  letters,  packages,  or  other  matter  received  by  the  three  Assist- 
ant Postmasters-General  shall  be  remitted,  and  they  shall  be  authorized  to  transmit 
by  mail,  free  of  postage,  official  letters,  packages,  or  other  matter  under  certain  regu- 
lations. 

Deputy  postmasters  allowed  all  postage  which  they  may  have  paid  or  have  had 
charged  to  them  for  official  letters,  packages,  or  other  matters,  and  they  are  authorized 
to  send  by  mail,  free  of  postage,  official  letters  and  packets,  under  certain  regulations. 

Act  March  3,  1845,  section  7. — Continues  in  force  act  of  June  30,  1834,  authorizing 
the  governors  of  the  several  States  to  transmit  by  mail  certain  books  and  documents, 
and  authorizes  Members  and  Delegates,  Secretary  of  the  Senate  and  Clerk  of  the  House, 
to  transmit  by  mail,  free  of  postage,  any  documents  printed  by  order  of  either  House 
of  Congress. 

Act  March  3,  1845,  section  8. — Senators,  Members,  Delegates,  Secretary  of  Senate,  and 
Clerk  of  the  House  authorized,  during  each  session  of  Congress,  and  for  thirty  days 
before  and  after  every  session  of  Congress,  to  send  and  receive  through  the  mail,  free 
of  postage,  any  letter,  newspaper,  or  packet,  not  exceeding  two  ounces  in  weight. 
Postage-charge  for  excess  of  weight  on  official  letters,  packages,  &c.,  received  during 
any  session  of  Congress,  to  be  paid  out  of  the  contingent  fund  of  the  House  of  which 
the  person  may  be  a  member.  Authorized  to  frank  written  letters  from  themselves 
during  the  whole  year,  tSrc. 

Act  March  3,  1845,  section  13. — Transmission  of  letters  by  steamboats,  under  act  of 
March  3,  1825,  section  6,  not  prohibited:  Provided,  That  the  requirements  of  said 
sixth  section  shall  be  strictly  complied  with  by  the  delivery  of  all  letters  so  conveyed, 
not  relating  to  the  cargo  or  some  part  thereof,  to  the  postmaster  or  agent  of  the  Post- 
Office  Department,  at  the  port  to  which  said  letters  may  be  delivered,  and  the  postmaster 
or  agent  shall  collect  upon  all  letters  or  other  mailable  matter  so  delivered  to  him, 
except  newspapers,  pamphlets,  magazines,  and  i)eriodicals,  the  same  rates  of  postage 
as  would  have  been  charged  upon  said  letters  had  they  been  transmitted  by  mail  from 
the  i)ort  at  which  they  were  placed  on  board  the  steamboat  from  which  they  were 
received  ;  weight  of  packet  limited  to  three  ])0unds. 

Act  March  3,  1845,  section  15. — Mailable  matter  defined. — Letters,  newspa]»ers,  maga- 
zines, and  pamphlets  pericxlically  published  or  puldished  in  regular  series,  or  in  suc- 
cessive uunibcrs,  under  the  same  title,  though  at  irregular  intcLvals,  anil  all  other 
written  or  iirinted  matter,  whereof  each  copy  or  number  shall  not  exceed  eight  ounces 
in  weight,  excejrt  Ijank-notes  sent  in  packages  or  bundles,  without  written  letters 
accompanyiug  them.  Bound  books  not  to  be  included  within  the  meaning  of  these 
terms. 

Act  March  3,  1845,  section  16. — Xcwspapers  defined. — Any  printed  publication  issued 
in  numbers,  consisting  of  not  more  than  two  sheets  and  published  at  short  stated  in- 
tervnls  of  not  more  than  one  month,  conveying  intelligence  of  passing  events,  and 
hona-fide  extras  and  supplements  of  any  such  puldicatlons. 

Fre_e  exchange  of  newspapers  between  publishers  as  provided  for  by  act  ]SIarcli  3, 
1825,  section  29,  not  prohibited. 

Act  March  3,  1845,  section  23. — Franking  i)rivilege  conferred  l>y  former  acts  on  the 
President  of  the  United  States  when  in  otiice,  and-  to  all  Ex-Presidents,  and  to  the 
widows  of  the  former  Presidents,  Madison  and  Harrison,  continued  in  force. 

Joint  resol II lion  of  March  3,  1845. — Provides  that  act  of  March  3,  1845,  shall  go  into 
effect  on  and  after  July  1,  1845. 

Act  Mail  29,  1840,  section  3. — Same  rates  of  i)ostage  to  T»e  charged  in  Texas  as  in  other 
States  of  the  United  States. 

Act  All fi list  G,  1846,  section  18.— On  and  after  January  1,  1847,  postage  shall  be  paid 
in  gold  and  silver  only,  or  in  Treasury  notes  of  the  United  States. 

Act  March  1,  1847,  section  3. — Members  and  Delegates  in  Congress,  Vice-President  of 
the  United  States,  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  and  Clerk  of  the  House  to  have  power  to 


APPENDIX — roi.'.MKlJ    I'OSIAL    LAWS.  445 

sj'IkI  an<l  roccivi*  imhlic  (lociinicnts  diiriiijf  tlit-ir  ti-nn  of  onirciiiil  up  t<>  ili«- 111-1  Mr. inlay 
of  Dirt'iiiluT  followiiiy,-  tin- expiration  of  their  term  of  oilier. 

Act  Mdicli  1.  1S47,  .sceNon  4. — Seeretaiy  of  the  Senate  ami  Clerk  of  the  IIoiih*-  to 
reeeive  and  send  all  letters  and  ]»ackaj;e,s  free  of  posta;ie,  diirinj^  their  term  of  otllce; 
limited  lo  two  ounces. 

.lit  Murcli  1,  1H47.  mrllon  '». — Members  of  Coiif^ress  to  ri-eeivc  and  send  all  li-lt<TH  and 
l)iiekanes  free  ot  posta;:;"'.  up  to  the  first  Moinlay  in  J>eeeml»fr  followin;;  tin-  expirii- 
tion  of  their  term  of  oHice. 

Act  March  ti,  IsJT,  sccliaii  1. — Postnnisters,  whosr  eom]iensation  forthehi.st  pri-eediiij; 
year  did  not  exeeed  iJiJOO,  to  send  all  letters  written  by  himself  ami  reeeive  all  addressed 
to  himself,  on  his  jirivate  business,  free  of  postajie;   limited  to  one-half  oiim-i-  in  weight. 

^Ict  Murch  :!,  1H47,  section  4. — [getters,  news]>aiters,  and  patkits.  not  exercdinn  oiio 
ounce  in  wei^jht,  directed  to  any  ollicer,  nnisieian,  or  pri\  ate  of  the  Army  of  the  I'nited 
States  in  Mexico,  or  at  any  i)lace  on  the  frontier  of  the  Unilt^d  States  bordering;  on 
Mexico,  shall  be  conveyed  in  the  mail  free  of  )>ostaj^e. 

Act  March  :?,  It^  17,  section  5. — Continues  in  force  section  4  of  this  Act  dnriii;;  the 
present  war  and  three  months  thereafter. 

Act  March'.i,  lSi7,  section!. — Postmaster-tlcneral  aiitliorized  to  establish  a  iiost-othce 
at  Astoria,  and  other  places  on  the  Paeitie  : 

Cents. 

All  letters  conveyed  to  or  from  Cha^res 20 

All  letters  conveyed  to  or  from  Havana - Ivj^ 

All  letters  conveyed  to  or  from  Panama 151) 

All  letters  con veye<l  to  or  from  Astoria 4i • 

All  letters  conveyed  to  or  from  any  other  ]ilace  on  tin-  Pacific 4i) 

Act  Murch  :?,  1847,  section  Vi. — Repeals  so  much  of  section  (i  of  act  March  :5,  \'*\'^,  as 
requires  postage  to  be  paid  on  free  matter  from  the  contingent  fund  of  the  two  Houses 
of  Congress  and  the  other  Departments  of  the  Government,  and  in  lieu  thereof  ])rovides 
for  an  annual  appropriation  of  two  linndred  thousand  dollars,  to  be  paid  to  the  Post- 
Office  Dei>artuU'Ut. 

Act  March  :?,  1"'47,  section  l'^. — Newspapers  by  mail  (except  exchanges  between  pub- 
lishers), except  those  franked  by  those  enjoying  the  franking  privilege,  and  news- 
papers not  sent  from  the  office  of  publication,  and  handbills  or  circulars  printed  or 
lithograjdied,  not  exceeding  one  sheet,  shall  be  subject  to  three  cents  pi-epaid  postage 
each.  Postnuister-General  authorized  to  jtay  not  exceeding  two  cents  each  for  all 
letters  or  packets  conveyed  in  any  vessel,  iu>t  employed  in  carrving  the  mail  from  one 
place  to  another  in  the  I'nited  States,  under  such  regulations  as  he  may  i)rovide. 

Publications,  or  books  juiblislied,  procuicd,  or  iturcliased  by  either  House  of  Con- 
gress, shall  be  considered  public  documents  and  entitled  to  be  franked  as  such. 

Act  March  :?,  1847,  section  14. — Rei)eals  so  njuch  of  act  of  March  3.  1845,  and  of  all 
other  acts  relating  to  the  I'ost-Ofhce  Department  as  is  inconsistent  with  this  act. 

Act  March  9,  1H4S'. — Letters  aTid  packets  by  mail  to  an<l  from  Louisa  Catherine 
Adams,  widow  of  the  late  John  Quincy  Adams,  to  lie  free  of  jiostage  during  her  life. 

Act  May  27,  1848,  section  4. — Commissioner  of  Patents  authorizeil  to  send  by  nniil 
free  of  postage  the  annual  reports  of  the  Patent  Office. 

Act  June  27,  1848,  section  1. — Postmaster-General  authorized  to  charge  and  collect 
upon  all  letters  aud  other  mailable  matter,  carried  in  foreign  packets,  the  same  rate 
of  i>ostage  which  the  governments,  to  which  such  foreign  packets  belong,  impose  upon 
letters,  Ac.,  carried  in  American  packets. 

Act  June  27,  1848,  section  2. — All  letters  and  other  mailable  matter  conveyed  by  any 
foreign  ship  to  or  from  any  jiort  of  the  I'nited  States,  to  be  subject  to  postage  charged 
as  in  above  section,  except  letteis  relating  to  the  vessel  or  cargo. 

Act  Auf/usf  14,  184S,  section  '.i. — Postmaster-tieneral  authorized  to  establish  a  jwist- 
olfice  at  San  Diego,  Monterey,  San  Francisco,  and  other  places  on  the  Pacific,  in  Cali- 
fornia, and  all  letters  conveyed  to  or  from  any  of  the  above  i>laces  on  the  Pacific,  from 
or  to  any  place  on  the  Atlantic,  to  be  chargeil  forty  cents  jxistagc :  all  letters  con- 
veyed from  one  to  any  other  of  said  places  on  the  I'acilic.  twelve  ami  a  half  cents. 

Act  March  A,  1849,' xe  ■/((*»  1.— Kates  of  letters  transported  under  the  (.ostal  treaty 
with  Great  Britain  : 

Letters  not  exceeding  one-half  ounce,  one  rate  of  postage. 

Letters  exceeding  one-half  ounce  avoirdupois,  and  not  exeeetliug  one  ounce,  two  rates 
of  postage. 

Letters  exceeding  oiu;  ounce  avoirdupois,  and  not  exceeding  two  ounces,  four  rates 
of  postage. 

Letters  exceeding  two  ounces  avoirdupois,  and  not  excL-eding  three  ounces,  six  ratts 
of  postage. 

Letters  exceeding  three  ounces  avoirdupois,  and  not  exceeding  four  ounces,  eight 
rates  of  postage. 

And  in  like  progres.sion  for  each  additicmal  ounce  or  fraction  of  an  ounce.  News- 
papers not  sent  from  the  office  of  ])nblication  to  be  charged  with  the  same  rates  of 
postage  as  other  papers;  to  be  prejiaid. 


44G  "  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

Act  January  10,  1850. — Fraukiug  privilege  grauted  Sarah  Polk,  relict  of  the  late 
James  K.  Polk,  duriug  her  life,  to  cover  all  letters  and  packages  to  and  from. 

Act  May  23,  1850,  section  17. — Marshals  aud  their  assistants,  authorized  to  transmit 
papers  and  documents  relating  to  the  census  through  the  post-office  free. 

Act  March  23,  1850,  section  \9. — Secretary  of  the  Interior  required  to  appoint  a  clerk 
to  superintend  the  census,  who  shall  have  the  privilege  of  franking  aud  i-eceiving,  free 
of  charge,  all  official  documents  aud  letters  connected  therewith. 

Act  Jnlij  18,  1850. — Franking  privilege  granted  to  Margaret  Smith  Taylor,  relict  of 
Zachary  Taylor,  same  as  granted  to  widows  of  deceased  Presidents. 

Act  September  27,  1850. — Third  section  act  of  August  14,  1848,  extended  to  Terri- 
tories of  Utah  and  New  Mexico,  and  Postmaster-General  authorized  to  establish  such 
rates  of  postage  in  said  Territories  as  may  to  him  seem  proper,  not  to  exceed  those 
authorized  iu  said  act.  * 

Act  March  3,  1851,  section  1. — Bates  of  jfostage  on  letters  — From  and  after  June  30, 
1851,  in  lieu  of  rates  of  postage  now  fixed  by  law,  there  shall  be  charged  the  follow- 
ing rates :  Every  single  letter,  in  writing,  marks,  or  signs,  by  mail,  not  exceeding 
thi-ee  thousand  miles,  prepaid  postage,  3  cents ;  not  prepaid,  5  cents ;  for  any  greater 
distance,  double  these  rates. 

Every  single  letter  or  paper  conveyed  wholly  or  in  part  by  sea,  and  to  or  from  a 
foreign  country  over  two  thousand  five  hundred  miles,  20  cents ;  under  two  thousand 
five  hundred  miles,  10  cents  (excepting  rates  fixed  by  postal  treaty);  double  letter, 
double  rates ;  triple  letter,  triple  rates ;  aud  every  letter  or  parcel,  not  exceeding  i 
ounce  in  weight,  shall  be  deemed  a  single  letter,  and  every  additional  weight  of^ 
ounce  or  less  shall  be  charged  with  an  additioual  rate.  Drop  or  local  letters,  1  cent 
each.  Letters  uncalled  for  and  advertised,  to  l)e  charged  1  cent  in  addition  to  the 
regular  postage. 

Act  March  3,  1851,  section  2. — Newspapers  not  exceeding  3  ounces  in  weight  sent 
from  the  office  of  publication  to  hona-fide  subscribers  shall  be  charged  with  postage  as 
folloAvs : 

Weekly  newspapers  free,  within  the  county  where  published,  and  for  not  exceed- 
ing fifty  miles  out  of  the  county  where  published,  5  cents  per  quarter ;  exceeding 
50  miles,  and  not  exceeding  300  miles,  10  cents  per  quarter ;  exceeding  300  miles,  and 
not  exceeding  1,000  miles,  15  cents  per  quarter;  exceeding  1,000  miles,  aud  not  ex- 
ceeding 2,000  miles,  20  cents  per  quarter;  exceeding  2,000  miles,  and  not  exceeding 
4,000  miles,  25  cents  per  quarter  ;  exceeding  4,000  miles,  30  cents  per  quarter. 

Newspapers  published  monthly,  sent  to  hona-fide  subscribers,  one-quarter  of  the 
foregoing  rates  ;  puldished  semi-monthly,  one-half  of  the  foregoing  rates  ;  published 
semi-weekly,  double  the  foregoing  rates ;  published  tr'-weekly,  treble  the  foregoing 
rates;  aud  ofteuer  than  tri-weekly,  five  times  the  foregoing  rates;  on  other  papers, 
unsealed  circulars,  haudliills,  engravings,  pamphlets,  periodicals,  magazines,  books, 
aud  all  other  printed  matter, Unconnected  with  Avritteu  matter,  of  notniore  fhanoue 
ounce  in  weight,  and  not  exceeding  500  miles,  one  cent ;  and  for  each  additional 
ounce  or  fraction  thereof,  one  cent;  exceeding  500  miles,  and  not  exceeding  1,500 
miles,  double  these  rates;  exceeding  1,500  miles,  and  not  exceeding  2,500  miles,  treble 
these  rates;  exceeding  2,.500  miles,  and  not  exceeding  3,500  miles,  four  times  these 
rates  ;  exceeding  3,500  miles,  five  times  these  rates. 

Subscribers  to  iicriodicals  required  to  i)ay  oiie-(iuarter's  postage  in  advance  ;  post- 
age one-lialf  the  furcgoing  rates. 

Bound  books  aud  parcels  of  printed  matter,  not  over  thirty  ounces,  made  mailable 
matter. 

Postage  on  printed  matter,  other  than  newspapers,  aud  periodicals  published  at  in- 
tervals not  exceeding  three  months  and  sent  from  office  of  i>ublicatiou  to  hona-fide 
subscribers,  to  be  prei)aid. 

When  print(nl  matter,  on  which  jiostngc  is  required  by  this  section  to  be  ])repaid, 
shall  be  sent  without  pre])aynient,The  same  shall  bcclnirged  witlidoul)lethepi'ei)aid  rate. 

Nothing  iu  this  act  shall  subject  to  postage  any  matter  exempted  from  i)ostage  by 
existing  law. 

Publishers  of  ]iamphlefs,  periodicals,  magazines,  and  uews])apers,  which  shall  not 
exceed  sixteen  ounces  in  weight,  allowed  to  interchange  their  publications  free,  con- 
fined to  a  single  copy  of  each  publication.  Publishers  allowed  to  inclose  in  their  ])ub- 
lications  bills  for  subscription  without  additional  postage.  Newspapers  not  containing 
more  than  three  hundred  s(|uaie  inches,  maybe  transmitted  to  &o««-^V/<' sul>scribers 
at  one-fourth  the  rates  bxed  by  this  act. 

Act  March  3,  18.M,  section  8. — Provides  for  the  annual  approi)riationof  $500,000  to  the 
Post-Office  Dejiartnieut  for  mail-servi(M>  for  the  two  Houses  of  Congress,  and  other  De- 
partments, and  ofticers  of  the  govi^niment,  in  the  tr;ins])ortati()U  of  free  matfer. 

Act  Aiit/usl  30,  bsr)2,  section  I.  —  It'dlex  of  poxiiKje  on  printed  mutler. — l<''roni  and  after  Sep- 
tember 30,  1S52,  posfjige  on  all  printed  matter  passing  by  mail,  instead  of  the  rates 
now  charged,  shall  be  as  follows:  Each  nt^wspaper,  periodical,  unsi'aled  circular,  or 
otlu^' article  of  printed  matter,   not  ''xceeding  three  ounces  iu  weight,  to  any  part  of 


APPENDIX FOIv'MKl,'    PosiAL    LAWS.  447 

tho  I'uitt'd  Stiitos,  one  ci-nt  ;  and  tor  i'\<  r>    aililiiinii.il   oiiiicr  or  tVartioii  tln-rt-of,  uue 
cent  additional. 

Postajjc  on  any  iifw.spaiMrs  or  |>iTiodiral.H  paid  i|iiai'tcrly  or  yearly  in  iidvan<c  at 
the  ortici'  ofdi'livt-ry,  or  at  tlu-  otlitc  ol'  niailin;;,  one-half  iit"  said  rates  only  shall  he 
charj^ed. 

News))ai>tis  an<l  jieriodirals  not  weifjhinn  "mt  li  mun-es.  when  einnlated  in  th« 
State  wneie  ]inl>lished,  one-half  the  rates  liefore  mentioned. 

Small  iiewspain'rs  and  i>eiioilii;ils,  imhlished  monthly  or  oftener.  and  )).'tmphletH  of 
not  more  than  sixteen  oet.avo  pa^^es,  sent  in  siiij^le  paekam-s.  wei^hinji  at  least  eiyht 
ounces,  to  one  address,  and  prepaid  hy  ]iosta;;e-stamps  atli.\e<l.  only  one-half  ei-nt  for 
each  onnee  or  fraction  of  an  ounce. 

Postajie  on  all  transient  matter  shall  he  prejiaid  or  ch.trj^ed  donldi*  tin-  rates  first 
ahove  mentioned. 

.-/(•/  Aiitiii-st  :?0,  1S.V2,  acctiiiii  2. — I'oxtufjr  (HI  hiiokx.  —  Utioks.  hound  or  nnhonnd,  not 
weighing  more  than  four  pounds,  will  he  deemed  m.ailahle  matter  and  snhject  to  |»ost- 
ajje  at  one  cent  an  ounce  for  all  distances  under  :{,Hii((  miles;  two  cents  for  all  dirt- 
tauces  over  :},00(t  miles;  to  which  lifly  per  centum  shall  he  added  unless  |ire|iaid. 

Publishers  of  news)>ai>ers  and  ]>eriodi<-als  may  exchange,  free  of  postagi-.  one  copy 
of  each  imhlication,  aiul  may  send  to  actii.il  siii>scril)eis.  in  their  pnldieatioiis,  hills 
and  receipts  for  the  same  free.  I'uhlisheis  of  weekly  ni-wspajieis  may  send  to  each 
actual  subscriber  within  the  county  where  their  papers  are  printed  and  imldished  one 
copy  free  of  postage,  nniler  certain  conditions. 

Act  AiifiHst  '.?0.  18;V2,  section  '.\. — Prescribes  certain  conditions,  which,  if  not  com|died 
with,  sul)ject  printed  matter  to  letter-)>ostage. 

Matter  sent  by  mail  from  one  part  of  the  I'nited  States  to  another,  the  jio.stage  of 
Avhich  is  not  fixed  by  this  act,  shall,  unless  entitled  to  be  sent  free,  be  chargeil  with 
letter-jtostage. 

Act  J/itniist  30,  18.52,  section'). — Rei)ealssomnchof  the  second  section  of  act  of  March, 
3,  18.')1,  as  relates  to  the  postage  ov  free  circulation  of  newspapers,  jieriodicals.  and 
other  printed  matter,  and  all  other  jnovisions  of  law  inconsistent  with  this  act. 

Act  Aiif/iist  30,  lSo2,  section  8.— Postinaster-tiencral  authoiized  to  provide  stamp.d 
letter  envelopes.  Letters  when  inclosed  in  such  envelojxs  [  with  stamps  thereon  eipial 
iu  amount  to  the  i>ostage  to  which  such  letters  would  he  liable  if  sent  by  mail)  may 
be  sent  and  delivered  otherwise  than  by  mail  under  certain  conditions. 

Act  Fcbniarii  2.  \i')i. — The  .Superiiitei'ideiit  of  the  Co.-ist  Survey  and  the  .assistant  in 
charge  of  theOthce  of  the  Coast  Survey,  authorized  to  transmit  freeof  post.ige.  by  the 
mails,  all  letters  and  documents  iu  relation  to  their  public  ilnties. 

Act  March  3.  1<).').  section  I.— In  lieu  of  the  rates  of  ]>ostage  now  tixeil  by  law.  there 
shall  he  charged  the  following  rates: 

For  every  single  letter,  in  manuscript  or  ]>ai>er  of  any  kind,  in  writing,  marks,  or 
signs,  coiiveyedin  the  mail  beTween  i)Iaces  in  the  rnited  States,  not  exceeding  three 
thousand  miles,  three  cents:  and  for  .my  greater  distance,  ten  cents;  for  a  double  let- 
ter, double  rates:  trelile  letter,  treble  rates;  (inadrnide  letter,  i|uadrui»le  rates;  every 
letter  or  parcel  not  exceeding  one-half  ounce  in  weight  .shall  be  deemed  a  .single  let- 
ter, and  every  additional  weight  oi'  one-half  ouiu-e  or  less  shall  be  <harged  an  aildi- 
tioual  rate:  the  foregoing  rates  to  be  i»repaid  on  dtmiestii- letters,  except  <»ii  h  tiers  and 
packages  to  officers  of  the  government  on  otlicial  business,  and  e\ci'i>i  on  letters  to  or 
from  a  foreign  country. 

Postage  ou  drop  or  local  letters,  one  cent  each. 

Nothing  in  this  act  to  alter  the  laws  in  relation  to  flu-  franking  juivilege. 

Act  March  3,  ISoo.  section  4.— Franking  privilege,  of  ^'ice-l'residellts  continued  to 
those  who  have  held  <n- shall  hold  that  office,  during  life. 

Act  March  3,  18.j5,  sictiim  .">.— IJooks,  maps,  charts,  or  other  i>nblications,  entered  by 
cojtvright,  and  Avhich.  under  act  of  August  10.  l-4(i.  are  required  to  be  deposited  in 
the  Library  of  Congress  and  in  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  may  be  sent  hy  mail,  tree 
of  postage,  under  regulations  to  be  jncscribed  by  the  Postniiister-lJeneral. 

Act  Januar}/  2,  1.-.57.— Repeals  the  inovision  in  the  act  of  August  :!U.  l-.Vi.  permitting 
tran.sieut  printed  matter  to  be  sent  through  the  mail,  without  prep.iymeiit  ot  postag.-  ; 
the  pfistage  on  all  such  nnitter  shall  In-  paid  by  stamps  or  otherwise,  as  the  Postmaster- 
General  mav  direct. 

Act  April  3.  1830,  section  1.— Modities  sectmd  clause,  section  3,  of  act  Augu.st  30,  18.»2, 
establishing  the  rates  of  postage  on  ininted  matter,  so  as  to  allow  only  the  name,  the 
date  when  the  subscrii)tion  expires,  and  the  addn-ss  of  the  per.son  to  whom  sent. 

Act  April  3,  1860,  section  2.— Postage  on  tiro),  or  local  letters  deli  vere  1  by  earners,  one 
cent  each. 

Act  Fchrnari/ 27.  1861,  section  -.—That  upon  all  letters  returned  from  the  deail-ietter 
office  there  shall  be  i)aid  the  usual  rate  of  postage  ;  to  he  paid  on  delivery. 

Act  Fehrnarii  21 ,  l-^Hl.  section  ".i.— That  upon  every  letter  or  pa.kit  brought  into  the 
United  States,  or  carried  from  <me  port  therein  to  auotln-r.  in  any  private sh.p  or  ves.sel, 
five  cents  if  delivered  at  the  po^t-office  where  the  same  shall  arrive,  and  it  destined  to  1)6 


448  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

conveyed  by  post,  two  cents  shall  be  added  to  tLe  ordinary  postage :  Provided,  That 
upon  all  letters  or  jiacliets  conveyed  in  whole  or  in  part  by  steamers  over  any  ronte 
npou  which  the  mail  is  regnlarly  conveyed  in  vessels  nnder  contract  with  the  Post- 
Office  Department,  the  same  charge  shall  l)e  levied,  with  the  addition  of  two  cents  a 
letter  or  jtacket  on  the  domestic  rates. 

Act  Fehruari/  27,  1861,  section  10. — Repeals  all  acts  or  ^larts  of  acts  inconsistent  with 
section  9  of  this  act. 

Jet  Feirx (()•}/ 27, 1861,  section  12. — That  maps,  engravi)igs,  lithographs,  or  photographic 
prints,  on  rollers  or  in  paper  covers,  books,  bound  or  unbound,  phonographic  paper, 
and  letter  envelopes,  shall  l>e  deemed  mailable  matter,  and  charged  with  postage  by 
weight,  not  to  exceed  four  pounds,  at  the  rate  of  one  cent  an  ounce  or  fraction  of  an 
ounce,  to  any  place  in  the  United  States  under  1,500  miles;  two  cents  an  ounce  or 
fraction  of  an  ounce  over  1,.500  miles,  to  l»e  prepaid  hj  postage-stamps. 

Act  Fehrnarji  27,  1861,  xeetion  1?,. — That  cards,  blank  or  printed,  blanks  in  packages 
weighing  at  least  eight  ounces,  and  seeds  or  cuttings  in  packages  not  exceeding  eight 
ounces,  shall  also  lie  deemed  mailable  matter,  and  charged  Avith  postage  at  the  rate 
of  one  cent  an  ounce,  or  fraction  thereof,  to  any  place  in  the  United  States  under  1,500 
miles,  and  two  cents  an  ounce,  or  fraction  thereof,  over  1,500  miles,  to  be  prepaid  by 
postage-stamits. 

Act  February  27,  1861,  section  14. — Modifies  the  act  of  March  3,  18.55,  so  as  to  require 
the  ten-cent  rate  of  postage  to  be  prepaid  on  letters  conveyed  in  the  mail  from  any 
point  in  the  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  any  State  or  Territory  on 
the  Pacific,  and  vice  versa. 

Drop-letters  shall  be  prepaid  by  postage  stamps. 

Act  February  27.  1861,  section  16. — The  postage  over  the  overland  route,  between  any 
State  or  Territory  east  of  the  Rocky  jNIountains  to  any  State  or  Territory  on  the  Pacific, 
on  each  newspaper,  periodical,  unsealed  circular,  or  other  article  of  jirinted  matter 
not  exceeding  three  onnces  in  weight,  shall  be  one  cent;  and  every  additional  ounce, 
or  fraction  thereof,  one  cent  additional. 

Act  February  27,  1861,  section  17. — Rate  of  letter-iiostage  between  any  State  or  Terri- 
tory east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  any  State  or  Territory  on  the  Pacific,  ten  cents 
for  every  4  ounce. 

Act  March  2,  1861,  section  9. — Contractors  on  overland  routes  to  San  Francisco  re- 
quired to  rnn  a  pony-express  during  the  C(mtinuance  of  their  contract  or  until  the 
completion  of  the  overland-telegra]>li,  at  certain  times,  carrying  for  the  Government 
free  of  charge  five  jiounds  of  mail-matter,  with  the  liberty  of  charging  the  public  for 
transportation  of  letters  by  said  express,  not  exceeding  one  dollar  for  -k  ounce ;  to  com- 
mence before  the  25th  day  of  March,  1862,  and  expire  July  1,  1864. 

Act  July  22,  1861,  .section  11. — Letters  written  by  soldiers  in  the  service  of  the  United 
States  may  be  transmitted  by  mail  without  prei>ayment  of  postage,  under  regula- 
tions of  the  Post-Office  Department ;  postage  to  be  paid  by  the  party  receiving. 

Act  July  24,  1861. — Prepaid  letters  to  soldiers  in  the  service  of  the  United  States, 
and  directed  to  a  point  where  they  have  been  stationed,  may  be  forwarded  without 
further  charge. 

Act  January  21,  1862,  section  1. — Postnuister-General  authorized  to  return  all  dead- 
letters  to  writers,  except  those  containing  circulars  and  other  worthless  matter. 
Valuable  letters  to  be  charged  treble,  and  all  others  double  the  ordinary  rates  of  post- 
age, to  be  collected  from  the  writers. 

Provisions  of  act  of  .July  2,  1861,  section  11,  extended  to  sailors  and  marines  in  the 
service  of  the  United  States. 

Act  Aiyril  16,  1862,  section  1. — Postujaster-General  authorized  to  establish  branch 
post-offices  in  cities,  and  to  charge  one  cent  in  addition  to  the  regnhtr  postage  for 
every  letter  de])Osited  in  them,  to  Ite  forwarded  by  mail,  to  be  prepaid  l)y  stamps  ; 
and  one  cent  for  every  letter  delivered  at  snch  bi-anch  office,  to  be  ]iaid  on  delivery. 

Act  May  15,  1862,  section  1. — Establishes  the  DepartnuMit  of  Agricultnie. 

Act  May  15,  1862,  section  2. — Provides  for  the  appointment  of  a  Commissioner  of  Agri- 
culture, ami  confers  franking  privileges  on  said  Connnissioner  to  send  and  receive  by 
mail,  free  of  postage,  all  con)nninications  and  other  matter  pertaining  to  the  business 
of  his  Depart iiieiit ;  weight  limited  to  thirty-two  ounces. 

Act  July  1,  bSi'i,  scctiiin  1. — Creates  the  Oltice  of  Connnissioner  of  Internal  Revenne, 
and  confers  on  the  Connnissioner  the  ]ii-ivilege  of  franking  all  letteis  and  docnments 
pertaining  to  the  duties  of  his  Oflice,  and  of  r<'ceiving  free  all  snch  letters  and  docu- 
ments. 

Act  July  5,  1862,  section  6. — Chii'fs  of  the  bureaus  of  the  Navy  Deiiartment  authorized 
to  frank  all  comnnmications  from  their  respective  bureaus,  and  all  conununications  to 
their  bureaus  on  the  business  thereof  shall  he  free  of  jKisfage. 

Act  Marcli  :i,  1^6'.!,  xectiun  16.  —  r<istuiasters  of  any  ofliee  where  letter-carriers  ai'e  em- 
ployed authorized  to  contract  with  ]iuldishers  of  newspapers,  periodicals,  and  circu- 
lars, for  delivery  by  carrier  of  any  such  i>uhlications  not  received  by  nniil,  at  rates 
and  terms  to  be  agreed  upon. 


APPENDIX POKMKU    roSTAI-    I-AWS.  449 

Cniitrarts  liiive  in»  forct-  until  ni)prov<Ml  liv  tin-  1Vstiii:istcr-(H-ii<-riil. 

Pi)stm»sjcr-({t'ii»'ral  aiitlinri/vd  to  nidvidf  for  dclivcrv  Ity  <-;irri«T  i>f  Hiiiitll  ]i!i<'ki-tH, 
c>thi»r  than  IrttiMs  «>r  ]>iH»tTs  siml  not  «'xc<'c<liiiii  tin-  niuxiniiiin  wi-i^lit  of  niailuhlc 
liackafTcs  ;  sncli  pafka^ii-s  t^>  !»»'  ]n'c|taiil  l»y  |»osla;if-.staiM|i.H  at  tin-  rat<-  of  two  ci-ntH  for 
t'ac-li  1«iMii'  omicf.s  or  lra<'lioii  tlififoi". 

Jr-f  Mttnh  :?.  1H(>:?,  srrliiin  H).  —  Limits  wcifilit  to  lour  oiimcs.  f\(ci»t  1mm. U.H  |)iiliiiH|ic<| 
or  <'ln-ulattMl  l>_v  onl«'r  of  <'<Mi;;rcss. 

Act  Mtinli  'A,  18t>:i,  m-vtwii  V.K  —  l>ivi(l»s  inailaMc  inattt-r  into  tlin-r  ilaM«-H.  FirHt 
class,  Irttrrs:  sct-ond  clnss,  rc^iular  inintcd  matter;  tliini  class.  nii.s4'i>||jinr'on.s  nialti'r. 

.IH  March  :?,  1"'6:{,  Hfctioti  "JO. — I'irst-class  rniliraccs  all  lorn-spoinli-nrr  wholly  or 
]>artly  in  writin;^.  fx<-<']»t  that  niciitiont-d  in  tin-  third  class. 

S('(  onil  class  tinluaccs  all  niailahlc  matter  exclusively  in  |»rint  ami  re)j;uhirly  inMU'- 1 
at  stated  ))eriods,  without  additimi  l>y  writinji.  mark,  or  si^;n. 

Third  class  euihraces  all  other  matter  which  is  or  may  hereatler  he  hy  law  declared 
luailalde. 

Act  March  'A,  Idfti,  .iccl'ioii  2\. — I'ixes  the  maximum  standard  weight  for  tlie  Hin^lp 
rate  of  letter-i)Ostai;t'  at  one-half  ounce  avoirdnixus. 

Act  March  'A,  lHfi3,  xcctinii  "ix;.  — Fixes  the  rate  of  jiostaye  on  domestic  letters  not  ex- 
ce»'din<^  (uie-half  ouiu-e  in  weii^ht  at  three  cents,  and  three  cents  additional  for  each 
additional  half-ounce  (U-  traction  thereof,  to  he  ]u'e]i;iid  h\   iiosta;ie-st:ini|is  atlixed. 

Act  March  W.  l>*i}',i.  section  ^'.i. — Fixes  the  rate  of  posta;;!-  on  ilrop-htters  not  exceeding 
one-half  ounce  in  wei-iht  at  two  cents,  and  two  cents  added  f(u-  each  additional  half- 
ounce  or  fraction  thereof,  to  he  pre]taid  by  postajie-stamps  ;if1ixed. 

Act  March  :>.  l-^i;:?.  i^ection  '24. — Mailahle  nuittcr  wholly  or  p.irtly  in  writin;;.  or  so 
iiuirked  as  to  convey  further  information  than  is  conveyed  hy  the  original  juint  incase 
of  printed  mattei-,  or  sent  in  violation  tif  law  oi-  rejiulations  touchin;^  the  inclosure  of 
matter  which  may  he  .sent  at  less  than  letter-rates,  and  .ill  matteron  which  iioditferent 
rate  is  provided  hy  l.iw,  suhject  to  letter-iiosta;ie :  I'roridcd,  That  hook-manuscript 
and  corrected  proof,  passiuj;  hetween  author  an<l  i)ublisher,  may  ]iass  at  the  rate  of 
])rinted  mattei-:  And  J'rnridcd,  That  tln'  imldishers  of  newspapers  and  jjcriodicals  may 
print  or  w  rite  u])on  their  ])ul)licati(uis  sent  to  suliserihers  the  address  .-ind  the  date 
"when  the  subscrijition  ex])ires,  and  may  inclose  receipt  for  payment  and  hills  for  sub- 
scription. 

Act  March  A.  18(>;i,  section  '25. — All  uuitter  not  enumerated  as  mailable,  and  to  which 
no  si)ecitie  rates  of  i)osta;ie  are  assiij;ned.  subject  to  letfer-postajie. 

Act  March  'A.  18<>:?,  section  '2ii. — Double  rates  of  jiostaj^e  to  be  collected  on  deliveiy  on 
any  matter  on  which  ]iostaiie  is  required  to  be  prepaid  at  the  mailin.n-ottice  :  I'ror'uled, 
Such  nuitter  reaches  its  destination  without  smli  ]>re])aymeut. 

Alt  Marcli  ;!.  If^iVA.  section  27. — I'ostniaster-tiencral  .luthorized  to  j»rovi(h'  for  tran.s- 
mittini;  uni)aid  ami  duly-ccrtitie<l  letters  of  scddiers.  sailoi-s,  and  marines,  ami  all 
other  lettei-s  which,  fiom  accident,  appear  to  have  been  dejiosited  without  jirep-iyment 
of  postajie  :  but  in  all  cases  of  letters  not  prepaid,  exeejtt  ceititied  soldiers',  and  naval 
letters,  the  same  shall  be  charjt>ed  witli  d<uiV)le  rates  of  i)0.staj;e,  to  be  collected  on 
delivery. 

Act  March  3,  1863,  section  29. — Postage  on  return  deadlettei-s.  not  rejjistered  as  vain- 
able,  three  cents  for  the  sinj^le  rate:  rejiistered  as  valuable,  double  rates. 

Act  March  3,  18(>3,  section  30. — Lettci-s  may  be  forwarded  from  otlice  t>f  destination  to 
any  other  ottice.  with  additional  charjie  of  postaj^e  therefor. 

Act  March  3,  IdtU?.  section  31. — Postnutster-General  autluuized  to  jiay  two  cents  each 
for  all  letters  conveyed  in  any  vessel,  not  einidoyod  in  carryiuff  the  mail  from  one 
pla<<'  to  another  in  the  United  States,  or  from  any  forei<j:;n  jiort  to  any  jtort  within  the 
I'nited  States  and  deposited  in  the  post-otlice  at  the  port  of  arrival.  If  for  delivery 
within  tli<'  I'nited  States,  double  rates  of  postajje. 

Act  March  3.  1863,  section  33. — Fixes  the  maxin\um  stauilard  rate  for  the  sinjjle  rate 
of  postajie  on  printed  matter,  and  also  oujmiscellaneous  nuitter,  at  four  ounces  avoirdu- 
pois, subject  to  the  excejition  in  the  next  section. 

Act  March  3.  1863,  section  34. — The  rate  of  posta,u;e  cm  transient  matter  of  the  second 
class,  and  on  miscellaneous  matter  cd"  the  third  class  (except  circulars  and  books),  shall 
be  two  cents  for  each  four  oinices  or  fractions  thereof  on  one  packa;:e  to  one  address, 
to  be  prepaid  by  stami>satlixe<l :  double  these  rates  tor  books.  I'usealed  circulars,  not 
exceeding  tluee  in  number,  two  cents,  adding  <uie  rate  for  three  additional  circulars  or 
less  number  to  one  address. 

Act  March  3,  1863,  section  35. — Postage  on  matter  of  the  second  class,  issued  once  a 
week  or  more  frequently,  from  a  known  ottice  of  publication,  and  sent  to  regular  sub- 
scribers, shall  V>e  as  follows:  For  newspap<-rs  and  oilnr  jx-riodical  imblications.  not 
exceeding  four  ounces,  and  ])assing  through  the  mails  or  post-otlices  of  the  I'nited 
States,  the  rate  for  each  ([uarter  shall  be.  for  publications  is.sued  once  a  w«  ek.  5  cents; 
twice  a  week,  10  cents;  three  times  a  week,  15  cents;  six  times  a  week,  30  cents; 
seven  tinu-s  a  week,  35  cents;  and  in  that  ]>ropoi-tion.  adding  one  rate  for  each  issue 
more  frequent  than  once  a  week.     For  weight  exceeding  four  ounces  and  not  exeeed- 

2<)  P  L 


450  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS, 

iu<^  eig-lit  oiiucus,  ai  aldiioiial  rate,  and  an  adrlitioual  rate  for  eacdi  additioual  four 
oimces  or  fraction  thex-eof;  postage  to  be  jirepaid  for  uot  less  tliau  one  quarter  uor 
more  tliau  one  year,  at  either  the  office  of  mailing  or  dehvery,  at  the  option  of  the 
subsci'iber. 

Weekly  newspapers,  to  each  subscriber  within  the  county  where  the  same  are 
l)rinted  and  published,  one  coi>y  free  of  postage. 

Act  Manli  ?>,  186:5,  section  36. — Postage  on  mailable  matter  of  the  second  class,  issued 
less  frequently  than  once  a  week,  issued  from  a  known  office  of  publication,  and  sent 
to  subscribers,  shall  be  as  follows:  Upon  newspapers,  magazines,  and  other  periodical 
publications,  not  exceeding  four  ounces,  passing  Through  the  mails  or  post-offices 
of  the  United  States,  the  rate  for  each  such  i)aper  or  periodical  shall  be  one  cent,  and 
an  additional  rate  of  one  cent  for  each  additional  four  ounces  or  fraction  thereof;  Pro- 
vided, That  the  Postmaster-General  may  provide  for  the  transportation  of  small  news- 
l)apers  in  packages,  at  the  same  rate  by  weight,  when  sent  to  one  addi'css ;  postage 
must  be  prepaid  at  office  of  mailing  or  delivery,  at  option  of  subscriber,  for  not  less 
than  one  quarter  nor  more  than  one  year. 

Act  March  3,  1863,  section  37. — Publishers  may  inclose  in  their  publications  to  sub- 
scribers bills  for  siibscrijition,  and  may  write  or  print  on  their  ]tublications  or  their 
wrapjiers  name  and  address  of  subscribers  and  the  date  when  subscriptioa  expires; 
but  any  other  inclosure,  or  addition  in  writing  or  in  print,  shall  subject  the  same  to  let- 
ter-postage. 

Act  MarcJi  3,  1863,  section  39. — Postmaster-General  authorized  to  prescribe  the  manner 
of  wrai»ping  all  matter  uot  charged  with  letter-postage  nor  lawfully  franked;  if  not 
so  wrapped  and  secured,  the  same  shall  be  subject  to  letter-postage. 

Act  March  3,  1H63,  section  42. — Confers  the  franking  privilege  upon  and  limits  it  to 
the  following  persons : 

President  of  the  United  States. 

Vice-President  of  the  United  States. 

The  chiefs  of  the  several  Execiitive  Departments. 

The  heads  of  Bureaus  or  chief  clerks  of  Executive  Departments,  to  be  used  only  for 
official  communications. 

Senators,  Kepresentatives,  and  Delegates  in  Congress,  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  and 
Clerk  of  the  House  ;  to  cover  correspondence  to  and  ti'om  tliem,  and  all  printed  mat- 
ter issued  by  authority  of  Congress,  and  all  speeches,  proceedings,  and  debates  in  Con- 
gress, and  all  printed  matter  sent  to  them  ;  to  commence  w'ith  the  term  for  which  they 
are  elected,  and  to  expire  on  the  first  Monday  in  December  following  the  expiration  of 
such  term. 

All  official  communications  to  any  of  the  Execiitive  Departments,  by  an  officer  re- 
sjionsible  to  that  Dei>artmeut,  the  envelope  to  be  marked  "official,"  with  the  signature 
of  the  officer  thereon. 

Postmasters,  for  their  official  communications  to  other  postmasters,  the  envelope  to 
be  miirked  "official,"  with  the  signature  of  the  i)ostmaster  thereon. 

Petitions  to  either  House  of  Congress,  free. 

The  franking  privilege  granted  by  this  act,  limited  to  four  ounces,  except  petitions 
to  Congress,  congressional  or  executive  documents,  and  publications  or  books  pub- 
livshed,  procured,  or  purchased  by  order  of  either  House  of  Congress,  or  joint  resolution 
of  both  Houses,  which  shall  be  considered  as  piiblic  documents,  and  entitled  to  be 
franked  as  such;  and  except,  also,  seeds,  cuttings,  roots,  and  scions,  the  weight  of 
packages  to  be  fixed  by  regulations  of  the  Postmaster-General. 

Act  March  3, 1833,  section  43. — Publishers  of  periodicals,  magazines,  and  newspapers 
allowed  to  exchange  their  publications  free  of  postage  ;  confined  to  a  single  copy,  and 
not  to  exceed  sixteen  ounces  in  weight. 

This  act  to  take  effect  June  30, 1863. 

Act  March  3, 1863,  section  45. — Repeals  all  acts  and  parts  of  acts  inconsistent  with  the 
provisions  of  this  act. 

Act  January  '22, 1864. — Clothing  of  wool,  cotton,  or  linen,  in  packages  not  exceeding 
two  pounds  each,  addressed  to  any  non-commissioued  officer  or  private  in  the  Army, 
may  be  transmitted  by  mail  at  the  rate  of  eight  cents  for  every  four  ounces  or  fraction 
thereof,  under  regulations  of  the  Postmaster-General ;  postage  to  be  prepaid. 

Act  March  16, 1864. — The  franking  priAnlegeof  the  President  and  Vice-President  shall 
extend  to  and  cover  all  mail-matter  sent  from  or  directed  to  either  of  them. 

Act  March  25,1864,  .sec//oH  4. — Mailable  matter  conveyed  by  nmil  W(^stward  of  the 
"western  boundary  of  Kansas,  and  eastward  of  the  eastern  boundary  of  California,  sub- 
ject to  prepaid  letter-rates,  except  newspajters  sent  from  a  known  oifice  of  ])ublication 
to  subscribers,  not  exceeding  one  copy  to  each,  and  franked  matter  to.  and  from  tlie 
intermediate  points  between  the  boundaries  named,  which  shall  be  at  the  usual  rate. 

Act  June  1, 1864. — Official  (•ommunications  to  heads  of  Departments  or  heads  of  Pu- 
reaus  or  chief  clerks  or  one  duly  authorized  by  the  Postmaster-General  to  frank  official 
matter,  shall  be  received  and  convoyed  by  mail  free  of  postage,  without  being  indorsed, 
"official  business,"  or  with  the  name  of  the  writer. 


APPENDIX I'OlfMKU    Posi.vr.    LAWS.  451 

Act  Juiii'M),  ISfU,  Hfction  1.— Tin'  fiankiii;;  |»ri\  ilfjii-  to  tin- CiiiniiiiMHiiiniT  of  Internal 
RevoiiiK',  cxtciKkHl  to  h'ttciM  iiiiil  tlociiinints  iH-rtaiiiiiij^  to  tin-  diiticM  of  liiHOnicft  an<l 
to  recoiviiifj;  fn-i' ol"  jiostafje  all  such  Ifttois  iintl  iloiimu-Mfs. 

Act  June  Mi,  H()4,  mrtion  M.— Confers  on  the  Deiinty  (.'oniniisMioniT  of  Intennil  Kov- 
onue  the  privilcf^e  of  frank inf;;  all  letters  and  liocnnients  pertaining  to  the  Otlieo  of 
Internal  K'rvcnne. 

.1(7  ./nil/  1,  1H()4,  xrclhtu  H. — The  rates  of  postage  mm  litters  and  other  inailahle  matter 
addressed  to  or  received  from  foreijiii  conntries  and  carried  liy  sessels  rej^ulariv  ein- 
pUtycd  in  transportation  of  tlic  mails,  shall  he  as  fnllows:  Ten  cents  forone-half  oniue 
or  under,  on  letters:  two  eenls  on  each  newsjiaper,  and  tlie  estahlishe<l  donicMtie  rates 
on  pamplilets,  jieriodicals.  anil  other  articles  of  printed  matter,  to  he  ]>r'ep:iid  on  niat- 
ti'r  sent,  and  collected  on  matter  received  ;  suhject  to  rates  estahlished  or  to  l>c  e.stah- 
lished  hy  inteniational  jiostal  convention. 

Art  Jaiinarn  vJO,  lS(;.',._Aminil8  section  4  of  art  March  2'>,  lHf,4,  ho  as  to  inHort  in  th« 
proviso  in  said  sccriim  after  the  word  "newspapers,"  the  words  *' periodicals,  maga- 
zines, and  exchanj^es.'' 

Act  March  3,  IHiio,  scclion  20. — Pri vilejie  of  frankinji  letters  and  docnments  pertaining; 
to  the  duties  of  the  Otiice  of  Internal  IJevenue  and  of  receiving;  free  of  jiosta^e  all  such 
letters  and  documents,  is  extended  to  the  Commissioner  of  that  ( )llice. 

Act  March  :?,  IS65,  .section  15. — Fixes  the  prepaid  postage  on  drop  letters,  at  all  otHees 
excei)t  free  delivery,  at  one  cent. 

Act  Fcbriiarji  Id,  ISGti. — Confers  franking  i)rivilege  on  Mary  Lincoln,  widow  of  the 
late  Ahraham  Lii'.coln,  to  cover  all  letters  and  i)ackets  hy  mail,  to  and  from. 

Act  June  12,  IHIifi,  nection  1. — Provides  for  the  forwarding  of  prepaid  and  free  letter-i 
at  the  request  of  the  party  addressed,  from  one  post-otlice  to  another  without  addi- 
tional postage  and  the  return  of  deail-lettera  to  the  writers  free  of  postage. 

Act  June  Vi,  X^iW),  flection  2. — Request  letters  to  he  returned  to  the  writers  without 
additional  postage. 

Act  Jul  If  13,  18()6,  xectioii  (55. — That  all  official  communications  made  by  ass«»ssors  to 
collectors,  assessors  to  assessors,  collectors  to  collectors,  collectors  to  assi-ssors,  assess- 
ors to  assistant  assessors,  assistant  assessors  to  assessors,  collectors  to  their  deputies 
or  deputy  collectors  to  eollectors,  may  he  othcially  franked  hy  the  writers  tlu>reof  and 
trausmitted  hy  mail  free  of  i)ostage. 

Act  .full/  \:\.  l.-'lili,  .section  ()(). — Authorizes  tlie  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  appoint  a 
Special  Commissioner  of  the  Kevcnue;  and  all  letters  and  docements  to  and  from  said 
Commissioner,  relating  to  the  duties  and  husiness  of  his  Office,  shall  he  transmitted  by 
mail  free  of  postage. 

Act  ./'iilji  2!*,  MH'^  section  I'.l. — Establishes  the  Hureau  of  Statistics,  and  authorizes 
the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  aiqioint  a  Director  to  su)ieriiitenil  the  husinessof 
said  Hiui-au,  and  provides  for  the  transmission  by  mail,  free  of  postage,  of  all  letters 
and  documents  to  and  from  him,  relating  to  the  liusiness  of  his  (Hhce. 

Act  March  2,  l*'!!'*.— The  adjutants-general  of  the  States  and  Territories  authorizetl 
to  transmit  by  uuiil,  free  of  postage,  any  medals,  eertilicates  of  thanks,  or  other  testi- 
monials awarded,  or  that  may  be  awarded,  by  the  legislatures  of  .said  States  aud 
Territories,  to  the  soldiers  thereof,  under  regulations  to  be  prescribed  by  the  Post- 
master-General. 

Act  March  9.  I8f)8.  section  3. — Letters  and  doeuments  to  and  fiom  the  Congressional 
Printer,  relating  to  the  business  of  his  OHice,  shall  be  transmitted  by  mail,  free  of 
postage,  under  regulations  to  be  prescribed  by  the  Postmaster-tJeneral. 

Act  June  2:\  li^lH.— That  the  operations  of  "section  4,  act  of  M.inli  25,  1S(V1,  shall 
cease  on  ami  after  September  30,  IHtiS. 

Act  Jnlji '27.  ]^6)^,  section  1. — Pri'iiaid  letters,  having  the  name  and  address  of  the 
writer  in  writing,  f)r  in  ]>rint  on  the  outside,  after  remainiug  uncalled  for  at  the  post- 
office  to  which  ilirecteil,  thirty  ila\s,  or  the  time  the  writer  may  direct,  shall  lie  nv 
turned  to  the  writer  without  additional  iiostagc 

Act  Jiili/ 27,  1868,  section  3. — Weekly  uewspajtius.  sent  to  subscribers  in  the  county 
where  printed  and  ]iublished,  to  be  delivered  free  of  postage,  when  deposited  in  the 
office  nearest  the  othce  of  ])ulilication  ;  but  they  shall  not  be  distributed  by  letter- 
carriers  unless  ]iostage  is  |uepiiiil  thereon  at  the  rate  of  live  cents  per  quarter,  for  not 
less  than  one  (|uartcr  nor  more  than  one  year,  at  the  office  of  nniiling  or  delivery,  at 
the  option  of  the  subscriber. 

Act  March  1,  18(59. — Kequires  the  franking  privilege  to  be  exercised,  by  jiei-sons  en- 
titled to  it,  by  the  written  autograi>li  signature  njiou  the  nuitter  franked  :  let t ere  or 
other  mail-matter  iu)t  thus  franked,  tiv  he  charged  with  ])ostage. 

Act  July  8,  1870,  section  H. — Pro\  iiles  that  the  Comiuissioner  of  Patents  may  send  an\f 
receive  by  mail,  free  of  jiostage,  letters,  jirinted  nniiter.  and  packages,  relating  to  th  ■ 
business  of  his  Ottice,  including  Patent-Office  Rejiorts. 

Ad  Ji'hi  ~.  I^'TO.  section  i'."). — Au.v  copyriLi'i'    liin.Iv  or  nilier  ;ufirlr  nia\  b,-  sini  i  ■ 
Li'i-  '  ongress,  by   mafl,   free  e 

iiiai'  ,iinly  written  or  printwl  < 


452  POSTAL  LAWS  AND  REGULATIONS. 

Act  June  1,  1872,  section  4. — Reiieals  section  12,  act  March  3,  1847,  and  section  8,  act 
March  3,  1851,  so  far  as  said  sections  provide  for  s})ecitic  permanent  appro}>riations  for 
carrying  free  matter  in  tlie  mails  for  tlie  several  Departments  and  Members  of  Con- 
gress; hereafter  payment  for  carrying  snch  matter  shall  he  made  out  of  the  annnal 
appropriations. 

Act  June  8,  1872,  section  99. — The  rate  of  postage  on  newspapers  (excepting  week- 
lies), periodicals  not  exceeding  two  onnces  in  weight,  and  circnlars  when  deijosited 
in  a  letter-carrier  office  for  delivery  hy  the  office  or  its  carriers,  shall  l)e  uniform  at  1 
cent  each  ;  but  periodicals  weighing  more  than  two  ounces  shall  be  subject  to  a  post- 
age of  2  cents  each  ;  these  rates  to  be  prepaid  by  stamps. 

Act  June  8,  1872,  section  127.— Letters  upon  the  official  business  of  the  Post-Office 
Department  may  be  registered  free  of  charge  and  pass  liy  mail  free  of  charge. 

Act  June  8,   1872,  section   130. — Divides  mailable  matter  into  three   classes:    First 

class,  letters  ;  second  class,  regular  printed  matter;  third  class,  nuscellaneous  matter. 

Act  June  8,  1872,  section  131. — Mailable  matter  of  the  first  class  shall  embrace  all 

correspomlence  wholly  or  i)artly  in  writing,  except  book  manuscript  and  corrected 

proofs  x>assing  between  authors  and  publishers. 

Act  June  8,  1872,  section  132. — Second  class,  to  embrace  all  matter  exclusively  iu 
print  and  regularly  issued  at  stated  periods  from  a  known  office  of  publication,  with- 
out addition  by  writing,  mark,  or  sign. 

Act  June  8,  1872,  section  133.— Third  class,  to  embrace  all  other  luailable  matter. 
Matter  of  this  class,  except  books,  and  other  printed  matter,  book-manuscripts, 
proof-sheets,  and  conected  proof-sheets,  shall  not  exceed  twelve  ounces  in  weight. 
Sanii)les  of  metals,  ores,  and  mineralogical  specimens,  limited  to  twelve  ounces. 

Act  June  8,  1872,  section  134. — Limits  weight  of  packages  to  four  pounds,  except  books 
published  or  circulated  by  order  of  Congress. 

Act  June  8,  1872,  section  13(i. — Matter  not  charged  with  letter  postage,  nor  lawfully 
franked,  subject  to  letter-postage,  unless  wrapped  in  accordance  with  regulations  of 
the  Postmaster-General. 

Act  June  8,  1872,  section  141. — Publishers  of  newspapers  or  periodicals  may  ]mut  or 
write  upon  their  publications  to  regular  subscribers  the  address,  the  date  when  the 
subscription  expires,  and  may  inclose  therein  bills  and  receipts  lor  sultscription,  Avith- 
out  extra  postage. 

Act  June  8, 1872,  section  142. — To  inclose  or  cancel  any  letter,  memorandum,  or  other 
thing,  in  any  mail-matter  not  charged  with  letter-postage,  or  to  write  thereon,  sub- 
jects such  matter  to  letter-postage. 

Act  June  8, 1872,  section  152. — Mail-matter  on  which  postage  is  required  to  be  prepaid, 
reaching  its  destination,  by  inadvertence,  without  such  prepayment,  shall  be  subject 
to  double  the  ]>repaid  rates. 

Act  June  8, 1872,  section  15H. — That  on  all  mattei'  wholly  or  partly  in  Avriting,  except 
book-manuscripts  and  corrected  proofs  passing  between  author  and  jiublisher,  and 
local  drop  letters;  on  all  printed  matter,  so  marked  as  to  convey  any  (jther  iuformation 
than  is  conveyed  by  the  original  print,  except  the  correction  of  a  mere  typt>graphical 
error;  on  all  matter  sent  in  violation  of  law  or  regulations  respectiug  inclosures;  and 
on  all  nuitter  to  which  no  specific  rate  of  postage  is  assigned,  postage  shall  be  3  cents 
the  half  ounce  or  fraction  thereof. 

Act  June  8,1872,  section  157. — Fixes  the  ))ostage  on  droj)  or  local  letters  at  letter- 
caiTier  offices  at  2  cents  the  half  ounce  or  fi'actiou  thereof,  and  1  ceul  the  half  oimee 
or  fraction  thereof  at  all  other  otiflees. 

Act  June  8, 1872,  section  158. — Quarterly  postage  on  news])apers  and  othei-  periodical 
])ub]icatious,  not  exceediug  four  ounces  in  weight,  sent  to  subscribers,  shall  be  at  the 
following  rates:  On  publications  issued  less  fnuiuently  than  once  a  we«'k,  1  cent  for 
each  issut^;  issued  once  a  week,  .5  cents;  ami  5  cents  additional  for  eai'ii  issue  more 
irequent  than  onc*^  a  week;  an  additional  rate  shall  be  charged  for  eacli  additional 
four  ounces  or  fraction  thereof. 

Act  June  8, 1872,  section  16t). — Small  newspaix-rs  issued  less  fre([uently  than  onco  a 
A\  eek,  in  ])ackages  to  <)ne  address,  to  subscribers,  1  cent  for  each  four  ounces  or  frac- 
ii<m  theri'of. 

Act  June  8,  lf<12,  section  Kil. — K(^gular  dealers  in  newspapers  and  periodicals  may  re- 
ceive ami  Iraiismit  by  mail  such  i|uanlities  of  eiilier  as  they  may  re(iuire,  and  ]t;iy  the 
]iostage  as  receive<l,  at  the  same  I'ates  ;is  subscribers  who  ])ay  (]uarterly  in  advance. 
Act  June  8,  1^72,  .section  1(53. — Postage  on  mailable  nuitter  of  the  third  class  shall  be  a 
the  rate  of  1  cent  tor  each  two  ounces  or  fraction  tliei-eof,  exc(^])t  that  double  these 
r:ites  shall  be  charged  for  books,  sani|ilcs  of  nietals,  ores,  minerals,  and  merchandise. 
.let  June  >^,  \>^72,  xeelion  1()4. — Packages  nl' woolen,  cotton,  or  linen  clothing,  in  jiack- 
aj;cs  not  exceediug  two  poumls,  may  l>c  sent  by  mail  to  any  noii-comnnssi(uied  otHcer 
or  jirivate  in  the  Army,  if  j>repaid,  1  cent  each  ounce  or  fraction  thereof. 

Act  June  8, 1^72,  section  Itlti. — Letters  con  vey<^d  in  vessels  not  regularly  employed  in 
irryiug   the  njail,  slmll,  if  for  delivery  in  the   United  States,  be  rated  with  double 
p.'ttage. 


APPENDIX FoKMKIi    I'OSTAI,    LAWS.  453 

Acl  June  rt,  1872,  Hcvtioii  170. —  l'ro\  idi's  ((ir  l  lir  issue  ami  triiii.siiii.s.Hiitn  liy  mail  of  pont.-il 
tanls  at  1  cciit  each. 

.tcl  .Innc  S,  \r<7"i,  mi-liim  isii.. — ( 'onlVrs  tlic  tVaiiUin;;  piiv  ilr^ic  ii|inii  ami  limits  if,  to  tho 
following  pcrsoiis : 

First.  'I'lic  PifsitU'iit,  l>y  liiiiist'lf  nr  priv  att-  sec  ri'tarv,  to  ((ivcr  all  mail-matter. 

Secoml.   \'i('t'  I'lfsidcnt,  to  covt'r  all  mail-inatt<  r. 

Third.    T\w  chiefs  of  the  several  executive   Departllleiils. 

Fourth.     Senators,  ) 

Koiirescutatives.  I  'I'o  covei-  tlieir  e(irres|iomleuce,  all  printed  mat- 

Dele<rali's.  J      ter   issued    l>y  aiitlicuity  of  Con^Tess,  anrl  all 

Secn'tarv  of  the  Senate,         s|>eeelies.  |Udceedin^s,anddebatcsin(J(>uin-CH,s. 
Clerk  ol   the  House,  j 

Fifth.  Such  heads  of  Hureaus  oi- chief  clerks  as  the  PoKtmasfer-fieucrul  may  <lesig- 
iiate,  to  cover  otiicial  eomuuiuications  only. 

Sixth.  Postmasters,  to  cover  otiicial  <()mmnnications  to  other  |io8tniaHtcrH  only. 

Written  anto<i,ra])h  signatures,  of  all  iiersiuiscntitled  to  frank,  required;  mail-matter 
not  thus  franked  to  lie  cliar.i;ed  with  ))cisla^t'. 

Act  ■lum  8,  L"*7"J,  xiclion  |sl. — The  frankinj;  luivile^c  of  Senators,  Representatives, 
Pelofiates,  Secretary  of  the  Senate  and  Clerk  of  the  House,  to  connnence  with  the  term 
for  which  they  are  elected  and  exi)ire  the  first  .Monday  in  Dccemher  foll»)wiu^  such 
term. 

Act  June  S,  1872,  section  \r^'2. — Hooks  or  |>ul)li<  ations,  ))rocured  or  published  by  order 
of  Conjjrcas,  to  be  public  documents,  an<l  may  be  ranked  as  such. 

Act  Jh»c  S,  1872,  xcctioii  l-^:{. — Maximum  weiuht  for  franked  and  free  nnitter  shall  be 
four  ounces,  except  petitions  to  C<ui^ress,  Conj;ressi(uial  and  Kxecutive  public  docu- 
ments, i»eriodical  luiblicatious  interchanj:;ed  between  i)nblishi'rs,  and  packajics  of  seeds, 
cuttings,  roots,  and  scions,  the  wei<;lif  oi'  which  latt<'r  may  be  fixed  by  the  Postmaster- 
General. 

Act  Jinic  8,  1872,  section  184. — Free  imtil-mdllcr. — The  fniiuwin;;  mail-mattei- shall  be 
allowed  to  pass  free  in  the  nuiil  : 

First.  All  mail-niiitter  sent  to  the  President  or  Vice-President. 

Second.  Orticial  coTumunications  to  chiefs,  heads  of  IJureaus,  chief  clerks,  or  frank- 
iiig-ofhcer  of  any  of  the  Executi\e  Deparfnu-nts. 

Third.  Letters  and  printed  matter  scut  to  Senat<)rs,  Kc(irc8entatives,  Delegates, 
Secretary  of  the  Senate,  and  Clerk  of  the  House. 

Fourth.  Petitions  to  Con.i;rcss, 

Fifth.  Copyright  matter  to  the  Librarian  of  C'onjjress,  if  nnirked  ''coityright  matter." 

vSixth.  Publications  sent  and  received  by  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  if  msvrked 
"Smithsonian  exchange.'' 

Seventh.  Xe\vsi>apers,  periodicals,  and  magazines,  exchanged  between  ]>ublishers, 
DOt  exceeding  sixteen  ounces  in  weight. 

Eighth.  Weekly  newspa|)ers,  one  copy  to  each  subscriber  within  the  county  where 
the,  sauii'  is  jniuted  and  ]>ui)lished. 

Ninth.  Notice  to  the  publishers  of  the  refusal  or  neglect  of  subscribers  to  take  newa- 
pajters,  magazim's,  or  other  ])eriodicals  from  the  jtost-oftice. 

Tenth.   Dead-letters  returned  to  the  writers. 

Eleventh.  Medals,  cintitiiates  of  thanks,  or  other  testimonials  awarded  by  tho  legis- 
latures of  States  and  Territories,  to  the  soldiers  thereof. 

Act  ./tine  !^,  1872,  Kection  18.'). — All  mail-mat  ter  to  or  from  Mary  Lincoln,  widow  of  late 
President  Lincoln. 

Act  JaniKirii  H,  187:3.— Auu'uds  scition  \'X\  ot'  act  of  .lune  ^^,  1872,  so  as  to  authorize 
the  transmission  by  mail  of  jiackagesof  seeds,  cuttings,  bulbs,  roots,  and  scions,  of  any 
weight.  For  each  package  not  exceeding  four  pounds,  the  jiostage  shall  be  1  cent  for 
each  two  ounces  or  fraction  of  an  ounce;  to  be  |ire]>aid  in  full. 

Act  Janiiaii/  M,  187S. — Aliolishes  the  franking  juivilcge  from  anil  after  July  1,  1873. 

Act  March  ii,  187:3. — Repeals,  from  and  after  June  :{((,  l-^7:{,  all  laws  and  parts  of  laws 
permitting  the  transmission  by  mail  ot  any  free  matter  whatever. 

Act  June  2'.i,  1-74,  section  a. — (>;i  and  alter  January  1,  l'^7r),  all  newsi)apei's  and  peri- 
odical publications  mailed  from  a  known  othce  of  luiblicafion  or  news  agency,  and  ad- 
dressed to  regular  subscribers  or  news  agents,  postage  shall  be  charged  at  the  follow- 
ing rates:  On  newspapers  and  periodical  luiblications  issue<l  weekly  ami  nnu-e  fre- 
quentl.v,  2  cents  a  pound  or  fraction  thereof;  and  on  those  issued  less  fre(|Uently  than 
once  a  week,  :i  cents  a  i)ound  or  tVactiim  thereof:  I'lorided,  That  nothing  in  this  act 
shall  be  held  to  change  section  Hi*  of  the  act  of  June  8,  ls72. 

Act  June  2'.i,  1874,  section  7. — Newspaix'rs,  one  copy  to  each  subscriber  residing  iu  the 
county  where  same  arc  priute<l  in  whole  or  iu  jiarf,  and  published,  shall  go  free  in  tho 
mails;  but  thi'y  shall  not  bo  delivered  at  letter-cairier  otlices,  or  be  distributed  by 
carriers  unh^ss  postage  is  paid  thereon. 

ActJune2'i,  1874,  section  8. — Mailable  matter  of  the  third  class  referred  to  in  section 


454  POSTAL    LAWS    AND    REGULATIONS. 

133  of  act  of  June  8,  1872,  may  weigh  not  exceeding  four  pounds  to  each  package, 
and  postage  shall  be  charged  thereon  at  the  rate  of  1  cent  for  each  tM^o  ounces  or 
fraction  thereof. 

Act  June  23,  1874,  section  13.— Fixes  the  postage  on  pnbhc  documents  mailed  by  any 
member  of  Congress,  the  President,  or  head'of  any  Executive  Department,  at  10 
cents  for  each  bound  volume,  and  unbound  documents  the  same  rate  as  that  on  news- 
papers mailed  from  a  known  office  of  publication  to  subscribers ;  and  the  postage  on 
the  daily  Congressional  Record,  mailed  fi-oni  the  city  of  Washington  as  transient  mat- 
ter, at  one  cent. 

Act  March  3,  1875,  section  3. — Extends  the  provisions  of  section  13  of  act  of  June  23, 
1874,  to  ex-Members  of  Congress  and  ex-Delegates,  for  nine  months  after  the  expira- 
tion of  their  terms,  and  postage  on  public  documents  mailed  by  them  shall  be  as  pro- 
vided in  such  section. 

Act  March  3,  1875,  section  5.— The  Congressional  Record,  or  any  part  thereof,  or 
speeches  or  reports  therein,  shall,  under  the  frank  of  a  Member  or  Delegate,  written 
by  himself,  be  carried  in  the  mail  free  of  postage  ;  and  iiublic  documents,  jirinted  or 
ordered  to  lie  printed  for  the  use  of  either  House  of  Congress,  may  pass  free  by  mail 
upon  the  frank  of  any  Member  or  Delegate  of  the  present  Congress,  written  by  him- 
self, nutil  the  first  day  of  December,  1875. 

Act  March  3, 1875,  section  7. — Seeds  transmitted  by  the  Commissioner  of  Agriculture, 
or  by  any  Member  or  Delegate  receiving  them  for  distribution  from  said  Department, 
together  with  the  Agricultural  Reports,  shall  pass  free  in  the  mails  under  regulations 
of  the  Postuuister-General,  and  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  apply  to  ex-Members 
and  ex-Delegates  for  the  period  of  nine  months  after  the  expiration  of  their  term. 

Act  March  3,  1875,  volume  18,  jyagv  377. — Amends  section  8  of  act  of  June  23,  1874, 
by  inserting  the  word  "ounce"  in  lieu  of  the  words  "two  ounces." 

Act  July  12,  1876,  section  15^  volume  19,  jyac/e  82. — Rates  on  all  printed  matter  of  the 
third  class,  except  unsealed  circulars,  fixed  at  one  cent  for  each  two  ounces.  Permits 
limited  inscrij)tions  and  addresses  on  third-class  matter. 

Act  March  3,  1877,  sections  5  and  6,  volume  19.  page  335.— Provides  for  official  penalty 
envelopes  and  free  transmission  of  same  in  mails  when  sent  by  Executive  Departments, 
and  containing  iuclosures  relating  to  Government  business. 

Act  March  3, 1879,  section  29,  volume  20,  page  362. — The  provisions  of  the  xjrecediug 
act  extended  to  the  Smithsonian  Institution  and  to  all  Government  offices. 

Act  March  3,  1879,  sections  7-27,  volume  20,  j)«//fs  358-362.— General  act  repealing  all 
former  laws  relating  to  classification  of  nuiil-uuitter  and  rates  of  postages.  Makes  four 
classes  of  nuiil-nuitter,  to  wit :  First-class,  written  matter  at  three  cents  each  half 
ounce ;  second  class,  periodical  pul)lications  regularly  issued  for  general  information 
at  two  cents  per  pound,  including  sample  copies ;  third  class,  miscellaneous  printed 
matter  at  one  cent  for  each  two  ounces ;  and  fourth  class,  merchandise,  all  matter  not 
included  in  the  otlier  three  classes,  at  one  cent  each  ounce.  Liberalizes  the  provisions 
of  former  laws  respecting  written  inscriptions  on  i)rinted  matter,  defines  printed  mat- 
ter generally,  and  permits  second-class  matter  to  be  delivered  through  the  boxes  or 
general  delivery  at  letter-carrier  pcxst-offices  ;it  two  cents  per  pound. 


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